SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING GRAY WATER TO FLUSH A TOILET

Abstract

A system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet includes a potable water source, a gray water tank, a first conduit coupled between the gray water tank and the toilet, and a pump configured to transfer gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet tank via the first conduit. The gray water tank may be configured to receive water from a sink of a bathroom, kitchen, or other room of a house, building, RV, etc. By utilizing gray water to flush a toilet, potable water may be conserved. In some examples, the system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet also includes one or more sensors, one or more valves, one or more controllers, wireless transceivers, and one or more filters.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to plumbing systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet.

BACKGROUND

Gray water includes domestic wastewater created in households, office buildings, and recreational vehicles (among others) from sources such as showers, sinks, baths, washing machines, and dishwashers. Generally speaking, gray water contains fewer contaminants than black water and may be more easily filtered or reused onsite for other non-potable purposes. While the repurposing and integration of gray water into the water supply subsystem reduces the demand for fresh clean water, reducing associated utility costs and assisting in times of drought, most gray water is not utilized.

Conserving potable water is important, and can be crucial in some environments. Further, for some activities, such as tripping and camping in a recreational vehicle (RV), the need to conserve potable water allows a user to extend their trip without the need of obtaining additional fresh, potable water. For example, RVs in the industry typically have a potable water tank, a gray water tank, and a black water tank. All needed water is pulled from the potable water tank, even if being used to flush the toilet. As a result, the potable water tank can be quickly depleted. This often results in a user needing to refill the potable water tank more often than desired. This can be important when there is no nearby source of potable water.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method that allows a user to utilize gray water to flush a toilet, thereby conserving potable water for other uses. The present disclosure solves these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In some embodiments, a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet comprises a potable water source, a gray water tank, a first conduit coupled between the gray water tank and the toilet, and a pump configured to transfer gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet tank via the first conduit. The gray water tank may be configured to receive water from a sink of a bathroom, kitchen, or other room of a house, building, RV, etc.

In some embodiments, the system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet comprises one or more sensors, one or more valves, a controller, and one or more filters. In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more wireless transceivers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet;

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of a system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As previously discussed, there is a need for a system and method that allows a user to utilize gray water to flush a toilet, thereby conserving potable water for other uses. The system and method for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet disclosed herein solves these and other problems.

Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a system and method 100 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet comprises a potable water source 102 (e.g., potable water tank in an RV), a gray water tank, a first conduit 106 coupled between the gray water tank 104 and the toilet 108, and a gray water pump 110 configured to transfer gray water from the gray water tank 104 to the toilet 108 via the first conduit 106. It will be appreciated that the gray water tank 104 may be configured to receive water from a sink of a bathroom, kitchen, or other room of a house, building, RV, etc. At its most basic, gray water fills the gray water tank 104, where it may then be pumped through the first conduit 106 using gray water pump 110 to thereby be flushable in the toilet 108. After flushing the water from the toilet proceeds to a black water tank 112 (or sewer system).

Some embodiments may include additional components. For example, if the gray water tank 104 exceeds a certain threshold or otherwise needs to be emptied, a gate valve 114 may be used to empty the gray water tank 104. Additionally, a filter 116 may interposed between the gray water tank 104 and the gray water pump 110 to filter out unwanted particles or debris. Further, a gray water valve 118 (e.g., electric valve) may be interposed between the gray water tank 104 and the toilet 108 to control the flow of gray water in a given direction.

Further, in some embodiments, the potable water source 102 may be a potable water tank in an RV. A potable water pump 120 may be used to pump water from the potable water source 102 to the toilet 108 when the gray water tank 104 is below a predetermined threshold. For example, when user's first arrive at a campsite, there may not be sufficient water in the gray tank 104 for use by the toilet 108. As a result, water may be pumped from the potable water source 102 via the pump 120 to the toilet 108. A potable electric valve 122 may control the direction and flow of water, while a check valve 124 ensures no flow of gray water may enter the potable water lines. As users begin to use the sink and the water level in the gray water tank rises to a predetermined threshold, water may then be pumped from the gray water tank 104 instead of using the potable water source 102. By using the gray water tank 104 to flush the toilet 108, potable water from the potable water source 102 may be conserved.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a system of utilizing gray water. As understood, a gray tank sensor 126 may be positioned within the gray water tank 104 so as to detect the water level. A controller 128 (e.g., microcontroller) may be configured to process signals received from the gray tank sensor and to actuate a respective gray water valve 118 or potable water valve 122. As discussed earlier, if the controller detects, via the sensor 126, that the water is below a predetermined threshold in the gray water tank 104, the potable water valve 122 is actuated. If the controller 128 detects, via the sensor 126, that the water in the gray water tank 104 is at or above a predetermined threshold, then the gray water valve 118 is actuated (along with the respective pump 110). It will be appreciated that power for the respective controller 128, valves 118, 122, pump 110, etc. may be supplied by a battery 130. However, it will be appreciated that other sources of power may also be used, including AC power from the grid, power from a generator, etc. Further, other typical components may be used, such as one or more fuses 132, 134, a relay 136 or other switch (which may function as the sensor), or other components known in the art. Additionally, an override switch may be used to shutoff the gray water valve 118 and gray water pump 110 so that only potable water is used. However, once the switch is in an “on” position, the gray water pump 110 and valve 118 may function to provide gray water to the toilet, assuming the gray water level in the tank is above the predetermined threshold.

Referring to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the filter 116 may be positioned in various locations. For example, FIG. 1 illustrated the filter between the gray water tank 104 and the pump 110, while FIG. 3 illustrates the filter 116 positioned between the gray water pump 110 and the gray water valve 118. The filter 116 helps to ensure that debris or other matter does not pass from the gray water tank 104 to the toilet 108. However, it will be appreciated that the filter 116 is not required. For example, many pumps in the art comprise a diaphragm sufficiently sized so as to allow debris to pass therethrough without clogging the pump, where the debris may likewise be flushed from the toilet 108. In some embodiments, when the gray water is above the predetermined threshold, the gray water pump 110 may pressurize the gray water line (e.g., up to 65 pounds of pressure) to ensure water is available to the toilet when flushed. However, in other embodiments, the pump may be activated to provide water to the toilet only when flushed and the tank is in need of refilling.

Referring to FIG. 4, the system and method 200 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet may comprise a 3-way valve 138 instead of a plurality of valves. In other words, if the controller 128 detects, via the sensor 126 and/or relay 136 that the water in the gray tank 104 is at or above a predetermined threshold, the 3-way valve 138 is actuated so as to allow the flow of water from the gray water tank 104. If the water in the gray water tank 104 is below the predetermined threshold, then the 3-way valve 138 is actuated so as to allow potable water from the potable water source 102 to flow therethrough. FIG. 5 illustrates a system and method 200 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet comprising the three-way valve 138.

FIG. 6 illustrates that the filter 116 of the system and method 200 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet may be located in a variety of positions without departing herefrom. And, as noted earlier, the filter 116 is not required. In some embodiments, odor treatments may also be included. These can be incorporated into the filter or can be separate therefrom. In some embodiments, a deodorizer is added to the gray water tank or to the first conduit via an input line. The input of deodorizer may also be electronically controlled using a controller (e.g., controller 128) and additional valving and/or pumps.

Referring to FIG. 7, the system and method 300 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet may include wireless communication systems. For example, the system and method 300 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet may comprise a radio control box 140 (which may comprise a microcontroller and wireless transceiver) in communication with a second radio control box 142 (which may likewise comprises a transceiver and microcontroller), the second radio control box 142 coupled to, and configured to actuate, the gray water valve 118 or the potable water valve 122, respectively, based upon input received from the first radio control box 140. The first radio control box 140 is configured to detect the level of gray water in the gray water tank 104, such as by using a sensor 126 and/or relay 136, which then transmits instructions to the second radio control box 142 to control the respective valves 118, 122. Any standard wireless communication protocols may be used, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.

Additionally, the control box 140 may likewise transmit system information to a user's device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to indicate system status to a user. For example, the current gray water level, status of filters, status of pumps or malfunctions, or other information may be presented to a user. In some embodiments, the user may also control the pumps or valves via their smartphone or other connected device, such as to purge the gray water tank using the dump gate 114, etc.

Further, it will be appreciated that the gray tank sensor 126 may be of any known type of water sensor or gauge (e.g., float switch, ultrasonic, capacitive, pressure, optical, radar, vibrating, acoustic, etc.) and may be configured to indicate current levels (i.e., continuous level sensor) of gray water or may simply indicate if the level is above or below a predetermined threshold (i.e., point level sensor). Additionally, if a gray water tank includes OEM sensors, the system may use utilize those as well, rather than adding new sensors. In some embodiments, the toilet 108 may use both gray water and potable water. For example, the toilet 108 may flush using gray water as the primary source (via the gray water tank 104, pump 110, and a respective valve), and may then perform a smaller “after-flush” to clean one or more water lines, one or more valves, and the toilet.

FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of the system and method 400 for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet. As shown, a battery 130 may provide power to one or more components of the system, including the gray tank sensor 126, relay 136, first radio control box 140, second radio control box 142, one or more valves (e.g., three-way valve 138), and one or more pumps 110. By utilizing the radio control boxes 140, 142, less wiring is needed, allowing for easy installation, particularly for retrofits.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that by utilizing gray water to flush a toilet, less potable water is used, thereby conserving potable water for other uses. For example, an RV may be able to remain away from a water source for longer periods of time since less potable water is being used. While RVs and tanks have been used as examples, it will also be appreciated that other structures or buildings could also benefit from the system disclosed herein. For example, a tiny home, regular home, or even a commercial building could benefit from using gray water to flush toilets, thereby conserving potable water. In scenarios, there would not be a need for a potable water tank, but rather the water supply to the toilet would be from standard water sources (e.g., municipal water, well water, etc.) that would be utilized when the gray water tank is below a predetermined threshold. For example, an electric valve would actuate so as to allow water to flow from either the gray water tank or the potable water line, as needed. Again, in such scenarios, an additional check valve may also be used to ensure no backflow of gray water into the electric valve or potable water pipes.

It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A system for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet, the system comprising: a potable water tank;a potable pump configured to pump potable water from the potable water tank;a first electric valve configured to control the flow of water from the potable water tank to the toilet;a gray water tank;a gray water pump configured to pump gray water from the gray water tank; anda second electric valve configured to control the flow of water from the gray water tank to the toilet.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a filter interposed between the gray water tank and the toilet.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a check valve interposed between the toilet and the second electric valve.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gray tank dump gate valve.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a gray tank sensor configured to detect the gray water level within the gray water tank.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a controller configured to receive data from the sensor and to actuate one or more of the first electric valve, the second electric valve, the gray water pump, and the potable water pump.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the controller further comprises a wireless transceiver coupled thereto.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one battery configured to power the potable pump, the gray pump, the first electric valve, and the second electric valve.

9. A system for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet, the system comprising: a potable water source configured to provide potable water to the toilet;a gray water tank;a sensor positioned within the gray water tank and configured to detect the level of gray water within the gray water tank;a gray water pump configured to pump gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet; anda controller configured to control the position of an electric valve, the electric valve configured to: i. control the flow of gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet; andii. control the flow of potable water from the potable water source to the toilet.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a filter interposed between the gray water tank and the toilet.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a check valve interposed between the toilet and the fresh water source.

12. The system of claim 9, further comprising a gray tank dump gate valve.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller further comprises a wireless transceiver coupled thereto and configured to transmit the status the system to a user device.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller further comprises a wireless transceiver coupled thereto and configured to communicate to a second controller, the second controller configured to actuate the electric valve.

15. A system for utilizing gray water to flush a toilet, the system comprising: a potable water tank;a potable pump configured to pump potable water from the potable water tank to the toilet;a gray water tank;a sensor positioned within the gray water tank and configured to detect the level of gray water within the gray water tank;a gray water pump configured to pump gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet;a first controller configured to control the position of at least one electric valve, the at least one electric valve configured to: i. control the flow of gray water from the gray water tank to the toilet; andii. control the flow of potable water from the potable water source to the toilet;a filter interposed between the gray water tank and the toilet; anda check valve interposed between the gray water pump and the potable pump.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a second controller, wherein the first controller controls the position of the at least one electric valve by communicating through the second controller.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein each controller comprises a respective wireless transceiver coupled thereto, the wireless transceivers configured to communicate with one another.