Water-Efficient Pre-Rinse System Using Recycled Sink Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current practices in dishwashing, particularly pre-rinsing before loading dishes into a dishwasher, result in significant water wastage, especially in residential and commercial settings, where up to 80% of water is used for pre-rinsing, contributing to water scarcity issues.
Innovation Solution
A water-efficient pre-rinse and pre-wash system utilizing a pump, strainer, and pre-rinse sprayer, which recycles water from a small initial volume in a sink, allowing for high-pressure cleaning of dishes without the need for continuous tap water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pre-rinsing is performed using free-flowing tap water, then dishes are cleaned effectively, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and recycles water that would otherwise be discarded down the drain. A pump circulates water from the sink bottom back through the spray nozzle, creating a closed-loop system where water is reused multiple times for pre-rinsing different dishes or the same dishes until clean
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic pump system to pressurize and circulate water through the spray nozzle. The pump creates high-pressure water flow that effectively removes food particles from dishes without requiring continuous fresh water flow, thereby reducing overall water consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Quantity of substance
If a water recycling system is installed, then water efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses common, readily available components that can serve multiple purposes: a standard pump from aquarium or irrigation equipment, a spray nozzle from existing garden or cleaning equipment, and a strainer that can be adapted from various sources. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by using proven, off-the-shelf components rather than custom-designed parts
Solution Approach 2:
The recycling system is divided into simple, separate functional modules: a pump component, a spray nozzle component, a strainer component, and hose connections. This segmentation allows for easy assembly, maintenance, and replacement of individual parts without affecting the entire system, thereby reducing overall complexity
3Reliability
If food debris is not strained from recycling water, then system simplicity is maintained, but pump reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer is positioned to capture food debris before the water enters the pump. This preliminary filtration action prevents debris from reaching and potentially damaging the pump, ensuring reliable operation without requiring complex filtration systems downstream
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system reduces water consumption by 95% during pre-rinsing and pre-washing activities, making it suitable for both residential and commercial use, and can be adapted for areas with water rationing or scarcity.
Implementation Method 1
a water pump attached to an inlet hose
Implementation Method 2
The far end of the inlet hose has a strainer attached to it so any food debris is strained out
Implementation Method 3
The outlet hose of the water pump is attached to a water-efficient pre-rinse spray readily available in the market
Data Source
AI summary
The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a very simple solution for homeowners to be water efficient. The present invention involves a pre-rinse pre-wash unit assembled with readily available items in the market and using it to highly efficiently reduce water consumption for pre-rinse and pre-wash without making any changes to existing systems or buying a net new appliance. The present invention, while primarily being suggested for use by homeowners can easily be used by restaurant owners as well as in other similar applications. The present invention is a closed-end loop however it gives the owner full transparency into the quality of water being used in the pre-rinse, pre-wash, and the opportunity to use a fresh set of water if so desired. The present invention also allows the pre-rinse and pre-wash of large dishes that do not go into the dishwasher reusing the same water.