Rotary encoder for digital controller

Abstract

A user interface for use within a valve control system. The illustrative user interface includes a rotary incremental encoder having an outer selector ring operably coupled to an inner pinion.

Description

ROTARY ENCODER FOR DIGITAL CONTROLLERCross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 684,626, filed August 19, 2024, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.Background and Summary of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a user interface and, more particularly, to a user interface for use within a valve control system.

[0003] The illustrative user interface of the present disclosure is configured to reduce the cost of incremental encoder applications, especially in plumbing digital control systems where waterproofing is necessary with high lifecycle count, while also maintaining reasonable costs for mass production and maintaining a small package. In an illustrative embodiment, the user interface is integrated into a valve control system of a digital shower system.

[0004] According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a valve control system includes a controller, a drive device in electrical communication with the controller, and a flow control member operably coupled to the drive device. An incremental rotary encoder includes an outer selector ring having a body supporting a plurality of inwardly extending teeth, the outer selector ring rotatable about a first axis, and an inner pinion having a body supporting a plurality of outwardly extending teeth, the outwardly extending teeth of the inner pinion engaging the inwardly extending teeth of the outer selector ring. The inner pinion is rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the outer selector ring about the first axis. A position sensor is positioned radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the inner pinion and is in electrical communication with the controller. The position sensor provides an input signal to the controller indicative of a rotational position of the outer selector ring, and the controller controls operation of the drive device in response to the input signal.

[0005] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a valve control system includes a controller, a drive device in electrical communication with the controller, and a flow control member operably coupled to the drive device. An incremental rotary encoder includes a first transmission member including a body supporting15006581.1a first coupler, and a second transmission member including a body supporting a second coupler and a magnet. The second coupler of the second transmission member couples with the first coupler of the first transmission member. An electromagnetic field sensor is spaced from the second transmission member and is in electrical communication with the controller. The magnetic field sensor provides an input signal to the controller indicative of a relative position of the first transmission member, and the controller controls operation of the drive device in response to the input signal.

[0006] According to a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user interface includes a selector ring having a body supporting a plurality of first teeth, the selector ring rotatable about a first axis, and a pinion having a body supporting a plurality of second teeth and a magnet. The second teeth of the pinion are engageable with the first teeth of the selector ring. The pinion is rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the selector ring about the first axis. A substrate is operably coupled to the selector ring. A magnetic field sensor is illustratively supported by the substrate radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the pinion.

[0007] According to another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user interface includes an outer selector ring having a body supporting a plurality of first teeth, the outer selector ring rotatable about a first axis, and an inner pinion having a body supporting a plurality of second teeth and a magnet. The second teeth of the inner pinion engage the first teeth of the outer selector ring. The inner pinion is rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the inner selector ring about the first axis. A magnetic field sensor is positioned radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the inner pinion. A cover separates a wetted space from a non-wetted space. The magnetic field sensor is received within the non-wetted space.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as presently perceived.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better25006581.1understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative shower system including a valve control system of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, in partial cross-section, of an illustrative user interface and electronic shower valve of the shower system of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the illustrative user interface of FIG. 2;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the illustrative user interface of FIG. 3;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a front exploded perspective view of the illustrative user interface ofFIG. 3;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a rear exploded perspective view of the illustrative user interface of FIG. 4;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative user interface taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative user interface taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the illustrative user interface, in cross-section, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 4;

[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 7, of a further illustrative user interface of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another illustrative user interface of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of a further illustrative user interface of the present disclosure.

[0022] For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described herein. The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of the scope of the claimed invention is thereby intended. The present invention includes any35006581.1alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of principles in the invention which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0023] The embodiments hereinafter disclosed are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following description. Rather the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize its teachings.

[0024] With reference initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an illustrative shower system 10 includes a valve control system 12 configured to control operation of an electronic shower valve 14. The electronic shower valve 14 illustratively includes a valve body or rough 16 receiving, and fluidly coupled with, a valve cartridge 18. A bonnet nut 19 illustratively secures the valve cartridge 18 within the valve body 16. The valve body 16 is configured to be installed within a shower wall (not shown) in a conventional manner. The valve body 16 may be, for example, MultiChoice® Universal Tub / Shower Rough-Universal Inlets / Outlets Model #: R10000-UNBX available from Delta Faucet Company of Indianapolis. Indiana. Additional details of an illustrative valve body 16 are shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,819,134 to Izzy et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporate herein by reference.

[0025] With further reference to FIG. 1, the illustrative valve cartridge 18 includes a drive device 20 operably coupled to a valve or flow control member 22. The drive device 20 illustratively includes an electric motor 24 operably coupled to a gear assembly 26 which, in turn, is operably coupled to the valve member 22. As further detailed herein, operation of the drive device 20 moves the valve member 22. While the illustrative drive device 20 is shown as including electric motor 24 and gear assembly 26, it should be noted that other types of actuators (both rotary and linear) may be substituted therefor, such as a conventional linear solenoid.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a hot water supply 28 supplies hot water to a hot water inlet 30 of the shower valve 14, and a cold water supply 32 supplies cold water to a cold water inlet 34 of the shower valve 14. The valve member 22 is movable to control water flow from the hot water inlet 30 and the cold water inlet 34 to mixed water outlets 36, 38. In an illustrative embodiment, the hot water inlet 30, the cold water inlet 34, and the mixed water outlets 36, 38 are defined by the valve body 16. Additionally, it should be appreciated45006581.1that the positioning and the number of water inlets 30, 34 and water outlets 36, 38 may vary. Illustratively, the valve member 22 may include a rotatable valve disc, wherein the flow rate and the temperature of water supplied to the outlets 36, 38 vary based upon the angular or rotational position of the valve member 22. It should be appreciated that other types of valve members 22 may be substituted for the rotatable valve disc, such as linear sliding discs or plates.

[0027] With further reference to FIG. 1, water at the mixed water outlet 36 may be provided to a diverter valve 40 in a conventional manner. The diverter valve 40 selectively controls water flow to one or both of a first fluid delivery device 42 (such as a tub spout or a hand shower) and a second fluid delivery device 44 (such as an overhead showerhead).Illustratively, the diverter valve 40 may be controlled by a user to selectively toggle water between the first and second fluid delivery’ devices 42 and 44.

[0028] The illustrative control system 12 includes a controller 46 in electrical communication with the motor 24 of the shower valve 14. The controller 46 illustratively includes a processor or central processing unit (CPU) 48 in electrical communication with a memory 50. Machine readable instructions are illustratively stored within the memory750 for execution by the processor 48.

[0029] An angular position sensor 52 (e.g., a potentiometer, a Hall effect sensor, a light sensor, an inductive sensor, electro-mechanical switches, etc.) may be operably coupled to the valve member 22 and is in electrical communication with the controller 46. More particularly, the angular position sensor 52 is configured to provide a signal indicative of the angular position of the valve member 22 to the processor 48. In certain illustrative embodiments, the angular position sensor 52 may be integrated within the drive device 20 (e.g., within a solenoid valve).

[0030] A temperature sensor 54 (e.g., a thermistor) may be in fluid communication with the mixed water outlets 36, 38 of the shower valve 14 and is in electrical communication with the controller 46. More particularly, the temperature sensor 54 may be supported by the valve body 16 and is configured to provide a signal to the processor 48 indicative of water temperature provided by the shower valve 14 at the outlets 36, 38. Feedback signals from the sensors 52 and 54 may cause the controller 46 to operate the drive device 20 and thereby move (e.g.. rotate) the valve member 22.55006581.1

[0031] The illustrative valve cartridge 18 of the electronic shower valve 14 may be of conventional design. For example, the shower valve 14 may be of the type detailed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0388584 to Thomas et al., PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2025 / 145160 to Marty et al., and / or PCT International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2025 / 145163 to Veros et al., the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] A conventional power supply 56 is illustratively in electrical communication with the controller 46 and is configured to provide selective power to the motor 24 of the shower valve 14. Illustratively, a user interface 60 is in electrical communication with the controller 46. The illustrative user interface 60 may include a control panel 62 supported by a trim or escutcheon 64. In an illustrative embodiment, the control panel 62 may include a button, switch or display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) extending within an opening 66 in the escutcheon 64.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3-8, the user interface 60 may further illustratively include a selector 68 having an incremental rotary encoder 70. The illustrative selector 68 includes a first transmission member, such as an outer selector dial or ring 72. The outer selector ring 72 illustratively includes an outer annular body 74 and an inner annular body 75 supporting a first coupler. The first coupler illustratively includes a plurality of first or inwardly extending teeth 76. The outer selector ring 72 is illustratively supported for rotation about a first axis 78.

[0034] A second transmission member, such as a pinion or gear 80, cooperates with the outer selector ring 72. The pinion 80 illustratively includes a circular or disc-shaped body 82 supporting a second coupler. The second coupler illustratively includes a plurality of second or outwardly extending teeth 84 engaging with the inwardly extending teeth 76 of the outer selector ring 72. The outer selector ring 72 illustratively has an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cooperating pinion 80.

[0035] While the illustrative first and second couplers are shown as cooperating teeth 76 and 84, it should be appreciated that other couplers may be substituted therefor. As further detailed herein, a variety of different transmission engagement means could be provided between the outer selector ring 72 and the pinion 80, such as alternative frictional interfaces (such as elastomeric contact surfaces), belts, pulleys, chains, and / or magnets.65006581.1

[0036] In the illustrative user interface 60, the pinion 80 may be positioned radially inside of the outer selector ring 72 (defining internal configuration encoder 70, as shown in FIG. 7). In a further illustrative user interface 60', the pinion 80 may be positioned radially outside of the outer selector ring 72 (defining external configuration encoder 70', as shown in FIG. 10). In the internal configuration of FIG. 7, the outer selector ring 72 includes the plurality of inw ardly extending teeth 76 engaging with the outwardly extending teeth 84 of the inner pinion 80. In the external configuration of FIG. 10, the outer selector ring 72' includes a plurality of outwardly extending teeth 76' engaging with the outwardly extending teeth 84 of the outer pinion 80.

[0037] With further reference to FIG. 7, the outwardly extending teeth 84 of the inner pinion 80 engage with the inwardly extending teeth 76 of the outer selector ring 72, such that rotation of the outer selector ring 72 causes rotation of the inner pinion 80. More particularly, the inner pinion 80 is rotatable about a second axis 86 in response to rotation of the outer selector ring 72. When a user rotates the outer selector ring 72 about the first axis 78 (shown by arrows 85 in FIG. 7) engagement between the teeth 76 and 84 causes corresponding rotation of the inner pinion 80 about the second axis 86 (shown by arrows 87 in FIG. 7). The large gear or selector ring 72 and the small gear or pinion 80 may be operably coupled by gear teeth 76 and 84, via frictional interface (such as elastomeric contact surfaces), by magnetic coupling, and / or other conventional coupling means.

[0038] With further reference to FIG. 10, the outwardly extending teeth 84 of the outer pinion 80 engage with the outw ardly extending teeth 76' of the outer selector ring 72', such that rotation of the outer selector ring 72' causes rotation of the outer pinion 80. More particularly, the outer pinion 80 is rotatable about a second axis 86' in response to rotation of the outer selector ring 72'. When a user rotates the outer selector ring 72' about the first axis 78 (arrows 85 in FIG. 10) engagement betw een the teeth 76' and 84 causes corresponding rotation of the outer pinion 80 about the second axis 86' (arrow s 87' in FIG. 10).

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 5-10, a substrate or support 88 may be operably coupled to the outer selector ring 72 and the pinion 80. The substrate 88 illustratively extends radially within the outer selector ring 72. Alternatively, the substrate 88 may extend outside of the selector ring 72. The substrate 88 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 90. A display 92 may be operably coupled to the printed circuit board 90. Illustratively, the display 92 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) positioned concentrically within the outer selector ring 72.75006581.1

[0040] A plurality of circumferentially spaced magnets 94 are illustratively supported by the pinion 80. While four magnets 94 are shown in the illustrative embodiment, the number and placement of magnets 94 within the pinion 80 may vary. The magnets 94 may be encapsulated by overmolding, seals, or sealant, in the pinion 80 to prevent water damage. The magnets 94 may be discrete from the body 82 of the inner pinion 80, or be integrated with the body 82 of the pinion 80 (e.g., magnetic polymer compound).

[0041] A position sensor 96 is illustratively supported by the substrate 88 and is positioned radially outwardly from the second axis 86 of the pinion 80. The position sensor 96 may be a conventional magnetic (e.g., electromagnetic) field sensor configured to detect magnetic fields emitted by the magnets 94 of the pinion 80. Illustratively, the magnetic field sensor 96 may comprise a Hall effect sensor in electrical communication with the controller 46. The sensor 96 may extend outwardly (perpendicular) from the substrate 88 (FIG. 8) or horizontal (parallel) thereto. The magnet 94 and the electromagnetic field sensor 96 define the incremental rotary encoder 70 wherein rotation of the pinion 80 (via the selector ring 72) causes the electromagnetic field sensor 96 to generate signal pulses in response to movement of the magnets 94, which are provided to the processor 32 of the controller 46. As further detailed herein, other sensors (e.g., light sensors, electro-mechanical switches, etc.) may be substituted for the magnets 94 and the electromagnetic field sensor 96 to define the angular position sensor 52.

[0042] As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 5-9, the inner annular body 75 may be concentrically received within the outer annular body 74 to define the outer selector ring 72. With reference to FIG. 8, the illustrative substrate 88 is axially positioned intermediate a support ring or base 100 and a holder 102, including a lower holder ring 104 and an upper holder ring 106. The pinion 80 is illustratively supported for rotation between the lower holder ring 104 and the upper holder ring 106.

[0043] A barrier or cover 108 is operably coupled to the substrate 88 and separates a wetted space 112 from a non-wetted space 114 (FIGS. 7 and 8). The wetted space 112 is defined as an area subject to water or moisture exposure, while the non-wetted space 114 is defined as an area sealed from water or moisture exposure. The cover 108 may be molded from a polymer, and illustratively includes a pocket 110 receiving the electromagnetic field sensor 96. Illustratively, the selector ring 72 and the pinion 80 are received within the wetted space 112, and the electromagnetic field sensor 96 is received within the non-wetted space 114.85006581.1

[0044] The illustrative user interface 60 allows the valve control system 12 to operate via gear reduction to reduce the number of magnets 94 necessary to generate a desired number of pulses per revolution of the outer selector ring 72. The use of an electromagnetic field sensor 96 or similar electronic sensor allows for the waterproof barrier 108 to be maintained between the moving parts (e.g. outer selector ring 72 and inner pinion 80) and the sensor 96, reducing the complexity’ of the waterproofing. In combination, these features reduce cost (e.g., less magnets 94, less sensors 96) to achieve the desired sensing function.

[0045] In an alternative illustrative embodiment, a light-based bounce-beam and / or break-beam sensor could be substituted for the magnets 94 and the electromagnetic field sensor 96. In a further illustrative embodiment, electromechanical switches could be substituted for the magnet 94 and the electromagnetic field sensor 96.

[0046] The illustrative user interface 60 incorporates a larger gear (e.g., outer selector ring 72), which is rotated by the user’s hand and is located in the wetted space 112. The small gear or pinion 80 illustratively has a center positioned inside the large gear 72 and has a rotation center (first axis 76) offset from the rotation center (second axis 78) of the large gear 72 and is driven by the large gear 72. The small pinion 80 is also located in the wetted space 112.

[0047] At least one sensor 96 is located behind barrier 108 (e.g. wall of plastic) inside the non-wetted space 114 to detect the presence of a magnetic field of the small gear magnet(s) 94 supported by the rotatable pinion 80. The waterproof barrier 108 is placed to physically separating the sensor 96 and its associated electronics from moving components (e.g., outer selector ring 72 and inner pinion 80).

[0048] A spring biased or magnetically biased detent may interface with one or both of the large gear 72 and the small gear 80 to provide haptic feedback for indexing of the selector ring 72. The benefit of locating the detent on the small gear 80 is that it can be multiplied by the gear reduction and therefore has fewer detent positions. The small gear 80 and / or the large gear 72 may have additional detents to be specific to the desired detents per revolution.

[0049] FIG. 11 shows a further illustrative embodiment of the user interface 60" including a rotary’ encoder 70". The user interface 60" illustratively includes similar components of the user interface 60 detailed above. As such, in the following description similar components are identified with like reference numbers.95006581.1

[0050] With further reference to FIG. 11, the outer selector ring 72 is replaced with a linear rail or rack 116 including a plurality- of teeth 118 engaging with the teeth 84 of the pinion 80. While representative teeth 84, 118 are shown in FIG. 11 , it should be appreciated that the number, type and positioning of teeth 84, 118 may vary. As opposed to rotation of the outer selector ring 72, the rail 116 may be moved in a linear direction by a user (as shown by arrows 120). Linear movement 120 causes rotational movement of the pinion 80 (as shown by arrows 122).

[0051] FIG. 12 shows further illustrative embodiment of the user interface 60"' including a rotary encoder 70"'. The user interface 60'" illustratively includes similar components of the user interface 60 detailed above. As such, in the following description similar components are identified with like reference numbers.

[0052] With further reference to FIG. 12, the outer selector ring 72 is replaced with a flexible belt 124 including a plurality of teeth 126 engaging with the teeth 84 of the pinion 80. While representative teeth 84. 126 are shown in FIG. 12, it should be appreciated that the number, type and positioning of teeth 84, 126 may vary. The flexible belt 124 may replace the outer selector ring 72 and may be supported for movement around rotatable rollers or pulleys 128 in response to input from a user. Movement (as shown by arrows 130) of the belt 124 causes rotational movement of the pinion 80 (as shown by arrows 122).

[0053] While the illustrative user interfaces 60, 60', 60", 60'" detailed herein are shown for use with an electronic shower valve 14, it should be appreciated that such user interfaces 60, 60', 60", 60'" may be used to control a wide variety of electrical devices.

[0054] The electrical devices controlled by the user interfaces 60. 60', 60", 60'" may be plumbing related, such as mixing valves and diverter valves. In certain illustrative embodiments, the respective user interface 60, 60', 60", 60'" may be used to control a bank of solenoid valves (e.g., in a water quality system and / or beverage dispenser). In certain other illustrative embodiments, the respective user interface 60. 60', 60", 60'" may be used to control a steam generator. In yet another illustrative embodiment, the respective user interface 60, 60', 60", 60'" may be used to control a heating device (e.g., an electrical resistive heating element) of the type that could be used to control the temperature of recirculating water in a tub.

[0055] In certain other illustrative embodiments, the electrical devices controlled by the user interfaces 60, 60', 60". 60'" are not necessarily exclusive to plumbing systems. For105006581.1example, the respective user interface 60, 60', 60", 60"' may control light emitting devices and / or audio devices (e.g., speakers).

[0056] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the invent on as described and defined in the following claims.115006581.1

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A valve control system comprising: a controller; a drive device in electrical communication with the controller; a flow control member operably coupled to the drive device; an incremental rotary' encoder including: an outer selector ring including a body supporting a plurality of inwardly extending teeth, the outer selector ring rotatable about a first axis; an inner pinion including a body supporting a plurality of outwardly extending teeth, the outwardly extending teeth of the inner pinion engaging the inwardly extending teeth of the outer selector ring, the inner pinion rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the outer selector ring about the first axis; and a position sensor positioned radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the inner pinion and in electrical communication with the controller; and wherein the position sensor provides an input signal to the controller indicative of a rotational position of the outer selector ring, and the controller controls operation of the drive device in response to the input signal.

2. The valve control system of claim 1, further comprising a display concentrically positioned within the outer selector ring.

3. The valve control system of claim 1. wherein the position sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.

4. The valve control system of claim 3, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

5. The valve control system of claim 1, further comprising a cover separating the inner pinion and the position sensor.

6. The valve control system of claim 5, wherein the cover includes a pocket receiving the position sensor.125006581.

17. The valve control system of claim 5, wherein the inner pinion is received within a wetted space, and the position sensor is received within a non-wetted space.

8. The valve control system of claim 1, wherein the position sensor detects light ray.

9. The valve control system of claim 1. wherein the inner pinion supports a magnet, and the position sensor detects magnetic fields.

10. A valve control system comprising: a controller; a drive device in electrical communication with the controller; a flow control member operably coupled to the drive device; an incremental rotary encoder including: a first transmission member including a body supporting a first coupler; a second transmission member including a body supporting a second coupler and a magnet, the second coupler of the second transmission member coupling with the first coupler of the first transmission member; and an electromagnetic field sensor spaced from the second transmission member and in electrical communication with the controller; and wherein the magnetic field sensor provides an input signal to the controller indicative of a relative position of the first transmission member, and the controller controls operation of the drive device in response to the input signal.

11. The valve control system of claim 10, wherein the first coupler includes a plurality7of first teeth, and the second coupler includes a plurality of second teeth engaging with the first teeth.

12. The valve control system of claim 11, wherein the first transmission member includes an outer selector ring, and the second transmission member includes an inner pinion.135006581.

113. The valve control system of claim 12, wherein the first teeth extend radially inwardly from the body of the selector ring, and the second teeth extend radially outwardly from the from the body of the pinion.

14. The valve control system of claim 12, where a substrate extends radially within the selector ring.

15. The valve control system of claim 12, wherein the pinion is received radially within the selector ring.

16. A user interface comprising: a selector ring including a body supporting a plurality of first teeth, the selector ring rotatable about a first axis; a pinion including a body supporting a plurality7of second teeth and a magnet, the second teeth of the pinion engagable with the first teeth of the selector ring, the pinion rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the selector ring about the first axis; a substrate operably coupled to the selector ring; and a magnetic field sensor supported by the substrate radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the pinion.

17. The user interface of claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a printed circuit board.

18. The user interface of claim 16, further comprising a display operably coupled to the substrate.

19. The user interface of claim 18, wherein the display is concentrically positioned within the selector ring.

20. The user interface of claim 1 , wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

21. The user interface of claim 16, wherein the magnet of the pinion and the magnetic field sensor define an incremental rotary7encoder.145006581.

122. The user interface of claim 16, further comprising a cover operably coupled to the substrate and separating a wetted space from a non-wetted space.

23. The user interface of claim 22, wherein the cover includes a pocket receiving the magnetic field sensor within the non-wetted space.

24. The user interface of claim 23, wherein the selector ring and the pinion are received within the wetted space.

25. The user interface of claim 16, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the magnetic field sensor.

26. The user interface of claim 25, further comprising an electronic valve in electrical communication with the controller.

27. The user interface of claim 16, wherein the first teeth extend radially inwardly from the body of the selector ring, the second teeth extend radially outwardly from the from the body of the pinion, and the pinion is positioned within the body of the selector ring.

28. The user interface of claim 16, where the substrate extends radially within the selector ring.

29. The user interface of claim 16, wherein the pinion is received radially within the selector ring.

30. A user interface comprising: an outer selector ring including a body supporting a plurality of first teeth, the outer selector ring rotatable about a first axis; an inner pinion including a body supporting a plurality of second teeth and a magnet, the second teeth of the inner pinion engaging the first teeth of the outer selector ring, the inner pinion rotatable about a second axis in response to rotation of the outer selector ring about the first axis;155006581.1a magnetic field sensor positioned radially outwardly relative to the second axis of the inner pinion; a cover separating a wetted space from a non-wetted space; and wherein the magnetic field sensor is received within the non-wetted space.

31. The user interface of claim 30, wherein the outer selector ring and the inner pinion are received within the wetted space.

32. The user interface of claim 30, further comprising a display concentrically positioned within the outer selector ring.

33. The user interface of claim 30, wherein the magnetic field sensor comprises a Hall effect sensor.

34. The user interface of claim 30, wherein the cover includes a pocket receiving the magnetic field sensor.

35. The user interface of claim 30, further comprising a controller in electrical communication with the magnetic field sensor, wherein the magnetic field sensor provides an input signal to the controller indicative of a rotational position of the outer selector ring.

36. The user interface of claim 30, wherein the first teeth are inwardly extending teeth, and the second teeth are outwardly extending teeth.165006581.1

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