WO2016013917A1 - Système de distribution d'eau - Google Patents

Système de distribution d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016013917A1
WO2016013917A1 PCT/LY2015/000002 LY2015000002W WO2016013917A1 WO 2016013917 A1 WO2016013917 A1 WO 2016013917A1 LY 2015000002 W LY2015000002 W LY 2015000002W WO 2016013917 A1 WO2016013917 A1 WO 2016013917A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow
water
state
control unit
electrically operated
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/LY2015/000002
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ali Abdulah HADIA
Original Assignee
Hadia Ali Abdulah
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hadia Ali Abdulah filed Critical Hadia Ali Abdulah
Publication of WO2016013917A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016013917A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/04—Water-basin installations specially adapted to wash-basins or baths
    • E03C1/0408—Water installations especially for showers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C2001/026—Plumbing installations for fresh water with flow restricting devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to automatically controlled showers and sinks.
  • Another opposite example is to consider that a person washing his face using a bar of soap. He opens the tap. wets his face, and starts foaming by rubbing the soap bar between his hands first and then applying it onto his face. Then after some time, he goes back to the running water and starts rinsing his face with many handfuls of water before he shuts off the tap.
  • the question is: does this person utilize all the water running out of the tap for which he/she pays money for? Obviously, the answer is no. in fact, a majority of the water running out of the tap is actually not used because it does not contact the user.
  • a water flow delivery system for delivering wash water to a person at a wash basin in such a way that only the minimum required amount of water is delivered.
  • the water flow deliver system includes a main water supply line and a branch joint for dividing the main water supply line into a low flow water line and a high flow water line.
  • the high flow water line is coupled to a high flow water outlet and the low flow water line coupled to a low flow water outlet, both at the wash basin.
  • a first electrically operated valve is coupled to the high flow water line be; ween the high flow water outlet and the branch joint , the first electrically operated val ve switchable between an off state wherein water is prevented from flowing through the high flow water line and an on state wherein the water is permitted to flow through the high flow water line.
  • a second electrically operated valve is coupled to the low flow water l ine between the low flow water outlet and the branch joint, the second electrically operated valve switchable between an off state wherein water is prevented irom flowing through the low flow water line and an on state wherein the water is permitted to flow through the low flow water line.
  • the system also includes a control unit for selectively activating the first and second electrically operated valves, the control unit configured to switch between a fully off state wherein both the first and.
  • second electric control valves are in the off state, a high flow state wherein the first electric valve is in the on state and the second electric valve is in the off state and a low flow state wherein the first electric valve is . in the off state and the second electric valve is in the on state.
  • Fig.1 is a top view of a splitting device made in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig.2 is a front view of the spli tting device shown in figure 1.
  • Fig.3 is a side view of the splitting device shown in figure 1.
  • Fig.4 is a front view of the splitting device shown in figure 1.
  • Fig.5 a is a sec : ton view of the splitting device of figure 4 taken along line A-A showing the splitting device in its high flow state.
  • Fig. 5b is a section view of the splitting dev ice of figure 4 taken along line A-A showing the splitting device in its low flow state.
  • Fig. 6a i.s a detail view of part of figure 5a showing the second electrically controlled valve in its closed state.
  • Fig. 6b is a detail view of part of figure 5b showing the second electrically controlled valve in its open state.
  • Fig. 7a is a sectional view of the splitting device of figure 4 taken along line B-B showing the splitting device in its high flow state .
  • Fig. 7b is a sectional view of the splitting device of figure 4 taken along line B-B showing the splitting device in its low flow state.
  • Fig.8 is an isometric view of splitting device shown in figure 1.
  • Fig.9 is a schematic view of the system of the present invention as applied to a shower.
  • Fig. 10 is a schematic view of the system of the present invention as applied to a sink.
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the system of the present invention.
  • the core of the present invention consists of a water flow splitter unit 10 which consists of a housing 12 having an intake port 14, a high flow outlet port 16 and a low flow outlet port 18.
  • First electrically controlled valve 20 is positioned adjacent high flow outlet port 16 and controls the flow of water passing through the high flow outlet port.
  • Second electrically controlled valve 22 is positioned adjacent low flow outlet port 18 and controls the flow of water passing through the low flow out let port.
  • H igh flow outlet port 16 has an internal diameter 24 and low flow outlet port 18 has an internal diameter 26.
  • Internal diameter 24 is made significantly greater than internal diameter 26 to ensure that port 16 has a much greater flow capacity relative to port 1
  • internal diameter 24 is sufficiently greater than internal diameter 26 so that the flow of water through port 18 is much lower percentage (roughly 10% as an example; of the flow of water through port 16, while port 16 is capable of handling 100% of the flow capacity of intake port 14. It should be pointed out that if greater or lesser flow is requ ired from outlet port 18, the dimensions of diameter 26 can be changed; however, the goal is to ensure that the flow out of port 18 is a small fraction of the flow out port 16.
  • Housing 12 could be made of any material suitable for use in municipal water lines such as brass or high grade plastic.
  • Each of ports 14. 16 and 18 are provided w ith standard plumbing fixtures to make their attachment to standard plumbing lines convenient.
  • housing 12 is illustrated as cylindrical, housing 12 could be any shape provided that ports 14, 16 and 18 are provided with standard plumbing fixtures. Furthermore, it is not strictly necessary to have port 18 at 90° to port 18 as housing 12 could be formed as a Y joint (or any other suitable configuration).
  • valve 20 each control the flow of water through their respective ports.
  • Valve 20 has closure member 28 which
  • valve 22 can be positioned between a fully opened position as shown in figures 5a and 7a wherein water is free to flow through port 16 and a fully close d position as shown in figures 5b and 7b wherein water cannot flow through port 16.
  • valve 22 has closure member 30 which can be positioned between a fully opened position as shown in figures 5b, 6b and 7b wherein water is free to flow through port 18 and a fully closed position as shown in figures 5a, 6a and 7a wherein water cannot flow through port 18.
  • Valves 20 and 22 may consist of selectively adjustable butterfly type valves as illustrated, or they may consist of solenoid type plunger valves.
  • Butterfly type valves and ball valves
  • Solenoid valves aremu ch less expensive, are highly reliable and can be switched between two states, namely fally opened and fully closed.
  • Ball type valves may also be used.
  • a variety of electrically operated butterfly and ball valves and variety of solenoid type valves are easily available in the market.
  • splitter 10 When first valve is in its open position at the same time that the second valve is in its closed position, then splitter 10 is said to be in its high flow state wherein water will flow entirely through high flow port 16 and not through port IS (see figures 5a and 7a.
  • splitter 10 When first valve 20 is in its closed state and second valve 22 is in its open state then splitter 10 is in its low flow state wherein water flows entirely through low flow port 18 and not through port 16 (see figures 5b and 7b).
  • splitter 10 is used as part of a system which includes a control unit for control ling the flow of water to a wash basin.
  • Splitter 10 is shown schematically in figure 9 as its constituent parts, namely ports 14, 16 and 18 and valves 20 and 22.
  • Intake port 14 is coupled to main water line 32 by means known generally in the art.
  • Valves 20 and 22 are coupled to control unit 42 via cables 48 and 50, respectively. Valves 20 and 22 are normally closed valves and switch into their open state only when activated by control unit 42.
  • Control unit 42 consists of a control board having circuits for automatically activating valves 20 and 22.
  • control unit 42 consists of a PLC (programmed logic controller) or a controller board including a combination of microcontroller and relays.
  • PLC programmed logic controller
  • control unit 42 is supplied with electrical power via transformer 44 which is plugged into an AC power outlet.
  • High flow water line 34 is coupled to outlet 16 by means known generally in the art.
  • a high flow water outlet 36 such as a standard shower head, is coupled to an end of water line 34 opposite outlet 16.
  • a low flow water outlet 40 such as a small shov/er sprinkler, is coupled to an end of low flow water line 38 opposite outlet 18.
  • Low flow water outlet 40 is positioned a short distance, away from high flow water outlet 36 (say by a foot or two).
  • Proximity sensors 44 and 46 are coupled to control unit 42 by cables 52 and 54, respectively.
  • Proximity sensor 44 is positioned adjacent outlet 36 and. is oriented to sense the presence of objects in front of outlet 36.
  • proximity sensor 46 is positioned adjacent outlet 40 to sense the presence of objects in front of outlet 40.
  • Proximity sensors 44 and 46 may comprise Infra red sensors or ultra sonic sensors.
  • Proximity sensor 44 and control unit 42 are calibrated so that when a person stands in front of sensor 36, the sensor sends a signal to control unit 42 which in turn activates valve 20.
  • proximity sensor 46 and control unit 42 are calibrated so that when a person stands in front of sensor 46, the control unit activates valve 22.
  • a user in a shower can switch control unit 42 from a high flow state to a low flow state by simply moving from a position directly in front of shower head 36 to a position away from shower head 36 and in front of outlet 40.
  • the user can trigger control unit 42 into the high flow state by simply stepping back in front of shower head 36.
  • a button or switch 56 can be coupled to control unit 42 by a cable 58 for switching control unit 42 into a closed state wherein the control unit de-activates (i.e. closes) valves 20 and 22.
  • Control unit 42 is preferably configured such that activating button/switch 56 will place the control unit an active mode (either high flow or low flow) depending on the location of the person in the shower stall.
  • the main water flow enters the splitting device (1.0) at port 14. If a person is in a shower and stands underneath the main water flow shower stream, proximity sensor 44 will signal the control unit and activate the system to open the large electric valve 20 to let the normal flow goes through at outlet port 16, while the smaller flow electric valve 22 is closed. Once the person moves away from proximity sensor 44 (away from the normal flow), proximity sensor 46 signals the controller unit to close the normal flow valve 20 and opens the smaller flow valve 22 simultaneously, and the water will go through outlet 40 at 10% flow rate of the normal water flow (or at wh atever percentage port 18 is configured to carry). This smaller flow outlet will be located away from the center where the normal flow path is.
  • the person who takes a shower can use this smaller flow at this convenient location to use or wet out while soaping and shampooing, provided that he does not stand in the main flow path. It is possible to obtain substantially the same result with only one proximity sensor; however, greater reliability and control cab be achieved using two proximity sensors. While infrared sensor eye detectors are used to activate the system in showers, a step on mat with proximity detectors can be used to activate the systems for both flows in showers as required by any specific application (as shown in figure 11).
  • the system can be designed to further do more saving alternatives (programs) as required by each specific application.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • programs are based on the assumption that an average shower time is 15 minutes., of which 10% is for wetout, 60% for soaping and shampooing and 30% is for rinsing.
  • These programs include, but not limited to the following:
  • the normal (high) flow valve 20 opens normally at full while the smaller flow (10% of the normal flow) valve (22) is closed.
  • the normal valve closes and the smaller valve opens in full until the person steps hack underneath the normal flow where the rays-from the normal flow infrared eye are broken again.
  • the normal flow electrical valve opens and the smaller flow electrical valve- closes and so on until the person closes the main tap.
  • valve 20 opens at 75% instead besides the saving in this program program (2) above, hi this program, the will be a savings of 25 % of the 10%, so the additional savings by this program is 2.5% and the total savings will be 59.5%.
  • valve 22 opens at 50% instead of 75% during wet out. In this program, there will be additional saving of 2.5% for a total saving of 62%.
  • This program can be used in hotels, lodges, hospitals, rental units, multiple floors house, a single house, and any other application. Also in a hotel or any other application, we may include more than one program to choose from for each user (or client) in the same room. For example, one client will pay only for the basic which is one of the programs mentioned above or alike and only for one time shower during his stay, while other client wants to have two showers during his stay and so on. These choices can be added to each application mentioned above either in the main control room or by individual touch screen with printed boards (as explained below in "other uses") and can be available in each shower room.
  • This saving option will further i ncrease the total savings of both water and energy for each end user and will allow each hotel fen: example to compete in their industries arid add more savings if they want so. In general we can do any applicable saving program with our system that a certain application requires.
  • a pressure sensitive mat 80 with embedded pressure switches in place of proximity sensors.
  • the user can simply step on mat 80 to send a signal via cable 85 to control unit 42 which then activates the appropriate valves to cause water to flow to either taps 136 or 140 depending on where the user steps on the matt.
  • control unit 42 it is also possible to replace the proximity sensors with a touch screen or control panel 90 having a plurality of buttons or touch keys 94 which are operatively coupled to control unit 42 via cable 92.
  • the system as illustrated in figure 12 can be set up with many saving options for sink applications with each button 94 activating a different preprogrammed sequence (saving programs) in control unit 42.
  • These saving programs will be set up in d ifferent choices for the user to choose from.
  • 4- Fourth touch key opens the valve at 50% and swings the shaft between "close position” and “50% open position” each one or two seconds to get pulses of water at 10% of total water flow, but with saving of 95 % of total normal flow.
  • 6- Sixth touch key opens the valve at 25% and pulses the valve between "close position” and "25% opening position” for each one or two seconds, so we get pulses of water flow at 5% of normal flow for each one o r two seconds at rate of 5%, and we save 97.5% of normal flow.
  • 5- Fifth touch key pulses the valve as in (4) above between "closed position” and “50% opening” position at each one or two seconds, so we get pulses of water flow at 50% of normal flow each one or two seconds and we save 75% of normal flow.
  • This "Pause” touch key can stop any active flow for a while. So if a user wants to shut off the water for a while, he just pushes this "Pause” touch key once and the system stops until he touches the same "Pause” key again, and the system will conti nue with the same previous touch key flow,
  • our system can be upgraded to split water into more than two flows if required based on the same principles with additions of openings and electrically controlled, valves. Aiso based on the niulti flow functions in each flow, it may be downgraded to only one flow with programmed functions if required by specific application.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Domestic Plumbing Installations (AREA)
  • Bathtubs, Showers, And Their Attachments (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne système conçu pour fournir de l'eau à un utilisateur au niveau d'un lavabo à partir d'une conduite principale de distribution d'eau, ledit système comprenant un diviseur présentant un orifice principal d'admission d'eau, un orifice de sortie à débit élevé et un orifice de sortie à débit réduit. L'orifice à débit élevé est accouplé à une conduite d'eau à débit élevé et à une sortie à débit élevé tandis que l'orifice à débit réduit est accouplé à une conduite d'eau à débit réduit et à une sortie d'eau à faible débit. Des première et seconde vannes à commande électrique régulent le débit d'eau sortant des orifices à débit élevé et à faible débit, respectivement. Une unité de commande est couplée aux première et seconde vannes. L'unité de commande est en outre configurée pour fermer les deux vannes et pour sélectionner laquelle des vannes et laquelle des vannes est fermée de sorte qu'une seule vanne soit ouverte à la fois.
PCT/LY2015/000002 2014-07-23 2015-06-21 Système de distribution d'eau WO2016013917A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14339000 2014-07-23
US14/339,000 US20160024765A1 (en) 2014-07-23 2014-07-23 Water Flow Delivery System

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016013917A1 true WO2016013917A1 (fr) 2016-01-28

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ID=55163369

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/LY2015/000002 WO2016013917A1 (fr) 2014-07-23 2015-06-21 Système de distribution d'eau

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US (1) US20160024765A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2016013917A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10633842B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2020-04-28 Eva Smart Shower, LLC Systems and methods for controlling water flow
KR102047177B1 (ko) * 2018-02-21 2019-11-20 경남대학교 산학협력단 물 넘침 방지 장치
US11045828B2 (en) 2018-10-19 2021-06-29 Abstract Engineering, Inc. System and method for controlling and monitoring bathroom water flow
US11255076B2 (en) 2018-10-19 2022-02-22 Abstract Engineering, Inc. System and method for controlling and monitoring bathroom water flow

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH05311708A (ja) * 1992-05-14 1993-11-22 Takasago Thermal Eng Co Ltd 水道蛇口の吐水量自動制御装置
AU646178B2 (en) * 1992-01-20 1994-02-10 Ross Alexander Benge Electronically timed and controlled hot and cold water limiting device
US5322086A (en) * 1992-11-12 1994-06-21 Sullivan Robert A Hands-free, leg-operated, faucet-control device
DE8512039U1 (de) * 1985-04-23 1994-07-28 Groitl, Jürgen, 80689 München Anordnung zur berührungslosen Regelung der Auslauftemperatur und der Auslaufmenge an einer Zapfstelle mit einer Auslaufdüse und mit wenigstens zwei Zuleitungen
US20030102447A1 (en) * 2001-12-03 2003-06-05 Williams Edward Chuck Water flow control device incorporating water limiting valve
WO2006061657A1 (fr) * 2004-12-07 2006-06-15 Patrick Conroy Appareil de reglage de debit et procede

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8512039U1 (de) * 1985-04-23 1994-07-28 Groitl, Jürgen, 80689 München Anordnung zur berührungslosen Regelung der Auslauftemperatur und der Auslaufmenge an einer Zapfstelle mit einer Auslaufdüse und mit wenigstens zwei Zuleitungen
AU646178B2 (en) * 1992-01-20 1994-02-10 Ross Alexander Benge Electronically timed and controlled hot and cold water limiting device
JPH05311708A (ja) * 1992-05-14 1993-11-22 Takasago Thermal Eng Co Ltd 水道蛇口の吐水量自動制御装置
US5322086A (en) * 1992-11-12 1994-06-21 Sullivan Robert A Hands-free, leg-operated, faucet-control device
US20030102447A1 (en) * 2001-12-03 2003-06-05 Williams Edward Chuck Water flow control device incorporating water limiting valve
WO2006061657A1 (fr) * 2004-12-07 2006-06-15 Patrick Conroy Appareil de reglage de debit et procede

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