BRPI1000123A2 - capacitive liquid drive mechanism drive system and its use in mass transit vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

CAPACITIVE SYSTEM FOR DRIVING LIQUID PASSAGE MECHANISM AND ITS USE IN COLLECTIVE TRANSPORT VEHICLES. The present invention provides a capacitive drive system for the liquid passage mechanism, directed, but not limited, to the use in toilets of people with special needs, who need means of activating taps, soaps, flushes and alarms that do not require a lot of pressure or force from the operator's hands. The system of the present invention is particularly useful in public transport vehicles.

Description

Patent Invention Descriptive Report

Capacitive Liquid Drive Mechanism Drive System ε Its Use in Collective Transport Vehicles

Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of engineering. More specifically, the present invention describes a capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system, directed, but not limited to, the use in toilets of persons with special needs, which require means of driving taps, soaps, flushes and alarms that do not require too much pressure or force from the operator's hands. The system of the present invention is particularly useful in public transport vehicles.

Background of the Invention

Capacitive sensors are devices that detect movements and actions that occur in mechatronics processes and designs. It can also be said that they are gifted elements responsible for generating information for automation systems. They function based on a body's ability to store electrical energy at a certain voltage and the amount of current that flows through it at a certain frequency, and have a direct relationship to the body's mass as well as its material. For a given material, its capacitance depends only on its dimensions. The larger the mass, the greater the capacity of this body to absorb electrical energy. We call this phenomenon capacitance and its unit is F (Farad). Capacitance exists whenever two conductors are separated by an insulating material.

The electric field generated by this sensor changes due to the change in the medium dielectric caused by the presence of the object being detected. This way you can monitor levels of liquids, powders and other types of materials. Capacitive sensors allow the measurement of a large number of physical quantities, such as the position, displacement, velocity and linear or angular acceleration of an object; humidity, gas concentration and liquid or solid level; force, torque, pressure and temperature; but also detect the proximity of objects, the presence of water and people, among others.

Today there is a wide variety of applications that use capacitive sensors, either discretely or integrated. For example, capacitive pressure (such as microphones), acceleration, gas or liquid flow, humidity, chemical compounds such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, temperature, vacuum sensors are quite common. , liquid level, force, displacement etc., some detecting variations in dielectric thickness, others in dielectric constant. The detection of capacitance variation is generally performed by measuring the accumulated load, for example by applying a constant voltage, or indirectly by varying the oscillation frequency or waveform at the output of a circuit, of which The sensor is an integral part.

Capacitive sensors are often used to indicate reservoir levels when they cannot receive the float system. Two capacitive sensors are placed on the outside of the reservoir, one at the lowest level and one at the upper level. When the reservoir has its liquid or solid (water, grain, fuel, etc.) at the level below the sensor, the sensor accuses the lack of capacitance that has been set, causing a horn or lamp to light. When the level reaches the upper sensor, it will show the capacitance higher than the one to which the sensor was set, closing the circuit that drives some mechanism, horn, lamp or motor. They are commonly found in the trade, usually in the form of a 12mm or 18mm or 30mm threaded tube with two wires that run out the back of this tube, where the current is carried and the sensor information . They can operate with alternating or direct current. They are used as the right arm in mechatronics. Because they have a very high manufacturing cost, they are only used in special situations, because if the need can be met mechanically, the cost is certainly lower. They replace buoys and photoelectric or inductive sensors, with the advantage of showing capacitive change from any body, whether magnetic, insulating, plastic, wood, stone, steel, glass or other material. Inductive sensors only report ferrous and related materials.

The present invention has been developed taking into account the fact that people with special needs need commands that work with very little force. In this context, it is worth noting that conventional systems use springs, levers and mechanical devices - which require force for their operation. In addition, time itself impairs the operation of such systems due to the oxidation that causes even greater demands on the use of force. It was also considered the fact that the systems that use infrared sensors, allowing the approach with the person or the hands to actuate the tap, have been very inefficient. They then cease to function, or keep water running permanently, depleting the reservoir capacity. Research indicates that hotel owners are replacing infrared systems with conventional handle-threaded metal systems, which shows the limitations of available alternatives and suggest that a capacitive system would be a well-accepted option in the market.

The patent literature comprises some only partially relevant documents described below.

WO 2009/095879 discloses an automatic faucet composed of two different sensor types acting together to determine when to open and close water flow, an optical sensor and a capacitive. The present invention differs from said document in that it does not contain optical sensors, as well as being of touch and not of proximity. WO 2008/094651 discloses a fluid flow control apparatus comprising a tap, a fluid conductive tube, capacitive sensors and an input and output data controller unit. It has proximity detection system. The present invention differs from said document in that it has a touch sensor and not a proximity sensor.

US 6,962,168 discloses a capacitive-type proximity sensor or touch-sensing faucet, in both cases controlling flow through an electrically operable valve. However, in addition to requiring more complex and expensive control systems than those of the present invention, said system is applicable to homes only. Furthermore, said system uses alternating electric current, whereas the one proposed in the present invention uses direct current, usually available in the vehicular field.

The present invention has application directed to public transport vehicles, being useful in taps and other liquid flow control devices such as flushes, soap / liquid detergent containers and also to trigger alarms in such vehicles, being particularly useful for people. with special needs.

From what can be inferred from the researched literature, no documents were found anticipating or suggesting the teachings of the present invention, so that the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity in relation to the state of the art.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a capacitive system for actuating liquid passage mechanism for toilets, as well as its use in public transport vehicles.

The present invention is particularly useful for people with special needs.

It is therefore an object of the present invention a capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system comprising: a) external power supply;

b) means for data control and processing;

c) capacitive sensor; and

d) means for opening and closing a liquid passage and / or turning an alarm on and off.

In a preferred embodiment, the power supply is low voltage by means of batteries.

In a preferred embodiment, data processing is by integrated circuits installed in the system.

In a preferred embodiment, the means for opening and closing the liquid passageway comprises a solenoid connected to a valve and / or a liquid pump.

It is a further object of the present invention to use the capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system of the present invention in toilets for persons with special needs.

These and other objects of the invention will be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art and companies having an interest in the segment, and will be described in sufficient detail for their reproduction in the following description.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a diagram representing the system of the present invention, wherein: (11) capacitive sensor, (12) integrated circuit, (13) integrated circuit, (14) integrated circuit, (15) charge (tap, soap, soap , discharge or alarm), (16) power supply.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention, wherein: (21) tap; (22) sink; (23) tap area touch; (24) electronic system using capacitance; (25) solenoid valve; (26) box of water and / or soap; (27) booster pump (alternative); (28) soap and water box (alternative). Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention provides a capacitive system for actuating liquid passage mechanism for toilets, as well as its use in public transport vehicles. Among the advantages and technical effects provided by the invention, it can be cited: facilitate the use by people with special needs and / or with physical disability, since the system activation does not require force or pressure; allows the touch sensor to be the tap itself; provides predetermination of the amount of liquid that comes out of the tap at each touch of the user, limiting abuse and / or saving consumption; provides uniformity of dispensed volume with each touch, unlike conventional spring systems, which vary by more than 500% in dispensed volume; decreased vehicle weight, since the use of predetermined volumes avoids the need for excess safety volume; decreases the cost of the corresponding reservoir; provides use for electronic drive for both pumped and gravity hydraulic systems; It provides that the same electronic assembly is used for passenger-driven distress calling, especially for people with special needs, alerting the driver to buzzers, lights, buzzers, etc. for a set time or until the actual call is answered.

The following examples are intended merely to exemplify one of the numerous ways of carrying out the invention, but without limitation, the scope thereof.

Capacitive Liquid Passage and Alarm Drive System

The capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system of the present invention comprises:

a) external power supply;

b) means for data control and processing;

c) capacitive sensor; and d) means for opening and closing a liquid passage and / or turning an alarm on and off.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention system further comprises means for controlling the flow of liquids at predetermined volumes.

Power supply

The power supply of the present invention comprises any means for supplying electrical power to the system. In a preferred configuration, the power supply has low voltage, below any possibility of electrification to the operator's body, such as batteries. Moreover, using an automotive system (bus) the electric current is of continuous type, therefore not causing short circuit with the human body. In a preferred embodiment, power is triple safety, preventing any defect from resulting in a minor accident, in view of the use of the system in an environment with water and electricity. Data Processing and Control

The data control and processing of the present invention comprises any means for interfacing between capacitive drive and liquid flow open / close or alarm on / off. In a preferred embodiment, the data control and processing of the present invention is by 3 circuits (exemplary only, as it can also be functional with only 1 integrated circuit), as shown in Figure 1, as follows: the operator touches the tap or button called sensor "1" which in turn is connected to integrated circuit (Cl) "2". The system is preferably set to recognize / accept ring tones at pre-set intervals, which provides validation of each ring and avoids wasting liquids / water by simultaneous or continuous ringing. Touching the tap or push button triggers the release of a predetermined volume of liquid. Quantified by a timer, which is part of the electronic system in question. Even if the user keeps the hand touching the tap, it will only release the determined volume once. For other drives, the user must move his hand away from the sensor and after a predetermined time touch the sensor again. The same goes for the release of liquids such as soap, detergent, toilet water etc.

Cl "2", when confirming a valid ring, passes the information to Cl "3" to trigger a timer, which marks the time between rings. When these touches occur within a predetermined time interval, it releases the information to Cl "4", which then closes the circuit, releasing energy to trigger the load - preferably by means of a solenoid that opens the valve to release liquid passage. when using gravity system.

Capacitive Sensor

In a preferred embodiment, the capacitive sensors of the present invention are located in an area previously designed to be sensitive to human touch and may be the tap itself.

Liquid Passage Opening and Closing Mechanism

The liquid passage opening and closing mechanism of the present invention comprises any means for allowing or preventing liquid transport. In a preferred embodiment, solenoids attached to valves or liquid pumps are used.

Example 1 - Preferred Realization

The present invention provides a system utilizing the capacitive principle described above, with electronic elements such as integrated circuits, transistors, capacitors, resistors, trimpot and others common in the conventional market. In this preferred embodiment, such components are mounted on an electronic board - printed circuit board - connected to or provided with at least one human touch sensitive area. This provides a circuit that serves as a relay switch, which in turn triggers a liquid release command and / or a water pump, commands that carry water, soap or detergent to the sink or toilet. In the preferred case of the invention of using the capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system in public transport vehicles, the system may further comprise means in addition to driving driver warning lamps and / or sirens as a request for assistance to persons with special needs, as advocated by the law.

The same toilet flush actuation tap or switch receives a miniature electronic set (the size of a matchbox) that, upon receiving the "true" electronic signal from the tap body, provides the pump and / or solenoid, allowing water to flow out of the tap. In this preferred embodiment, the system comprises a programmable timer, so that the volume of liquid released to each drive is always the same. This same electronic circuit can be used for liquid soap, detergent, whether for hand washing in sinks, for flushing the toilet or for distress. Preferably, especially in the case of the use of mass transit vehicles, the system of the invention uses minute amperage and voltage, far below any possibility of electrification to the human body.

Example 2 - Preferred Realization

Referring to Figure 2, it is understood that in this preferred embodiment the system comprises: (21) tap; (22) sink; (23) tap area touch; (24) electronic system using capacitance; (25) solenoid valve; (26) box of water and / or soap; (27) booster pump (alternative); (28) soap and water box (alternative). Such a preferred embodiment provides for two possibilities. One in which the water and / or liquid soap box (26) passes through a solenoid valve (25) which releases the liquid passage when touching the sensitive region (23) of the tap (21). The capacitance electronic system (24), by recognizing the touch, releases electric current to the solenoid opening (25). The same principle can be used for the release of water from a toilet, ie the touch-sensitive region can be placed anywhere and can also be presented as a decorative button. In another embodiment, the water and / or soap reservoir (28) is below the outlet level represented by the tap (21) and sink (22). When recognized and processed by the system of the present invention, electric current is released so that the pump (27, internal or not to the reservoir), presses the liquid to the outlet.

To the inventors' knowledge this is the first report of the use in public transport vehicles of a system that concomitantly comprises the technical specifications described above. The inventive concept of using concurrently: the capacitive property of bodies as the active principle of actuator switching in the mechanism or valve of liquid passage; and an adjustable timer system, the function of which is to determine the volume to be offered at each tap on the flow medium such as taps, solves various technical problems and at the same time is easy to assemble as parts and / or circuitry electronics utilize easily found components.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the knowledge presented herein and may reproduce the invention in the embodiments presented and in other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (7)

Capacitive Liquid Drive Mechanism Drive System ε Its Use in Collective Transport Vehicles 1. Capacitive system for actuating the liquid passage mechanism in public transport vehicles, characterized by: a) external power supply; b) means for data control and processing; c) capacitive sensor; and d) means for opening and closing a liquid passageway. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for opening and closing the liquid passage comprise a solenoid connected to a valve and / or a liquid pump. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means for opening and closing a liquid passageway further comprise an adjustable timer system for determining the volume to be offered at each stroke in the liquid flow medium. System according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it further comprises means for triggering security alarms. System according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it comprises: (21) tap; (22) sink; (23) tap area touch; (24) electronic system using capacitance; (25) solenoid valve; (26) soap and water box. 6. Use of a capacitive liquid passage mechanism drive system characterized by being for the production of sanitary facilities of public transport vehicles. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that said toilets are for persons with special needs.