Automatic Faucet Sensor Control and Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic faucets face challenges in accurately controlling water duration due to mains pressure changes and foreign matter buildup, leading to inefficiencies and water wastage, as well as difficulties in distinguishing between user presence and other objects.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a sensor-based automatic faucet with a valve module controlled by an electromagnetic actuator, a sensor module for user data input, and a control module that executes adaptive sensing algorithms and power management, utilizing a turbine module for energy generation and a capacitive or infrared sensor for precise user detection, along with a photovoltaic cell for power supply, enabling efficient and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydraulically timed faucets are used to control water duration, then automatic operation is achieved, but control accuracy deteriorates due to mains pressure changes and foreign matter buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic timing mechanism with an electronic control system that uses an electromagnetic actuator to control the valve. This electronic system is not affected by mains pressure changes or foreign matter buildup, thereby maintaining automatic operation while improving control accuracy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a control module that receives sensor data and executes adaptive sensing algorithms to determine user presence. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust operation based on actual conditions, maintaining precise control despite environmental variations.
2Extent of automation
If preset valve control is used in automatic faucets, then automatic water dispensing is achieved, but water wastage occurs due to inability to discriminate between user hand and other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple preset valve control with an electronic control system that uses sensor modules and electromagnetic actuators. This system can execute sophisticated sensing algorithms to distinguish between user presence and other objects, enabling automatic dispensing while reducing water wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses adaptive sensing algorithms that can adjust detection parameters based on environmental conditions. This allows the system to maintain high discrimination accuracy between user hands and other objects, preventing false activations and water wastage.
3Measurement precision
If complex sensor and control modules are integrated into the faucet, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control module to perform multiple functions: receiving sensor data, executing sensing algorithms, determining user presence, and controlling the electromagnetic actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the sensor module, control module, and electromagnetic actuator within a compact faucet structure. The control module is positioned to receive data from the sensor module and control the actuator, creating a nested arrangement that manages complexity through efficient spatial organization.
4Measurement precision
If electromagnetic actuators are used to control water flow, then control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the electromagnetic actuator only when needed to adjust or initiate water flow, rather than maintaining continuous operation. The turbine module generates electrical power during water flow to recharge the battery, creating a periodic energy recovery cycle that reduces net energy consumption while maintaining precise control when required.
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
This solution ensures precise water control, reduces water wastage, and provides energetically efficient operation by dynamically adapting to user presence and environmental conditions, maintaining optimal water temperature and flow rates while minimizing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an automatic faucet includes a turbine module constructed to generate electrical power
Implementation Method 2
The valve module includes an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the water outlet
Implementation Method 3
along with a photovoltaic cell for power supply
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic faucet includes a housing forming partially an internal barrel and a faucet head and being constructed to include at least one water inlet conduit extending into said barrel and a water outlet for delivering water from a spout. The automatic faucet also includes a faucet head having a removable faucet crown and the spout, wherein the faucet crown is removably mounted to the faucet head. The automatic faucet also includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module. The valve module includes a valve controlled by an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the spout. The sensor module is constructed to provide sensor data influenced by a user. The control module is constructed to control opening and closing of the valve by providing signals to the electromagnetic actuator. The control module is also constructed to receive sensor data from the sensor module and execute a sensing algorithm. The control module is also constructed to execute a power management algorithm for managing electrical power generated by the water turbine and provided to and from the battery.