Sanitary Flushing System with Temperature-Based Water Quality Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing devices for sanitary facilities do not effectively address the need to maintain high water quality by preventing stagnation and temperature equalization in cold and hot water lines, leading to potential germ multiplication, particularly legionella, and inefficient water consumption.
Innovation Solution
A flushing device with temperature sensors and a controller that dynamically adjusts the valve arrangement to flush the water lines only when necessary, based on measured temperature deviations, ensuring that both cold and hot water lines are flushed to the required extent for hygiene while minimizing water and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is continuously circulated in the pipe system to prevent stagnation and temperature equalization, then water quality is improved and germ multiplication is prevented, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs periodic flushing operations based on temperature monitoring rather than continuous circulation. The controller activates the flushing mechanism only when temperature deviations exceed predetermined thresholds, creating intermittent periodic action that maintains water quality while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous circulation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor water temperature in the pipe system and provide feedback to the controller. When the controller detects temperature deviations indicating potential stagnation or equalization, it automatically triggers flushing operations, creating a closed-loop feedback system that responds dynamically to actual water quality conditions.
2Reliability
If flushing is performed according to a predetermined time rhythm, then water quality is maintained, but water consumption increases during normal conditions and flushing frequency cannot adapt to extreme temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predetermined time-based flushing to dynamic temperature-based flushing control. The flushing frequency and timing are dynamically adjusted based on real-time temperature measurements, allowing the system to flush more frequently when temperature deviations indicate risk and reduce flushing during normal conditions, optimizing both water quality and water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter for flushing from time-based to temperature-based. By monitoring temperature as the key parameter and triggering flushing when temperature thresholds are exceeded, the system adapts flushing behavior to actual thermal conditions in the pipe system rather than following a fixed schedule.
3Reliability
If both cold and hot water lines are flushed independently with fixed frequency, then water quality is maintained, but water and energy consumption cannot be optimized based on actual temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different flushing strategies to different water lines based on their specific temperature conditions. Each water line is monitored independently by temperature sensors, and flushing is triggered only in lines where temperature deviations occur, allowing localized quality control rather than uniform flushing across all lines.
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 ensures that water lines are flushed more frequently under extreme temperature conditions and less frequently at normal temperatures, maintaining high water quality while reducing unnecessary water and energy usage, thereby preventing germ multiplication and optimizing resource consumption.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor (14, 16) is provided for measuring the water temperature in the cold water supply line (6) and/or the hot water supply line (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flushing system for a sanitary device, in particular a toilet flushing or a urinal flushing, comprising a cold water supply line (6), a warm water supply line (8), a valve arrangement (10) for admitting the water flowing through the cold water line (6) and the warm water line (8), and a water discharge line (12) for discharging the water admitted by the valve arrangement (10). Said flushing device simplifies, and preferably improves the technical problem, that is, compliance with quality criteria for the supply of cold water and hot water with regard to the water consumption in such a way that at least one temperature sensor (14, 16) for measuring the water temperature in the cold water supply line (6) and/or in the warm water supply line (8) is provided, and for generating at least one temperature signal (T1, T2), according to the invention, a control (18) for actuating the valve arrangement (10) depending on the temperature signal (T1, T2) generates a control signal (S; S1, S2), and the valve arrangement (10) discharges water through the water discharge line (12) depending on the control signal (S; S1, S2). The invention further relates to a toilet flushing and to a urinal flushing.