Eco-Friendly Faucet

What it does

The Eco-Friendly Faucet reduces the amount of water being used while washing hands by up to 95% in the same time limit as a conventional faucet (tap). This design incorporates the method of atomization of water in a new and efficient way.

Your inspiration

This idea came to me when I wanted to clean my bike. I filled up water in an empty deodorant can and connected it with an air compressor. It worked flawlessly and my bike got cleaned in just 100 ml of water. After further research on the implementation of atomization of water for cleaning purposes in houses, I discovered that there were many attempts made in the past but they had flaws which prevented their implementation. This led me to design this. With water scarcity coming up all over the world, inventions to save water are in dire need.

How it works

In conventional faucets, most of the water never touches the surface to be cleaned and just flows down the drain. Atomization of water is the process of breaking down a continuous flow of water into tiny droplets, traveling at a high velocity. This makes it ideal for cleaning, as the droplets have an increased surface area and velocity. My design incorporates this principle and makes it sustainable. It has atomizers spraying water at a common point, cleaning the point with different strike angles (here, the hands), which makes it very efficient to remove dirt without taking a lot of time. For a clearer explanation, please check out the enclosed video.

Design process

My first design was an experiment with aerosol cans. I filled up empty deodorant cans with water and pressurized them with compressed air and used it to clean things and I was amazed by how efficient it was. After further research on the implementation of atomization of water for cleaning purposes in houses, I discovered that there were many attempts made in the past but they had flaws which prevented their implementation. This led me to design this faucet. It was a proof of concept for my design and I have successfully demonstrated its efficiency. Later, I designed a DIY version of the faucet, which can be 3D printed and uses easy-to-find and standard components. The DIY design was appreciated by some professors in my University and they plan to install a few of them in the University Cafeteria. I have also designed a concept for a commercial version made out of steel, having a minimal look. (Please refer to the video for the demonstration)

How it is different

There were many attempts made in the past to incorporate atomization for washing hands but they had flaws which prevented their implementation. Their designs made the process of washing hands really long and inconvenient. Hence they did not succeed commercially. My design has atomizers spraying water at a common point, cleaning the point with different strike angles, which makes it very efficient to remove dirt. This makes the process of washing hands not any longer than the conventional way. For a clearer explanation, please check out the enclosed video.

Future plans

The next step for my design would be to make a prototype for a commercial version, using steel. I aim on making it a ready to install, standard faucet. I also plan on designing other things using my design like shower faucets. As an engineer, I am hoping to make the life of people easier and safer by my work.

Awards

Manipal University Innovation Day award- My prototype got the second position in an innovation competition for the students in my University.