Motorized Bathtub Drain Valve for Coordinated Water Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bathtub fill and drain systems are often asynchronous and specific to a particular design, requiring separate operation and installation, which can complicate user experience and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A drain system with a motor-controlled valve assembly that integrates pressure and temperature sensors to coordinate filling and draining, accommodating various bathtub designs and providing digital control through user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate operation of fill and drain features is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user experience and coordination are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate fill and drain operations into a single integrated drain system that coordinates both functions. The drain exit assembly incorporates a valve mechanism controlled by a motor that can regulate water flow in both filling and draining modes, eliminating the need for separate operational systems and improving user experience through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain system is designed to perform multiple functions including draining water, controlling fill levels, and monitoring bathtub conditions through integrated sensors. The valve mechanism can operate in different modes (open, closed, partially open) to accommodate both filling and draining operations, making the system versatile across different bathtub configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific installation requirements for particular bathtub designs are used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The drain system incorporates universal mounting features and adjustable components that allow installation across various bathtub designs. The valve assembly and motor mechanism are designed with standardized connection points that can accommodate different bathtub configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including the drain exit assembly, valve mechanism, motor, and sensor units that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows flexibility in installation while maintaining overall system functionality across different bathtub types.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensor control is implemented, then water level control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor automatically detects water level conditions and provides feedback to the motor-controlled valve without requiring additional control electronics or complex processing. The system uses the sensor data directly to adjust valve position, enabling self-regulating water level control that minimizes added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors water level conditions and provides real-time feedback to the valve control mechanism. This feedback loop enables precise water level maintenance by automatically adjusting valve opening based on detected pressure changes, achieving accurate control through a relatively simple sensor-integration approach.
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 coordinated and versatile control of water level and temperature in bathtubs, facilitating smooth operation and adaptability across different bathtub configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed within the housing and configured to sense a pressure within the inlet valve body, wherein the pressure indicates a water level of water in the bathtub
Implementation Method 2
the valve being operably coupled to a motor, wherein the motor is configured to change an operational state of the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A drain system for controlling a water level in a bathtub includes a drain exit assembly coupled to an exit drain of the bathtub and configured to receive water exiting the bathtub, a valve fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly and operably coupled to a motor, and a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the valve and in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly. The motor is configured to change the operational state of the valve based on a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor to control a water level within the bathtub.