WO2011074018A1

WO2011074018A1 - Apparatus and method for washing

Info

Publication number: WO2011074018A1
Application number: PCT/IS2010/050012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anna Heidur Gudmundsdottir
Original assignee: Heidur
Priority date: 2009-12-17
Filing date: 2010-12-17
Publication date: 2011-06-23

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and system for washing. The system provides a fully automatic operation of the delivery of agents for washing in pre-determined and adjustable amounts. The present invention optimizes the usage of resources for both single units and group of units. The problem with the known prior art is the fact that they are all pre adjusted to follow a certain fixed process which is difficult change. The present invention on the other hand discloses a fully automatic method and apparatus for washing which can be remotely adjusted and monitored. The present invention, moreover, discloses "all in one" washing unit.

Description

Apparatus and method for wash

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to a method, apparatus and system for washing. The invention conserves resources, improves washing hygiene, and reduces bottlenecks in restrooms at high traffic places such as airports.

Background Art:

Hand washing hygiene is an on going challenge in today's society of ever reducing resources. US patent application, US 2004211000, discloses a manual or sensor type sink faucet for residential or commercial use, with an integral liquid soap dispensing system. A conduit extends internally through the faucet body from a remote supply of liquid soap. The conduit acts as a passage for the liquid soap to travel from the remote supply of liquid soap to outlet hole at the head of the faucet located directly over the sink bowl. The conduit can also be mounted externally to the faucet body and also dispense soap at the head of the faucet inside the sink bowl.

Similarly, the US 5199118 application discloses a hand sanitizing wash station including a sink, a soap dispenser located above the sink for supplying soap, a water dispensing faucet located above the sink operated by a solenoid valve, a hot-air dryer located above the sink for supplying hot-air, a first infrared sensor for detecting the proximity of a user, the first sensor being operatively connected to the soap dispenser and the solenoid valve to activate the soap dispenser and the solenoid valve upon detecting the presence of a user, and a second infrared sensor for detecting the presence of a user, the second sensor being operatively connected to the solenoid valve and the hot-air dryer such that the second sensor will deactivate the solenoid valve and will activate the hot-air dryer.

The US5031258 application discloses, moreover, a wash station comprising a sink and a faucet. A source of water and a source of soap are provided. An electrically operated valve is interposed between the water source and the faucet for selectively supplying water thereto, and a pump and valve are interposed between the soap source and the faucet for selectively supplying soap thereto. An electrically operated roll towel dispenser is disposed proximate the sink. A first infrared sensor is operable associated with the sink for determining the presence of a user. A control mechanism is operatively associated with the valves, the pump, the roll towel dispenser and the sensor for causing water and soap to be selectively supplied to the faucet and for thereafter causing a length of roll towel to be dispensed.

Moreover, the EP0025785 patent application discloses a wash basin provided with a water supply, an outlet tube, and a hot air dryer arranged in a common casing. A wet area is provided above the wash basin. The air stream from the hot air dryer is directed towards a discharge opening located in the back wall of the wet area. A purification and sterilization device is provided in the air stream between the discharge opening and the suction opening of the hot air fan so as to prevent germs from coming out into the room. A control for the washing operation regulates the steps of wetting, washing, rinsing and drying. The unit presents the advantage to use little water and provide a maximum of hygiene. The prior art attempts to improve hygiene and reduce the use of water. Summary of the Invention:

The problem with the known prior art is the fact that they are all pre adjusted to follow a certain fixed process which is difficult to change. The present invention on the other hand discloses a fully automatic method and apparatus for washing which can be remotely adjusted and monitored. Moreover, the present invention, with its "all in one" technology, attempts to solve the problem of bottlenecks in the restrooms of high traffic places. Usually in high traffic places such as in airports there is plenty of washing units but too few drying units. This is usually due to limited wall space for drying means. With the recent invention of the high speed air drying units this bottleneck is reduced. But all the high speed air drying units require a separate basin to receive the water which the air wipes of the hands. The present invention eliminates the need for separate drying means with its "all in one" implementation. Therefore, the present invention eliminates the bottleneck at the drying units.

In the firs aspect the present invention discloses a method of washing. The method comprises the steps of initiating a washing cycle, first delivering water for wetting the subject of washing followed by a short intermission to allow the user to prepare to receive soap which is dispensed next. After the soap is dispensed a longer intermission for washing the subject is provided followed by the delivery of water to rinse of the soap. After a short intermission a drying means is delivered to the user. Once the drying step is completed a short intermission is introduced followed by the delivery of disinfectant. The washing cycle is fully automatic.

In a second aspect of the present invention information is delivered during any of said delivering steps.

In another aspect of the present invention instruction is delivered during any of said intermission steps.

In another aspect of the present invention a computer program or suite of computer programs implements the steps of the washing method such that when executed on a processor said program or suite of programs cause(s) the processor to perform the method.

In yet another aspect of the present invention an apparatus for washing is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a faucet 18, which further comprises: a passage for water 3, soap 4, disinfectant agent 5, and optionally a passage for air 2. A water delivering unit 22 connects to the water passage 3 of the faucet 18. A disinfectant unit 20 furthermore, connects to the disinfectant passage 5, and the soap unit 17 connects with the soap passage 4 of the faucet 18. Optionally a heat blower unit for drying is connected to the passage 2 of the faucet. The apparatus further comprises a controlling means 14 for controlling the above discussed units and optionally communicate over network. The apparatus furthermore provides hands free operation and fully automatic control of the washing cycle.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a system for washing. The system networks one or more washing apparatuses together and remotely can monitor and control the operation of the apparatuses both as individual apparatuses and as a group of apparatuses all depending on the application.

Brief Description of Figures:

Figure 1 : Schematic of general concept

Figure 2: Perspective view of one possible design

Figure 3: Control concept

Figure 4: Control concept in building

Figure 5: Overview of system concept

Figure 6: "H" shaped implementation of the present design Figure 7: "3" shaped implementation of the present invention

Figure 8: Three possible designs of the present invention

Figure 9: Schematic of general concept with high speed air nozzle for drying

Detailed Description:

The present invention solves several problems involved with hand washing such as eliminating the transmission of pathogens through touching, and preservation of water and other resources by automatically controlling the hand washing cycle.

The present invention is energy saving. The energy needed to heat 1kg of 5°C water up to a 39°C is approximately 40W. By delivering only the needed amount of water wetting of hands and rinsing of considerable amount of energy is saved over conventional hands free faucets. At the same time considerable amount of water is saved by delivering only the amount needed and sewage water is reduced by the same amount.

Soap is another considerable operational cost. Conventional soap delivery unit, hand pump, delivers l-2ml of soap in each stroke while automatic spray soap delivers 0.25ml. Foam soap as is intended to use with the present invention uses only 0.01ml of soap for each washing cycle. By delivering only the amount of soap needed the need for sewage water treatment is reduced.

Disinfectant is yet another considerable operational cost. Conventional disinfectant delivery units deliver 1.5-2ml depending on the type of disinfectant. Conventionally the delivery units are pumps placed to the side of the basin and without any delivery nozzle. The present invention on the other hand delivers the disinfectant as a fine spray through a nozzle over the basin. Therefore, the present invention reduces the amount of disinfectant needed to less than 0.5ml.

Drying means is yet another considerable operational cost. From the state of the art it is well known that high speed air drying means is most energy saving method for drying off. The present invention incorporates this means into its design.

The method of optimal hand washing cycle is as follows. First a pre-determined amount of water is dispensed for wetting the hands. Next a pre-determined amount of soap is dispensed followed by a pre-determined time of in-activity during which the user rubs his hands in the soap. This time of in-activity is followed with a predetermined amount of water for rinsing of the soap. Next the hands are dried of by air delivered for pre-determined time. Finally, a predetermined amount of disinfectant (alcohol rub) is delivered.

One possible im lementation of the present invention is shown in figure 1,9. The figures shows the cross section of the end piece of a faucet 1 ,9. The water is dispensed through the passage 3. Soap is dispensed through the passage 4. Air for drying is directed through the passage 2, and the disinfectant through passage 5. Figure 2 shows a side view 6 and a perspective of the above mentioned implementation. Optionally, a touch free motion sensor 7 is shown and a loudspeaker 8. To the person skilled in the art it is obvious that the placements of the passages 2 - 5 can vary. This is emphasized in figures 6-8.

Figure 6 shows one possible implementation of the present invention wherein the water, soap, and disinfectant is delivered through the center nozzle 23, while the drying means is delivered through air drying nozzles 24. In this implementation the drying means is extended considerably symmetrically and considerably perpendicular to the center piece to

accommodate high speed air nozzles. Obviously to the person skilled in the art this could be implemented with a pair of pipe-like extensions as shown in figure 6 enabling the user to dry both sides of both hands at the same time or in a more limiting way. For example; limited functionality could be implemented with one pipe-like extension requiring the user to dry each side of their hands at a time, or with a pipe-like extension(s) to only one side.

Similarly, figure 7 shows another implementation of the same invention wherein the water, soap, and disinfectant is delivered through the center nozzle 23, while the drying means is delivered through air drying nozzles 24. In this implementation the drying means is extended considerably symmetrically and considerably parallel to the center piece to accommodate high speed air nozzles. Obviously to the person skilled in the art this could be implemented with a pair of pipe-like extensions as shown in figure 7 enabling the user to dry both sides of both hands at the same time or in a more limiting way similar to the previous example. Figure 8 shows 3 possible designs of figures 6 and 7. Item 25 shows the one possible design of figure 6 as described above while item 26 shows one possible design of figure 7 as described above. Item 27 shows one design variation of figure 6 as described above were the liquid delivery nozzle is extended along the pipe-like extension closer to the user. The possible uses of the present invention are many, figure 3. Public restrooms is one of the more obvious places were pathogens are transmitted and use of resources is abused. In such places the automatic control of hand washing is imminent. Also, the possibility of remotely monitoring, recording usage, and adjusting 9 the amount of agents (water, soap, disinfectant, air) is important for control of transmitting pathogens. For example, to reduce the risk of pan epidemic of contagious diseases, authorities might want to increase the amount of disinfectant delivered in the public restrooms of train stations 13 and airports 14 as well as on board trains and air planes. During a period of draught city authorities 10 might decide to reduce the amount of water and soap delivered for hand washing in public places and even residential areas.

Another obvious industry benefitting from the present invention is the food processing industry 12. Poor hand hygiene of workers is one of the most common causes for

contaminating food products during processing. There are also obvious benefits for the food industry to be able to remotely control the amount of agents.

The health industry 11 will also greatly benefit from the present invention since different parts of the hospital require different hand hygiene procedures. In one control room 12, different rooms or sections of the hospital can be controlled independently over network. Therefore, the hand washing for operating rooms and intensive care units can require much more amount of water, soap and disinfectant than a section were the elderly are cared for.

The system overview is shown in figure 5. The main components of the system, integrated into the faucet 18, are the processor unit 14, unit for delivering drying means 16, unit for delivering soap 17, unit for delivering disinfectant 20, and water heater and delivery unit 21. The processor communicates with the different units via communication lines 23, and optionally the units communicate back to the processor useful information regarding use and status. The processor 14 is optionally connected to a network 13 via communication link 19, and optionally an operator 9 can remotely monitor and adjust the system. In the system shown in figure 5, the arrow 22 represents a water inlet and arrow 1 represents air inlet. However, the soap and disinfectant unit could be either refillable containers or connected to a supply lines. Obviously, the media of networking is irrelevant to the person skilled in the art. This could be achieved via wired or/and wireless media using myriad of different protocols.

The system is preferably touch free operated. That is the hand washing cycle (process) can be initiated without the touch of a hand. This can be implemented in myriad of different ways as known by a person skilled in the art such as by a motion sensor.

In one implementation the system could be operated by a set of foot operated buttons. One switch for example might initiate the hand washing cycle while different switches might dispense pre-determined amount of cold water for tooth brushing or warm water for shaving.

In yet another implementation the hand washing unit is optionally operated by inserting a coin.

The unit for delivering drying means 16 is preferably an air blower integrated into the faucet 18 or centrally located air blower. However, a towel or paper towel dispensing units are also applicable.

The delivery of exact amount of agents: water, soap, disinfectant, drying medium can be controlled by time and or volume (standard amounts).

The air could also be delivered from a central system. In some cases such system would deliver the air at some preferred temperature to the system which would relief the need for hot air blower and heater in the unit it self. In other cases the hot air could be delivered at some minimum temperature to the unit it self and the unit would fine tune the temperature of the air. Of course this could be applied to either individual units or group of units all depending on the application.

Preferably the drying means is a high speed air eliminating the need of heating up the air. In the same spirit, the unit could optionally be equipped with a water heater unit for adjusting the temperature of the water delivered, or in some cases it could be preferred to have a one central water heating unit for group of washing units. Moreover, in applications were it would be advantageous to have multiple temperatures, for example in buildings were adults and children have separate restrooms, a central water heating unit could supply the water at some predetermined temperature and each unit would use a local water heater unit to reach the preferred final temperature.

Also, it is well known that water for washing is better utilized with a proper pressure and water spread. To achieve this each unit could be equipped with pressure regulator and proper spread head.

During the hand washing process the unit could optionally convey instruction and information by the use of speaker or light panel. By conveying such information respect for natural resources and health consciousness is reinforced.

Variations may be made from the above discussion using the example of hand washing without departing from the spirit of the present invention as claimed. Same principle could for example easily be applied to personal shower, and many other washing and hygine processes.

In one enablement, for example, a hotel building could implement shower system using the present invention as discussed and claimed. Such system could optionally be coin operated.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method of washing cycle, said method comprises the steps of:

- initiating said cycle;

- deliver water for wetting;

- first intermission;

- deliver soap for washing;

- second intermission;

- deliver water for rinsing off;

- deliver drying means;

- third intermission;

- deliver disinfectant;

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said cycle is fully automatic.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein instructions are delivered during said first, second, and third intermissions.

3. A method according to claims 1 or 2, wherein information is delivered during any of said delivering steps.

4. A computer program or suite of computer programs so arranged such that when executed on a processor said program or suite of programs cause(s) said processor to perform the method of any of claims 1 - 3.

5. A computer readable data storage medium storing the computer program or at least one of the suites of computer programs of claim 4.

6. An apparatus for washing, said apparatus comprising:

- a faucet (18,25,26,27), further comprising:

- passage for water (3);

- passage for soap (4);

-passage for disinfectant agent (5); - water delivering unit (22) communicating with said water passage (3) of said faucet ;

- disinfectant unit (20) communicating with said disinfectant passage (5) of said faucet ;

- soap unit (17) communicating with said soap passage (4) of said faucet ;

- drying means;

- means for initiating said washing cycle;

- means for controlling said washing cycle;

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said washing cycle is initiated via hands free operation and said controlling means is adapted to provide a fully automatic washing cycle.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a passage for air (2,24).

8. An apparatus according to claims 6 or 7 wherein said drying means is air blowing unit (16) communicating with said air passage (2,24).

9. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said drying means is a towel dispensing unit.

10. An apparatus according to claims 6 - 9 wherein said control means is adapted to

communicate (19) over network (13).

11. An apparatus according to claims 6 - 10 wherein said control means is adapted to be remotely controlled (9) over a network (13).

12. An apparatus according to claims 6 - 11 wherein said control means is a processor adapted to execute a computer program or suite of computer programs according to claim 4.

13. System for washing, said system comprising:

- one or more washing apparatuses according to claim 6;

- processor;

- network;

- computer program; CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said system is adapted to remotely communicate with said controller (14) of said one or more washing apparatuses.

14. System for washing according to claim 13, said system comprising a central air blower unit serving one or more washing apparatuses.