Foot-Operated Device for Controlling the Flow of Water into Plumbing Fixtures

Abstract

For so many years the use of the hand - operated valve has been in existence for use to control water flow into plumbing fixtures. This research report outlines attempts to solve the problems arising from hand recontamination associated with the existing means of water flow using manual control valves and the harbouring and breeding of germs related to the automatic faucet by designing a device to be controlled by foot for regulating water flow into the plumbing fixtures. This device can be adopted for use in places like homes, hostels, schools, offices, restaurants, healthcare centres and other public places in general.The design employs the use of a helical compressive spring (under varying loads) as the major component for keeping the plug of the valve and the pedal of the actuator (both linked by a control rope) in position instead of the screw as employed in the hand - operated valves, as the main principle of operation.The maximum input force accommodated by the actuator in order to open the valve at full port is 36 N for users of ages ranging from 15 years and above. Difficulties encountered (but solved) included sizing components and drawing.

Keywords: Hand – operated; Valve; Control; Water; Flow; Plumbing fixtures