Ablutionary Mixer Valve Control for Auto-Detected Water Inlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital shower and tap systems are more complex to install compared to traditional systems, requiring precise coupling of hot and cold water inlets, which can lead to installation challenges and incorrect operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a mixer valve with interchangeable inlets for hot and cold water, a controller that determines the supply coupling setting using temperature sensors and user input, allowing flexible connection and reducing the need for reconnection of pipework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise coupling of hot and cold water inlets is required for correct temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of hot and cold water supplies by automatically detecting temperature characteristics. The controller measures temperature at each inlet and autonomously determines which inlet receives hot water and which receives cold water, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing installation complexity while maintaining temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors to continuously monitor water temperature at each inlet and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the mixer valve positions to achieve the desired output temperature, ensuring precise temperature control regardless of how the inlets are connected.
2Measurement precision
If manual configuration of hot and cold water inlets is required, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates manual configuration by automatically detecting and identifying hot and cold water supplies through temperature measurement. The controller autonomously configures the system by determining which inlet receives hot water and which receives cold water, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining temperature control accuracy through continuous feedback adjustment.
3Reliability
If fixed inlet configuration is used for hot and cold water, then system reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed inlet configuration to a dynamic, adaptive configuration. The controller continuously monitors temperature at each inlet and automatically adjusts the mixer valve positions in real-time based on actual hot and cold water supply conditions. This dynamic adaptation maintains system reliability by ensuring correct temperature control while providing versatility to accommodate different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to universally accommodate any inlet configuration whether hot water is supplied to the first or second inlet. The temperature detection and automatic adjustment mechanism enables the system to function correctly in multiple configuration scenarios, enhancing both adaptability and reliability across different installation environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and easy installation by allowing flexible inlet configuration, reducing installation time and minimizing incorrect operation, while maintaining precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
The control system may further comprise a first temperature sensor configured to generate a first temperature signal indicative of the temperature of water being received by the first inlet. The control system may further comprise a second temperature sensor configured to generate a second temperature signal indicative of the temperature of water being received by the second inlet.
Implementation Method 2
A mixer valve unit that is provided with a cold water and a hot water input from which a blended output stream is produced in response to an electrical control signal. A temperature sensor can be used in the output stream to create a feedback loop in order to control the temperature of the output stream by blending appropriate levels of the input hot and cold water.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A control system (100) for one or more ablutionary devices (1, 7) comprising: a mixer valve (118) having a first inlet (134) and a second inlet (136) configured to receive a supply of hot and cold water, and an outlet (138) configured to output cold water, hot water or a mixture thereof as an output stream for suppling water to the one or more ablutionary devices (1, 7) downstream of the mixer valve (118); and a controller (120) in communication with the mixer valve (118). The controller (120) is configured to: obtain a supply coupling setting that indicates which of the first and second inlets (134, 136) is to receive, or is receiving, hot water during operation of the control system and which of the first and second inlets (134, 136) is to receive, or is receiving, cold water during operation of the control system; and control the mixer valve (118) according to one or more target output water properties and the supply coupling setting. A method (300) performed by a control system is also disclosed.