Bathtub Control Unit with Biometric Recognition and Pre-Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling bathtubs and whirlpool tubs lack energy-saving and convenient features, particularly when used by individuals with different temperature and water preference settings, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and inefficient water use.
Innovation Solution
A device with an input device for user-specific settings, a memory for storing preferences, a display, and an electronic control unit that includes biometric recognition and an automatically extending hand shower for cleaning, along with an electronically controlled filling valve and heating system, allowing for precise temperature control and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermostatic mixing valve is used to adjust water temperature, then temperature control is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-heats water in the water reservoir before the bathtub filling process, so that when water is drawn from the reservoir, it is already at the desired temperature. This eliminates the need for continuous thermostatic mixing during filling, reducing water waste from temperature adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically controls water heating and dispensing based on stored user preferences, eliminating manual temperature adjustment and the associated water waste from trial-and-error temperature setting.
2Device complexity
If conventional control without user recognition is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
User preferences for water temperature, filling volume, and heating power are stored in advance in the control unit. When a user activates the system, these pre-stored settings are automatically retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for real-time manual adjustment and enabling optimized energy-efficient operation from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates biometric recognition (fingerprint or iris) to identify users and automatically retrieve their preferred settings. This feedback mechanism ensures that each user receives their optimal configuration without manual input, balancing automation with personalized efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If manual temperature adjustment is used, then ease of operation is improved, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically dispenses water at the user's pre-stored preferred temperature without requiring manual mixing or adjustment. The control unit manages the entire filling process autonomously, eliminating water waste from manual temperature experimentation while maintaining user convenience.
4Loss of energy
If pre-heating water in a reservoir is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Water is pre-heated in a reservoir before use, allowing the system to draw from a stored supply of optimally heated water rather than continuously heating during operation. This preliminary preparation reduces overall energy consumption while the modular reservoir design keeps structural complexity manageable.
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 convenient, energy-saving control of bathtub or whirlpool functions, including precise water temperature management and automated cleaning, reducing energy consumption and water waste by accommodating individual preferences and optimizing water usage.
Implementation Method 1
a hand shower which is provided with a drive so that it can be lowered into a recess of the tub body or a pre-wall module when not in use and for use by activating the electronic control unit is extended out of the recess into a position of use
Implementation Method 2
the electronic control unit activating the extended hand shower via an electrically operated water valve
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises a functional part (9,17,18,19), an input unit (1.1,1.2) for input of function or program values, and a memory for storing of inputted function or program values. A display (4.1,4.2) is provided for displaying inputted or stored function or program values. An electronic control unit (5) for controlling the functional part corresponding to the inputted or stored function or program values.