Showerhead Water Conservation System with Temperature-Based Flow Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water conservation systems for showers fail to address the issue of intentionally wasted water, as users often allow undesirable initial water temperature to drain without utilization.
Innovation Solution
A water conservation system with a showerhead, a main water supply tank, a conservation water tank at a lower elevation, and a control system using sensors and valves to redirect undesirable water from the showerhead to the conservation tank during initial temperature adjustment, and then switch to supply desirable water to the showerhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If water volume exiting the showerhead is reduced by aeration, then water conservation is improved, but the user still intentionally wastes initial water to reach desired temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the water flow into two separate paths: a first path directing initial undesirable temperature water to a conservation tank, and a second path directing desirable temperature water to the showerhead. This segmentation allows the system to capture and reuse water that would otherwise be wasted, while ensuring the user receives water at the desired temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing undesirable temperature water in a conservation tank before it can be wasted. The controller activates the first valve to redirect this initial water flow to the conservation tank, preventing waste before it occurs. The conserved water is then made available for subsequent use, eliminating the need to waste water for temperature adjustment.
2Loss of substance
If a valve system is added to redirect water, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a controller that automatically monitors water temperature and activates the appropriate valves based on real-time conditions. The controller receives input from a temperature sensor and autonomously directs water flow through the first or second valve, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies user interaction while maintaining the water conservation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors water temperature and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts valve activation to ensure undesirable temperature water is redirected to the conservation tank while desirable temperature water reaches the showerhead. This feedback mechanism enables automatic temperature-based control, reducing the need for complex manual valve 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
Reduces or eliminates purposeful water waste by capturing undesirable initial water in a conservation tank and ensuring only desirable temperature water is used for showering, while allowing the conserved water to be reused when full.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe portion extending between the showerhead at the first elevation and the conservation water tank at the second elevation such that the pipe portion is arranged to facilitate a gravity-based flow of water from the showerhead to the conservation tank
Data Source
AI summary
A water conservation system includes a showerhead, a water conservation tank, and a sensor. The system further includes a first valve configured to direct water towards the conservation water tank in an open position and configured to prevent water from flowing towards the conservation water tank when in a closed position. The system further includes a second valve configured to direct water towards the showerhead in an open position and configured to prevent water from reaching the showerhead in a closed position. A controller is configured to direct the first valve to the open position and the second valve to the closed position upon the detection of water flow by the sensor and the configured to direct the first valve to the closed position and the second valve to open position upon the occurrence of an event that occurs after the initial detection of water flow by the sensor.