WATER CONSERVATION IN THE HOME KAREN DITKO
AYAN BANDARI
OLIVIA FORD
NICK ABBOTT
COPYRIGHT 2011, LUNATM All Rights Reserved This document contains proprietary information that is the property of LUNATM and may not be copied, published, summarized, disclosed to others, or used for any purpose other than to review, without express written authorization of an authorized officer of this company. All information contained herein shall be held in strictest confidence and in trust for the sold and exclusive benefit of LUNATM. This document is subject to exemption from disclosure under the freedom of information act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b) (4). this document must be kept only in LUNATM confidential files when not in use.
TABLE OF CONTENTS LAMINAR FLOW PROJECT BRIEF RESEARCH CONCEPT PHASE THE LUNATM FAUCET FAUCET FEATURES SINK FEATURES INTERNALS COMPARISON STORYBOARDS SAVINGS FINAL CONCEPT MODEL
4 6 7 8 18 20 22 24 26 28 34 38
3
LAMINAR FLOW Laminar flow creates a smooth arc of water by compressing the water molecules to eliminate air bubbles. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, it reduces water consumption by up to 30%
5
A faucet and sink that challenge the way we think about water conservation in homes.
WHY CONSERVE WATER? While fresh water is a renewable resource, the world’s supply of clean, usable water is decreasing faster than it can be replenished.
%
97
ONLY 1% OF ALL WATER IS FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
3%
Salt water Frozen water Fresh water
%
1 2%
Wikipedia: Water resources
Available for human consumption
WILL THIS AFFECT YOU? While fresh water is a renewable resource, the world’s supply of clean, usable water is decreasing faster than it can be replenished.
STATES
ARE EXPECTING TO FACE WATER SHORTAGES WITHIN THE NEXT
5 YEARS.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
IN JUST ONE YEAR, THIS AMOUNTS TO
HOW CAN WE CONSERVE OUR SUPPLY? An average US family uses 127,000 gallons of water per year. Low flow appliances and fixtures can help reduce that number. If all US households installed water saving fixtures and appliances, it would save: Drinktap.org
2 TRILLION GALLONS OF WATER SAVED WHICH IS WORTH OVER $4,000,000,000!
SAVINGS ON WATER BILL
30%
40,000 GAL/YR per household
ALL US households
x
5.4 BILLON
= 11.3 MILLION which is worth
RESEARCH By observing users, keeping water logs, and reading multiple case studies, we were able to compile the statistics above and use them to generate concepts in the next phase.
7
CONCEPT PHASE
1070 SQ FT 137 CONCEPTS 10 MODEL ITERATIONS
1070 SQ FT 137 CONCEPTS 10 MODEL ITERATIONS
9
INITIAL CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT Concept sketching was a key tool in the process after research. Early concepts involved a “guilt meter, which would actively show how much water is being used during an activity such as a shower or ina dishwater. We also thought about showing how much is used over a period of time so you can compare it to your water bill at the end of the month. Other cocepts invovled second uses for water such as converting it to steam to clean or release wrinkles in clothes. Overall, our goal was to design something that would educate the user about water usage to promote water conservation and awareness. It is recognized that human behavior can have a significant impact on strategies designed to manage water sustainably.
THE ALL-IN-ONE CONCEPTS Our second generation of concept sketches are focused on the bathroom. Results from a survey conducted show that people are willing to install fixtures and appliances if it saves water and money on their water bill. We looked at recycling grey water for second uses in the bathroom including an all-in-one system for all bathroom fixtures, along with more visual indicators showing the total usage of water. We narrowed down our concepts to faucets and sinks because they are central and key factors in the bathroom.
11
EMOTIONAL AND INTUITIVE CONCEPTS Our final generation of concept is a range of faucets and sink concepts which incorporate laminar flow and its contact with surfaces, innovative aesthetics, emotional and physical engagment. We wanted to use laminar flow due to the beauty and amount of water used with it. We also wanted the faucet to be interactive in the way that it responds to the user upon engagement.
FINAL CONCEPTS Our second generation of concept sketches are focused on the bathroom. Results from a survey conducted show that people are willing to install fixtures and appliances if it saves water and money on their water bill. We looked at recycling grey water for second uses in the bathroom including an all-in-one system for all bathroom fixtures, along with more visual indicators showing the total usage of water. We narrowed down our concepts to faucets and sinks because they are central and key factors in the bathroom.
13
SPOUT DESIGN After finalizing the form we started to iterate on the details of the design. The first detail involved the spout. The form of the right was chosen due to its fair and purposeful curves that create a smooth transition between the handle and spout. This taper became an iconic part of the design language and was used in multiple parts of the faucet and sink design.
INDICATOR DESIGN The next phase of the design focused on the base of the faucet and the temperature indicators. The circular indicators were chosen in reponse to the main form of the faucet and the base was chosen for its transition into the sink and its size.
15
BASE DESIGN We continued to iterate on the base and chose the one on the right.This was due to its increased size for internal components and its ability to smoothly transfer from the form of the ring into the gradual decline of the sink form. Further emphasizing the one piece system.
laminar flow to surface concept ball and socket joint for fluid movement
“tea kettle� concept
final concept model shows scale and how the laminar flow completes the form
sculptural forms
MODEL ITERATIONS Our first models included a ball and socket joint which gave a fluid movement to the faucet controls.
17
lun
The faucet. Innovated.
19
Material change dictates touch
Glowing rings indicate water temperature Part line indicates movement
Water spout
Touch controls
Internally housed controls
FEATURES
21
Unique sink basin design
Laminar flow is quiet with minimal splashing against sink
17”
8”
6”
SINK DESIGN Along with the faucet, we designed a sink that reflects the faucet’s design features. This sink allows the user to pool water for various uses without wasting water filling the whole basin.
23
ELECTRONICS The internals of the sink involves a dry and wet cross section separated by a rib barrier. The dry part is the electrical section. This houses a touch sensor that connects to a PCB board which then routes information to four LED diodes. This information is sent to the pump which activates the hot or cold circulation.
WATER PUMP The water pump components Involves a laminar flow pump and one piece valve that allows water to be constantly rotating through for faster activation. This is connected to a flexible hose that then attaches to a laminar spout. This flexible hose allows the faucet to move without disrupting use. This section is also a housing for a gliding joint. 25
Circular form informs motion and allows simple use
Part line informs direction of use
Movable spout allows different modes
Two parts allows for less leakage
LUNA VS. A REGULAR FAUCET Luna™ has many advantages over traditional faucet design. It offers fewer opportunities for leaks in addition to saving water and being more user-friendly by visually indicating water temperature, and offering more flexibility in water flow position.
No direct indication as to what direction translates into pressure or temperature.
Perceptable to leakage Spout in locked position creates one mode of use
27
PRE-HEAT/COOL METHOD By tapping the knob with the indicated color, the user is able to pre heat or cool the water before turning the faucet on. The temperature of the water is intuitively indicated to the user by the glowing rings around the outside of the ring of the faucet.
29
USE When the ring indicates the desired temperature, the user rotates the ring back, and exposes the flow of the water.
Due to its gliding motion and wide surface, the faucet is very easy to turn on and off without having to grab it with the hand.
As you move the faucet back, the arc of the water changes. This allows dynamic and simple use of the faucet for multiple tasks. Here, the user is using a steeper arc to wash her face. 31
TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT If the water is to hot, you can adjust the temperature by tapping the cold knob.
Continue using the water as it cools and the ring will start to glow.
When the water reaches the desired temperature, simply tap the knob again to lock that temperature in place.
When finished with the faucet, turn the ring forward until the water shuts off.
33
30% Laminar flow reduces water consumption by 30%
LUNA™ saves you money while helping you to conserve the world’s water supply.
30%
30%
200 G
200 G
Pre-heating and pre-cooling saves up to 200 gallons per month that would otherwise be wasted waiting for the water to heat up and cool down
$801,561.60 If a town the size of Blacksburg, VA installed LUNA™ faucets in every home it would amount to a savings of over $800,000 every year.
35
37
PROOF OF CONCEPT MODEL We created a 3D printed prototype of our final concept, incorporating parts of a laminar flow faucet donated by Kohler™ to prove our concept.
laminar flow nozzle
Luna faucet prototype
flow capacitator - Kohler Archer lavatory faucet
39
SPECIAL THANKS TO GREGORY DE SWARTE AND THE KOHLER™ FOR THEIR GENEROUS ASSISTANCE WITH THE LUNA™ PROJECT.