Wireless RF Plumbing Network for Public Washrooms
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hard-wired connections between triggering devices and hygiene or sanitary appliances in public washrooms are costly, difficult to maintain, and prone to vandalism, corrosion, and malfunction, limiting the widespread use of networked systems for remote operation and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless RF communication system using low frequency signals for short-range communication between triggering devices and appliances, and high frequency signals for long-range communication with a network node, which also serves as a control board for monitoring and information gathering, replacing the need for hard-wired connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used between triggering devices and appliances, then reliable operation is achieved, but installation difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hard-wired electrical connections with wireless radio frequency (RF) communication systems. Triggering devices transmit signals via RF waves to control appliances remotely, eliminating the need for physical wire connections between components while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signal transmission as an intermediary medium between triggering devices and appliances. Instead of direct electrical contact through wires, the system uses electromagnetic waves as a mediator to transfer control signals, simplifying installation while preserving functional reliability.
2Reliability
If hard-wired connections are used between triggering devices and appliances, then stable operation is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical wiring infrastructure with wireless RF communication, eliminating the need to access, test, or repair electrical connections. Maintenance shifts from checking wire integrity and connection points to verifying software functionality and signal transmission, significantly simplifying repair procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the physical connection infrastructure from the system by implementing wireless communication. By removing wires, connectors, and associated mounting hardware, the system eliminates numerous potential failure points and simplifies maintenance to software-level operations.
3Ease of operation
If hard-wired connections are used in public washrooms, then appliance control is achieved, but susceptibility to vandalism and corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces exposed electrical wiring and physical connections with wireless RF communication. This eliminates vulnerable physical infrastructure that can be cut, corroded, or damaged by vandals in public washroom environments, while maintaining full appliance control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses RF electromagnetic waves as an intermediary that penetrates walls and obstacles without physical exposure. Control signals are transmitted through the air and building structures, eliminating the need for exposed wiring that would be vulnerable to environmental damage and intentional destruction.
4Loss of information
If network nodes are added for global monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs network nodes with multi-functionality, combining monitoring, data collection, and communication capabilities in single devices. These universal nodes can perform multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the overall number of components needed and simplifying the network architecture while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions (monitoring, data logging, communication, and control) into integrated network nodes. By combining these functions into single devices rather than separate components, the system reduces network complexity while enhancing information gathering and remote monitoring capabilities.
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
This solution reduces costs, enhances security and reliability, simplifies maintenance, and allows for the creation of a global network that can monitor and control multiple local networks from a remote location, improving the management of sanitary appliances in large institutions.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, operable to emit RF signals
Implementation Method 2
an RF receiver, operable to receive the RF signals and convert the RF signals to control signals
Data Source
AI summary
A network of wirelessly connected sanitary appliances, their associated triggering devices and a remotely located network node is disclosed. The remotely located network node permits the monitoring and gathering of information concerning the appliances and their associated triggering devices. The network node can be connected to a LAN and/or the internet allowing the node to communicate with responsible parties. In addition, a control board having a central processing unit is wirelessly connected as an intermediary between the appliances and triggering devices and the network node. Communication between the appliances and their triggering devices uses low frequency RF signals. Communication to the remotely located network node uses high frequency RF signals.