Bidet Latch Valve Feedback Control for Low-Voltage Re-Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidets without a stable power source often experience latch valve malfunctions due to insufficient driving torque, leading to operational issues and reduced usage in locations without reliable electricity.
Innovation Solution
A valve control system incorporating a latch valve, flow rate sensor, and valve control device that determines and corrects latch valve malfunctions by generating control signals and reversing operations based on measured flow rates, ensuring precise operation even at low voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a latch valve is used in a bidet without external power source, then the bidet can operate in locations without power supply facilities, but the latch valve may malfunction due to insufficient driving torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control device monitors valve operation status and flow rate sensor readings, then automatically commands the latch valve to re-operate when malfunction is detected. This closed-loop feedback system ensures reliable valve operation despite insufficient driving torque from self-generated power.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device performs preliminary actions by pre-setting flow rate value ranges corresponding to normal valve operations. Before actual operation, the system establishes reference flow rate values (first reference for shutting operation, second reference for opening operation) to enable proactive malfunction detection and correction.
2Reliability
If the latch valve is controlled to re-operate multiple times to correct malfunction, then the valve operation reliability is improved, but the operation time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device uses feedback from flow rate sensors to detect valve malfunction and automatically triggers re-operation commands. This targeted feedback approach enables the system to perform only the necessary re-operations to correct malfunctions, avoiding unnecessary extended operation times while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the number of re-operations based on malfunction severity and type. The control device can incrementally increase re-operation attempts or switch to reverse direction operations, optimizing the balance between reliability improvement and operation time minimization.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the latch valve operates at low voltage to conserve energy, then energy consumption is reduced, but the driving torque becomes insufficient causing valve malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism detects when low voltage operation causes insufficient driving torque by monitoring valve position and flow rate. When malfunction is detected, the system automatically commands re-operation, effectively compensating for the insufficient torque without requiring increased power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic re-operation actions when malfunction is detected. Instead of continuously operating at high power, the latch valve performs periodic opening and shutting operations to dislodge obstructions or correct positioning issues, maintaining energy efficiency while ensuring proper valve function.
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 effectively prevents latch valve malfunctions, ensuring continuous operation of bidets without external power by maintaining a guaranteed driving torque and extending usage time in power-constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe
Implementation Method 2
a power supply device which generates power by using a stream of water in the pipe and supplies the generated power
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a valve control system, a bidet using the same, and a valve control method. The valve control system includes a latch valve controlling a stream of water in a pipe; a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate in the pipe; and a valve control device controlling the operation of the latch valve. The valve control device determines whether or not the latch valve is malfunctioning upon analyzing a flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor. When the latch valve is malfunctioning, the valve control device controls the latch valve to re-operate.