Water Distribution System with Presence-Sensor Pasteurization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water distribution systems with hot water pasteurization procedures lack reliability and efficiency in ensuring the safety of human and animal presence during the pasteurization process, as they do not effectively prevent exposure to hot water.

Innovation Solution

A water distribution system equipped with a presence sensor connected to a control unit that initiates and regulates hot water pasteurization only when no human or animal is detected in the proximity of the user outflow, utilizing a combination of sensors such as motion, IR, or radar sensors to ensure safety and control temperature, flow, and exposure time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hot water pasteurization procedure is performed, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but risk of exposure to hot water increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of hot water exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The presence sensor detects human or animal presence before the hot water pasteurization procedure is initiated. The control unit uses this detection to prevent activation of the heating source during periods when living beings are in proximity to the water outlet, thereby eliminating the harmful exposure risk before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The presence sensor acts as an intermediary between the control unit and the heating source. It provides critical information about the environment that enables the control unit to make safe operational decisions, mediating between the disinfection function and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If presence sensor and control system are added, then safety during pasteurization is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety during pasteurizationVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring through the presence sensor that automatically detects when living beings are near the water outlet. The control unit automatically responds by preventing heating activation, creating a self-regulating safety mechanism that does not require external supervision or complex manual controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual safety monitoring and intervention are replaced with an automated electronic presence detection system. The optical or electromagnetic sensors and electronic control unit substitute for human observation and manual control, providing more reliable and consistent safety monitoring with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a reliable and efficient automatic hot water pasteurization process that ensures no human or animal is exposed to hot water, reducing the need for additional chemicals and maintenance, while allowing precise regulation of temperature, flow, and exposure time for effective disinfection.

Implementation Method 1

at least one presence sensor arranged for the detection of presence of a human or animal body in physical proximity to the user outflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

at least one presence sensor arranged for the detection of presence of a human or animal body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar detection: Radar

Implementation Method 3

said at least one presence sensor is a motion sensor, an IR sensor, a radar sensor or a combination thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Implementation Method 4

heating water in the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 5

flowing heated water from the heater back to the filter for decontamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 6

method for hygenisation of a device intended for recycling of water... heating water in the heater; and flowing heated water from the heater back to the filter for decontamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal pasteurization: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12103864B2Water distribution system with automatic hot water pasteurization procedure

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 ORBITAL SYST

AI summary

The present invention describes a water distribution system 1 comprising a water supply, a heating source 100, at least one temperature sensor, a flow path for water with a user outflow UO, and a control unit for operation of the water distribution system 1, said temperature sensor being connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit also is connected to at least one presence sensor PS arranged for the detection of presence of a human or animal body in physical proximity to the user outflow UO and/or in an outflow direction area from the user outflow UO and wherein the control unit is arranged to drive a hot water pasteurization procedure of at least a portion of the flow path and out from the user outflow UO based on a response or an indication of no presence of a human or animal body in physical proximity to the user outflow UO and/or in an outflow direction area from the user outflow UO.