I try and keep my posts related to IT infrastructure and operations but today I couldn’t resist discussing the issue of automatic toilets. These are toilets that are supposed to automatically flush when you stand. My experience has been different.
The principle is simple. You sit down, do your business, stand up, and the toilet should flush. So, why must it always flush 5 – 10 times before you stand up?
Now, I am not what you would call a slender individual. My back measures at least a foot across. The “flush sensor” is less than 6 inches away from my back. I don’t understand why any slight movement triggers a flush. Of course, this includes what you must do in order to finalize the “bathroom experience.” At that point, you are trying to clean up while the toilet is getting you wet at the same time. Quite a predicament.
Another point of reference is the automatic “urinal flush.” My apologies to those of the female persuasion as you have no experience with this device. The automatic urinal flush never makes a mistake. You walk up, do your thing, walk away, and the flush occurs. Reliable every time.
To bring this back home to infrastructure and operations, I must challenge the project team that built this device. Clearly there is a flaw in design and engineering and I would have to seriously question the testing/QA cycle. BTW, can you imagine receiving testing instructions for this device. “1. Approach toilet; 2. Remove trousers; 3. Place ass on toilet seat; 4. Simulate wiping; 5. Rise from seat; 6. Observe flush.”
All I can say is I will stick with computers. They think more like real people.