Bathroom Sensor System for Anticipatory Hot Water Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plumbing systems lack integrated technologies to enhance operational efficiency, such as anticipatory hot water delivery and smart control of water flow and temperature, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bathroom electronic system with sensors and a controller that anticipates user needs, providing hands-free operation, quick hot water, digital temperature control, and automatic features like auto-fill and nightlight operation, utilizing a network of modules for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional plumbing systems are used without integrated technologies, then the system structure remains simple, but operational efficiency and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules including sensor assemblies, controller units, water flow control modules, and communication networks. Each module performs a specific function (detection, control, communication) allowing the complex system to be built from manageable components while maintaining overall operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions including receiving sensor inputs, processing user preferences, controlling water flow and temperature, managing lighting, and communicating with various bathroom fixtures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each task
2Ease of operation
If anticipatory hot water delivery is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensor assemblies to detect user presence and anticipates hot water needs before the user actually requests them. The controller pre-heats or pre-delivers hot water based on detected presence patterns, user preferences stored in memory, and predicted usage timing, eliminating wait time while managing energy through intelligent scheduling
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors detecting user presence, temperature preferences, and water flow conditions. This feedback loop allows the controller to adjust hot water delivery timing and amount dynamically, optimizing energy consumption based on actual user behavior patterns rather than operating on fixed schedules
3Ease of operation
If hands-free operation and smart control features are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensor assemblies that automatically detect user presence and initiate appropriate actions without manual intervention. Features include automatic faucet operation, automated lighting control, and self-adjusting temperature settings based on detected presence and stored user preferences, eliminating the need for users to manually operate complex controls
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between sensor inputs and executive outputs (valves, pumps, lights). It processes sensor data, applies user preferences from memory, and generates appropriate control signals to various bathroom fixtures, simplifying the interface between detection and action while managing system complexity through centralized intelligence
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
The system ensures hot water availability when needed, optimizes water usage, and enhances user convenience through smart control of water flow and temperature, improving operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor coupled to the support and configured to detect a person at a first distance from the faucet
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor is coupled to the support and is configured to detect a person at a second distance from the faucet
Implementation Method 3
an illumination device operably coupled to the delivery spout. A controller is in communication with the illumination device and a sensor. The controller is configured to activate the illumination device when the sensor detects the presence of a person
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the mixed water outlet and configured to detect the temperature of water passing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory.