Automatic Faucet Dual Passage Manual Override Sensor Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic faucets with a single sensing passage are not ideal for continuous water flow and can be unusable when the sensor is ineffective, leading to inefficiencies and water waste.
Innovation Solution
A dual faucet structure with a sensor, valve core assembly, and control assembly that allows for manual operation and automatic shut-off, featuring a solenoid valve, buffer rod, and waterstop structure to manage water flow and prevent waste when the sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensing passage is used in the automatic faucet, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the faucet cannot function when the sensor is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water flow control into two independent passages: a sensing passage controlled by the sensor and solenoid valve, and a manual passage controlled by the valve core. This segmentation ensures that if the sensor fails, the manual passage remains functional, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bypass mechanism that changes the flow path parameter from single-passage to dual-passage configuration. The bypass passage with manual valve core provides an alternative route when the sensor-controlled passage is unavailable, maintaining system functionality under different operational conditions.
2Ease of operation
If instant-on and instant-off sensing functions are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because continuous water flow cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water delivery system into automatic sensing mode (for quick operation) and manual continuous flow mode (for adaptability). The manual passage with valve core allows continuous water flow when needed, while the sensing passage maintains instant-on/off capability, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
3Productivity
If a solenoid valve and buffer rod are added to enable automatic shut-off, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the solenoid valve and buffer rod assembly within the existing valve body structure. The buffer rod is positioned within the solenoid valve's magnetic field range, and both components are nested within the valve assembly, minimizing space requirements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automatic shut-off functionality.
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
Enables continuous and manual control of water flow, preventing water hammer and allowing for user-friendly operation, including automatic shut-off when the sensor is ineffective, thus enhancing usability and reducing water waste.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve is electrically connected with the sensing module for receiving a signal from the sensing module and cooperates with the buffer rod to open or close the diversion passage
Implementation Method 2
The buffer rod is sleeved with a buffer spring. When the end face of the solenoid valve is moved up, the buffer spring is adapted to reduce an impact force against the buffer rod, preventing a water hammer phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic faucet includes a faucet body, an inner core assembly, and a sensor. The inner core assembly includes a valve core, a valve core seat, and a sleeve. The valve core is mounted on the valve core seat. The valve core seat has a cold water hole, a hot water hole, a mixed water hole, and a water outlet. The sleeve is mounted beneath the valve core seat, and has a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet. The sleeve further has a diversion passage communicating with the cold water inlet. The sensor is used to open or close the diversion passage. The sensor includes a sensing module, a solenoid valve, and a buffer rod.