Tankless Toilet Sensor Control for Water Conservation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional toilet systems use a fixed amount of water for each flush cycle, regardless of the bowl's contents, leading to inefficiency in water usage, and dual flush mechanisms require user input, limiting their effectiveness in conserving water.
Innovation Solution
A tankless siphonic toilet system with a sensor and control system that automatically controls the flow of water by detecting the presence of water in the sump and bowl, using only the necessary amount to clear the contents and preventing excess water usage, with the ability to continue flushing until a maximum allowable volume is reached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a fixed amount of water is used for each flush cycle, then the toilet system is simple to operate, but water usage efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sensor that detects the presence of water in the bowl during the flushing cycle and provides feedback to the control system. When the sensor detects that the siphon has broken and the contents are substantially cleared, it sends a signal to stop water flow. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adjust water usage based on actual flush conditions, significantly improving water efficiency without requiring complex user intervention.
2Loss of substance
If a dual flush mechanism is used, then water conservation can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the sensor and control system automatically determine when the flush is complete and stop water flow accordingly. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state through the sensor, eliminating the need for user decisions about flush volume or timing. This automatic self-regulation achieves water conservation while maintaining simple operation.
3Loss of substance
If automatic sensor control is implemented, then water usage efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flush control mechanisms with an automated sensor-based control system. The sensor detects water presence and triggers electronic control signals to manage valve operation, substituting mechanical timing and user-operated mechanisms with automated detection and control. This substitution achieves superior water efficiency while the electronic control system manages the complexity through integrated automation.
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 system effectively reduces water usage by using only the minimum amount required for each flush, providing an infinite number of flush volumes and ensuring compliance with building codes, while acting as a failsafe against sensor failures.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is coupled to the tankless toilet and configured to detect a first capacitance value when a first amount of the water is in the sump and a second capacitance value when a second amount of the water is in the sump.
Implementation Method 2
a trapway extending from the sump toward a sewer outlet. The toilet system is configured to induce a siphon in the trapway to clear the contents of the bowl
Data Source
AI summary
A tankless toilet system includes a tankless toilet and a sensor. The tankless toilet is configured to receive water from a water source. The tankless toilet includes a bowl, a first supply conduit, a rim jet, a sump, a second supply conduit, and a sump. The first supply conduit is configured to receive the water from the water source. The rim jet is fluidly coupled to the first supply conduit and configured to provide the water to the bowl. The sump is configured to receive the water from the bowl. The second supply conduit is configured to receive the water from the water source separate from the first supply conduit. The sump jet is fluidly coupled to the second supply conduit and configured to provide the water to the sump. The sensor is coupled to the tankless toilet.