Drain diverted dirty water and continuously circulated clean water system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water conservation systems in public restrooms, such as automatic faucets, suffer from inaccuracies in water flow control, leading to waste and maintenance issues, and pose hygiene risks due to reliance on sensors and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A water delivery system that continuously recirculates clean water and diverts only contaminated water to a drain, eliminating the need for sensors and reducing the risk of germ spread, using a circulation pump and valve configuration that allows uninterrupted water flow unless interrupted by user activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic faucets with sensors and switched valves are used to conserve water, then water flow control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes sensors, switched valves, and other electronic control components from the faucet system. Instead of using automatic detection and control mechanisms, the system relies on simple mechanical flow diversion through strategically positioned outlets, eliminating complex subsystems while maintaining water conservation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet system uses the user's own hands as the control mechanism. When hands are placed under the faucet, they naturally block the direct water flow path and divert it to the drain outlet. This self-operating mechanism eliminates the need for external sensors or actuators, achieving water control through the user's inherent interaction with the system.
2Loss of substance
If automatic faucets with sensors are used, then water conservation is improved, but reliability decreases due to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, failure-prone electronic components with simple, durable mechanical elements. The faucet uses basic outlet openings and flow diversion structures that have no moving parts, batteries, or electronics, making them virtually maintenance-free and highly reliable over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces electronic sensing and control mechanisms with passive hydraulic flow diversion. Water flow is controlled purely through the physical arrangement of outlets and the blocking action of hands, eliminating electronic subsystems that are susceptible to failure, battery depletion, and calibration drift.
3Loss of substance
If self-closing faucets with mechanical timing mechanisms are used, then water conservation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet system dynamically adapts its water flow duration to each user's needs. Unlike fixed-timer mechanisms, the flow continues as long as the user needs it, automatically stopping when hands are removed. This dynamic response provides optimal convenience for each interaction while maintaining water conservation through natural flow cessation.
4Loss of substance
If self-closing faucets are used, then water conservation is improved, but hygiene deteriorates due to hand contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for hand contact with faucet components by using a hands-free activation mechanism. Users simply place their hands under the water stream to block the direct flow and divert it to the drain, eliminating contact with knobs, handles, or sensors that could spread germs in public restrooms.
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 solution enhances water conservation, improves hygiene, aids users with disabilities, reduces scalding risks, and offers flexible configurations for various settings, including public and luxury applications, while reducing the need for electrical components and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A circulation pump continuously moves the water from the inlet, which can be combined with source water, to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
A stream of water continuously flows from the outlet and is received by the water inlet if the stream is uninterrupted
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments of the present disclosure is a water delivery system that continuously flows and recirculates clean water, diverting only water that has touched a user's hands. No sensing is required to activate the water flow and the actions of the user effectively divert the dirty water to a drain. The water delivery system comprises a clean water outlet, a clean water inlet, a dirty water drain, and a circulation pump. A stream of water continuously flows from the outlet and is received by the water inlet if the stream is uninterrupted. If the stream is disturbed, such as by the hand washing activities of the user, the stream is diverted from the inlet and instead falls into a sink and into the drain.