Receptacle Sensor and Control System to Reduce Unnecessary Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems for bodily waste receptacles lack efficient data collection and remote management capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in water consumption and maintenance, particularly in large facilities like stadiums during events.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based controller and sensor system that allows for remote control and data collection of bodily waste receptacles, enabling dynamic water usage adjustments, presence detection, and adaptive flush mechanisms to optimize water consumption and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic flush cycles are implemented in bodily waste receptacles, then sanitation is improved, but water consumption increases unnecessarily when no one is present
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect presence and continuously monitors conditions to determine when flushing is actually needed, creating a feedback loop that prevents unnecessary flushes while maintaining sanitation when required
Solution Approach 2:
The flush cycle transitions from a static automatic schedule to a dynamic system that adapts its operation based on real-time sensor data about presence, waste detection, and basin conditions
2Loss of energy
If manual flush control is used, then water consumption is reduced, but sanitation reliability deteriorates due to user oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle system autonomously monitors its own state through sensors and automatically initiates flushes when sanitation is needed, eliminating dependence on user memory or attention while conserving water through intelligent control
3Productivity
If remote management capabilities are added to receptacles, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: local sensor processing, flush actuation, data logging, and remote communication, consolidating these capabilities into a single integrated unit rather than separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized communication protocols and data formats as intermediaries between the receptacle sensors/actuators and the remote management platform, simplifying the integration complexity
4Loss of energy
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then water usage optimization is improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides data processing into segments: local preprocessing at the receptacle level for immediate decisions, and centralized analysis at the remote platform for optimization patterns, distributing computational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for a receptacle suitable for control, data collection, and remote management. An exemplary receptacle may include a basin for receiving at least one viscous element; at least one sensor physically associated with the basin; and at least one actuator responsive to the at least one sensor, wherein actuation of the actuator outputs the viscous element to the basin. The receptacle may further include a controller at least partially physically proximate to the basin and capable of controlling the actuation of the at least one actuator; and a control system communicative with the local controller over at least open data path, wherein the control system imposes a plurality of rules to the controller.