Washing Device Low Flow Rate Decentralized Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing washing devices consume high amounts of energy and water, are not easily installable in existing building systems, and are susceptible to pathogen spread due to hot water storage tanks.

Innovation Solution

A washing device that operates at low flow rates with increased pressure, using decentralized pumps and heaters to reduce energy and water consumption, and features a compact design with a pre-treatment unit for disinfection and temperature control, allowing for efficient use in various settings without a central hot water supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If high heat output heaters are used to heat water at high flow rates, then water heating capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the flow rate parameter from high to low (1-5 L/min), which allows using a much smaller heater (1-3 kW) while still providing adequate water heating capability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by operating in a different regime where both heating capability and energy consumption are optimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If conventional shower heads with high flow rates are used, then water heating capability is improved, but water consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidwater consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention reduces the flow rate parameter to 1-5 L/min, which simultaneously reduces water consumption and allows for a compact heater design. This resolves the contradiction by operating in a low-flow regime where water heating is still effective but water consumption is minimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If hot water storage tanks are used to provide hot water, then water heating capability is improved, but pathogen spread risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidpathogen spread

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the hot water storage tank from the system, replacing it with on-demand heating. This removes the stagnant water environment that promotes pathogen growth while maintaining the ability to provide hot water through a compact heater and pump system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic/on-demand heating instead of continuous heating and storage. The pump and heater operate only when water is needed, preventing the stagnant conditions that lead to pathogen proliferation in storage tanks while still providing hot water capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Temperature

If centralized hot water supply systems are used, then water heating capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater temperatureVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the water heating function from the central supply system and places a compact heater and pump at the point of use. This decentralized approach simplifies installation in existing buildings by eliminating the need for complex centralized hot water distribution infrastructure while maintaining hot water capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides a pleasant washing experience with reduced water and energy consumption, eliminates pathogen risks by avoiding hot water storage, and can be easily integrated into existing systems, ensuring efficient and safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one delivery device for increasing a liquid pressure in front of the spraying outlet to outlet operating pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

water nozzles are arranged in pairs, so that the jets from two nozzles of a pair collide and thereby break up into droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJet collision atomization: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

install a heater in a shower head to heat water immediately before it is discharged through the shower head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2210987B1Washing device

Publication Date: 2020.05.27 GJOSA SA

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7a~9

AI summary

Washing device (10) has an outlet (1) for spraying liquids at a low through-flow rate with increased pressure. A conveying device (6) is used to increase the pressure of the liquid, above an operating pressure of the outlet, prior to spraying. A heating device (5) is used for heating the water or the mixture. An independent claim is included for the method for the operation of the washing device.