Water conservation apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Significant volumes of water are wasted while waiting for hot water to reach desired temperatures in residential faucets and showers due to the discharge of standing water in supply pipes, leading to inefficiencies in water usage.
Innovation Solution
A water conservation apparatus featuring a diverter system that redirects unused hot water into a compact, elongate storage tank, which maximizes water pressure and allows for easy installation and aesthetic integration, while an overflow conduit prevents overflow by discharging excess water when the tank reaches a predetermined volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a traditional water storage tank is used to store wasted hot water, then water conservation is achieved, but the tank occupies excessive space and is difficult to install in residential settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional horizontal water storage tank into a vertical configuration. The elongate tank orientation changes the dimension in which water is stored, allowing the tank to extend vertically along the wall rather than occupying horizontal floor space. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction by maintaining water storage capacity while dramatically reducing the footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cylindrical tank shape with curved surfaces. The cylindrical geometry allows the tank to be mounted vertically on walls or countertops, utilizing vertical space efficiently. The curved shape also provides structural strength while maintaining a compact form factor that adapts to various installation locations, thereby reducing the effective space occupied.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact water storage tank is used to reduce footprint, then installation space is reduced, but water pressure at the tap may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting the tank vertically rather than horizontally, the patent increases the height dimension while reducing the footprint. This vertical orientation creates greater water column height, which directly increases hydrostatic pressure at the tap outlet. The pressure is generated by the weight of the water column above the outlet, so maximizing height while minimizing footprint simultaneously addresses both contradictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by designing the tank outlet to be positioned at the lower end portion of the tank. This positioning maximizes the hydraulic head (vertical distance from water surface to outlet), thereby maximizing the water pressure available at the tap without requiring additional pumps or pressurization systems.
3Stress or pressure
If the water tank is made elongate to maximize water head, then water pressure is improved, but the tank may overflow if not properly managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an overflow conduit that provides automatic feedback control for water level management. When water reaches a certain level in the tank, the overflow conduit automatically channels excess water to the drain, preventing overflow. This passive feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation without requiring active sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow conduit acts as an intermediary element between the water storage function and the drainage system. It provides a controlled pathway for excess water to exit the tank safely, mediating between the water inlet and the drain to prevent uncontrolled overflow while maintaining the primary water storage and pressure generation functions.
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 apparatus effectively conserves water by storing it for later use, reducing waste and providing a similar flow rate to a standard faucet, while the compact design facilitates easy installation and visual indicators help users manage water temperature and storage levels.
Implementation Method 1
The elongate configuration of the water storage tank creates a compact column of water and maximizes the head of the water within the tank. By maximizing the head of the water in the water storage tank, the water pressure may be maximized at the tap so that the water in the tank discharged from the tap may be delivered at a flow rate similar to the flow rate from a nearby faucet.
Implementation Method 2
a diverter having an inlet for being connected to a water supply, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet
Implementation Method 3
a tap having an outlet and a valve, the valve having a closed position that inhibits water flow from the water tank to the outlet and an open position that permits water to be driven out of the outlet by the column of water in the tank
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a water conservation apparatus is provided that includes a diverter having an inlet for being connected to a water supply, a primary outlet, and a secondary outlet. The apparatus includes an elongate water storage tank and a supply conduit configured to connect the secondary outlet of the diverter to the water storage tank. The elongate water storage tank has a height and a width perpendicular to the height that is less than the height so that the water from the secondary outlet of the diverter forms a column within the tank. The apparatus further includes a tap having an outlet and a valve, the valve having a closed position that inhibits water flow from the water tank to the outlet and an open position that permits water to be driven out of the outlet by the column of water in the tank.