Assembly for washing vessel and chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large groups of people washing their hands simultaneously, such as before a wedding, leads to delays and inconvenience due to the need for each individual to turn on and off the water and position the washing vessel, which is particularly problematic for religious rituals requiring continuous water flow without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A hand-washing apparatus with a rotating vessel and automatic water inlet valve mechanism that allows constant water flow until a predetermined level is reached, eliminating the need for users to manually turn on/off the water and positioning the vessel, featuring a float-activated valve to regulate water flow and a chamber with apertures for hand insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual water control and vessel positioning is required for each user, then water flow regulation is precise, but wait time increases and efficiency decreases for large groups
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-fills multiple vessels with water before users arrive, so that when users approach, water is already ready and they can immediately begin washing without waiting for water to be turned on or vessels to be filled. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time-consuming manual water control step for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating rack system automatically positions vessels in front of users as they approach, eliminating the need for users to manually position vessels. The system serves itself by automatically cycling vessels into position, allowing multiple users to wash hands simultaneously without manual intervention for each person.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to control water flow and position vessels, then water usage can be precisely controlled, but operation complexity increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to automatically fill vessels, rotate the rack, and position vessels without any manual control input from users. Sensors detect user presence and automatically initiate the appropriate sequence of operations, making the system extremely easy to operate while the complexity is hidden in the automated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control of water valves and vessel positioning is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, motors, and programmable logic to manage water flow and vessel rotation, reducing the need for manual mechanical operations by users.
3Loss of substance
If water is delivered continuously without automatic cutoff, then water flow is constant and simple, but water waste increases when vessel is full
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses level sensors to continuously monitor water levels in vessels and provides feedback to the control system. When a vessel reaches its maximum water level, the sensor signals the control system to close the water valve for that vessel, preventing overflow and waste. This feedback mechanism enables automatic water cutoff without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual operation of water valves by users is replaced with an automated valve control system that uses level sensors and programmable logic to open and close valves at the appropriate times, preventing water waste while simplifying user interaction.
4Productivity
If multiple users wash hands sequentially with single vessel, then device simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The single vessel is segmented into multiple vessels arranged on a rotating rack, allowing multiple users to wash hands simultaneously with different vessels. Each vessel can be independently filled and positioned, increasing the system's capacity to serve multiple users at once while maintaining individual vessel simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The static single vessel position is replaced with a dynamic rotating rack system that can position multiple vessels in front of multiple users simultaneously. The rotation mechanism dynamically adjusts vessel positions based on user presence, increasing productivity while the modular design keeps individual vessel complexity low.
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
The apparatus enables efficient and convenient hand washing for multiple individuals without the need for manual water control, reducing wait times and minimizing mess, while being suitable for handicapped users and adaptable for various settings, including wall attachment and leg-activated operation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve mechanism includes a float situated in the vessel and the valve mechanism is configured to close the valve when water in the vessel exerts an upward force on the float
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for washing hands may have a chamber having a water outlet and a vessel at least partly in the chamber. An axle extending into the chamber is configured to attach to the vessel such that the vessel rotates relative to the axle to pour water out of the vessel and into the chamber. The vessel has a valve mechanism configured to close a valve and thereby block further entry of water into the vessel when a water level in the vessel reaches a certain level, for example when it exerts an upward force on a float. A water inlet delivers water to or into the vessel through a vessel wall to the valve and is configured to allow a constant flow of water into the vessel until the water inlet is closed by the valve mechanism. In some embodiments without a chamber, water drains external to the apparatus.