Have you ever felt like you were letting the water run for nothing when you use your faucet? It is on the basis of this observation that this new start-up company from La Rochelle, Econ'O, has developed the start and flow. You'll have no more excuses for not turning off the water!
The use of the start and flow is very simple: a knee rest on the front of the furniture triggers or shuts off the water supply. This universal system is adaptable in a few minutes on almost all kitchen and bathroom furniture and faucets. No more wasting water, your faucet responds to your knee and your eye.
"We wanted to develop a system without constraints, ergonomic and intuitive" explain Olivier CONAN and Benoît HUGUET, the founders of the company. After various prototypes, the support of the knee was a no-brainer. This gesture is assimilated by everyone from the very first uses. All the work has been to optimize the ergonomics to achieve a particularly good result. Sensitive: the whole door (or drawers) becomes sensitive to knee rests. Parasitic contacts (door slams / vibrations) are not taken into account. Video from the france2 programme "C'est au programme" :
How does it work?
This is a box (the size of a small matchbox) with sensors, positioned on the edge of the cabinet under the sink. The start and flow is therefore invisible and does not interfere with the storage space. The release of water is then managed by valves positioned in upstream of the mixer tap. The whole unit is powered either by a very low voltage transformer (5V) or by a battery case (4 standard AA batteries have a life of 2 to 3 years). The patented system has safety features such as manual disengagement and automatic water shut-off after one minute.
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More than just water savings
The cost of the system pays for itself very quickly (90 euros saved per year for a household of four people), but that's not all. Above all, the system is practical. Who has never dreamed of a third hand to handle the faucet when we have both hands gripped? The knee is everything. just this third hand! But start and flow is also hygienic: no more need for touch your faucet when you have dirty hands...Finally, start and flow makes it much easier to the use of the tap for children, or people with certain disabilities.
The origin of the project
The idea came from their previous activity as engineer/architect in a shipyard. They had then integrated a system used by catering professionals on a sailing ship of range (foot-operated valve). "But this type of system has proven difficult to implement. It was a work of art and unsightly when I wanted to equip my personal kitchen" says Olivier CONAN.
The existing infrared cell valves have also shown their limitations (triggering of the infrared sensor). untimely while washing up). They then built the specifications of a system made for the private individual: ergonomic, invisible, space-saving, and easily integrated on most facilities.
A recognized innovation
This seemingly simple system took three years to develop in the Poitou-Charentes region and the department of Charente-Maritime. The two creators Olivier CONAN (technical director) and Benoît HUGUET (commercial director) were awarded to several times for their innovation: Winners of the OSEO national innovation competition, medal d'or of the Lépine competition and recently labeled by the Janus de l'industrie of the Institut Français du Design.
Where to get the start and flow?
The product is marketed since February 2013 live on their website and also in the following languages large networks of chefs (MOBALPA, PERENNE,...). Dhe large chains of DIY stores and plumbing specialists are taking a very close interest in this clever innovation.
For more information :
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- Benoit HUGUET (06.50.95.30.16) / contact@econ-o.com / www.econ-o.com
