SHARP INNOVATION DEVELOPS ECO-FRIENDLY TOILET SYSTEM

Sharp Concepts’ ability to develop almost any project idea into a workable product has resulted in the imminent launch of a revolutionary new toilet system which was originally thought about almost 40 years ago.

Expected to be commercialised late 2001, the Dove Eco-Flush toilet system was deemed to be too different back in the sixties when its now 93-year-old inventor began working on its design. However, with water conservation such a significant issue and plumbing standards now allowing alternative safeguards, the market place is finally ready for an environmentally-friendly toilet system which saves water and operates using mains water pressure.

Sharp Concepts designed and developed Dove Eco-Flush in conjunction with the Tauranga-based company Dove Systems Ltd, which is directed by the toilet's original inventor George Claridge, and fellow directors, Graham Clarke and Dave Kapluggin.

What they have ended up with is a unique toilet system which is not only simple to install and maintain, but is also able to operate at maximum efficiency with reduced and variable flush volumes. This latter feature is expected to make Dove Eco-Flush highly marketable in places like Singapore where water usage in high-rise apartment blocks is currently causing concern.

Dove Systems Ltd credit Sharp Concepts for helping George realise his long-held dream of developing his Dove Eco-Flush prototype into an actual marketable product.

According to company director, Graham Clarke, "We developed the prototype and then Sharp Concepts provided the expertise, experience and design capabilities needed to produce a production model. They certainly proved they were highly informed about engineering design principles, and we found them to be very co-operative and innovative. They also helped us obtain the necessary patents and regulatory approvals."

From Sharp Concepts’ perspective, the development of Dove Eco-Flush is just another example of the type of highly technical, multi-material project at which they excel.

For instance, the development of Dove Eco-Flush incorporated electronic design, fluid mechanics, industrial design, plastic moulding, and ensuring standards approvals were met. The product also has an aluminium support frame and is made up of almost 30 other different components, including various valves, springs, and customised plastic parts.

Sharp Concepts’ Managing Director, Jeff Sharp says, "With Dove Eco-Flush we ended achieving what we always seek to do. We took a client's prototype and turned it into a workable result by providing a comprehensive package of industrial design and engineering skills and services."

So if you need advanced industrial design and engineering Sharp Concepts can assure you of a sharp result.

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