Automatic Faucet Control Box With Manual Backup Water Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-handle basin faucets equipped with sensors and control boxes for a sensor-operated spray function fail to function when the solenoid valve malfunctions due to power or mechanical issues, preventing manual operation of the waterway.
Innovation Solution
An automatic faucet design incorporating a control box with a solenoid valve and a manual control member that allows users to manually open the water passage, enabling operation even when the solenoid valve is faulty, by providing a separate manual control water passage that can be operated independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a solenoid valve is used to control the water passage automatically, then the automation and convenience of the faucet are improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the water passage cannot be opened manually when the solenoid valve fails
Solution Approach 1:
The control box is segmented into two independent control paths: a sensor control water passage controlled by the solenoid valve for automatic operation, and a manual control water passage controlled by the manual control member for manual operation. This segmentation allows the system to maintain automatic functionality while providing an independent manual backup path that can be used when the automatic control fails, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a sensor-operated spray function is added to enhance convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the addition of sensors and control boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The manual control member is designed with multi-functionality: it can manually open the manual control water passage for emergency operation, and it can also be used to adjust the opening degree of the water passage during normal operation. This multi-functional design allows the system to provide sensor-operated convenience while using a single control component that serves both automatic and manual modes, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 a manually-operated spray function in emergency situations by allowing users to control the water output through the manual control member, ensuring continued functionality despite solenoid valve failures.
Implementation Method 1
The solenoid valve is mounted in the control box body and controls opening and closing of the sensor control water passage
Implementation Method 2
The manual control member is movably fitted to the control box body and controls opening and closing of the manual control water passage
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic faucet for a wash basin includes a control box. The control box includes a control box body, a solenoid valve, and a manual control member. Both the solenoid valve and the manual control member can control whether water flows out from a mixed water outlet of the control box body or not. The automatic faucet can realize a manually-operated spray function for use in an emergency when the solenoid valve fails.