RV Outdoor Kitchen Gray Water Pump Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles lack an efficient system for delivering water to outdoor kitchen assemblies and pumping drained water to other portions of the vehicle, requiring manual operation and separate components for water management.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a gray water tank system with a pump that automatically transfers water from a sink's drain to a secondary tank, eliminating the need for manual operation by using a float or sensor to initiate pumping when the water level reaches a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual water management operations are used in outdoor kitchen assemblies, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring manual intervention for water delivery and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pump automatically activated by a float or sensor mechanism that initiates pumping when water reaches a threshold level in the gray water tank. This self-service automation eliminates manual operation requirements while managing water delivery and disposal efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated pump system controlled by float or sensor mechanisms. This substitution transforms manual water management into an automated mechanical-electrical system, improving ease of operation despite increased device complexity
2Productivity
If separate components are used for water management in outdoor kitchens, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficient water delivery and disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple water management functions into a unified system: the gray water tank, pump, float/sensor mechanism, and drainage components work together as a coordinated assembly. This merging of separate components into an integrated system improves productivity by enabling efficient automated water delivery and disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The outdoor kitchen assembly incorporates a multi-functional water management system that handles both water delivery to the sink and disposal of gray water through the same integrated pump and tank system. This universal system performs multiple functions (water supply, waste collection, pumping) within a single coordinated mechanism, enhancing productivity
3Productivity
If automated pump systems are implemented in outdoor kitchen assemblies, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed with self-activation capability through float or sensor mechanisms that automatically initiate pumping when water reaches a predetermined level. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external control mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity through automated water management
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 provides an automated and efficient method for water management in outdoor kitchen assemblies, ensuring seamless water delivery and disposal without manual intervention, enhancing the usability and convenience of recreational vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a pump positioned within the first gray water tank and configured to pump water to the second gray water tank
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle includes a body with an interior living area and an exterior storage area. The recreational vehicle also includes a kitchen assembly at least partially positioned within the exterior storage area. The kitchen assembly includes a frame coupled to the exterior storage area, a drawer slideable with respect to the frame and the body, a sink assembly positioned on the drawer and including a sink cabinet, a countertop coupled to the sink cabinet to create an interior region, a sink bowl coupled to the countertop, and a drain coupled to the sink bowl. The kitchen assembly also includes a first gray water tank in fluid communication with the drain and positioned within the interior region of the sink cabinet. A pump is positioned within the first gray water tank.