Bidet Water Temperature Control for Flow-Change Overshoot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smart toilets and bidets face temperature overshooting issues due to sudden changes in water volume, leading to uncomfortable user experiences, as existing feedback algorithms fail to promptly adjust heating power in response to changes in water flow.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that sets a preset temperature and uses a counter to determine adjustments, maintaining a target temperature for a specific period before restoring to the preset temperature, preventing temperature overshooting by adjusting the water temperature based on the water control switch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feedback algorithm is used to control water temperature, then the temperature can be maintained when water output is constant, but the temperature control becomes slow and causes overshooting when water volume changes suddenly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by detecting the water control switch position in advance and adjusting the target temperature before the actual water flow change occurs. When the switch is detected at a low position (indicating reduced water flow), the system proactively lowers the target temperature, preventing the thermal inertia from causing overshooting. This anticipatory adjustment resolves the contradiction by acting before the disturbance fully manifests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the target temperature adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The target temperature dynamically changes based on the water control switch position - it is lowered when the switch indicates reduced water flow and restored when normal flow resumes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond appropriately to different operating conditions, maintaining stability across varying water volumes.
2Reliability
If the heating power is adjusted based on feedback, then the temperature can be controlled, but the delay in adjustment causes temperature overshooting when water volume drops suddenly
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates delay by performing preliminary action - detecting the water control switch position and adjusting the target temperature in advance, before the thermal inertia causes overshooting. This proactive approach removes the time loss inherent in traditional feedback systems that wait for temperature deviation to occur before responding.
Solution Approach 2:
The water control switch position serves as an intermediary signal that provides advance information about upcoming water flow changes. By using this intermediary indicator, the system can anticipate disturbances and adjust heating power proactively, bridging the time gap between water flow change and temperature response.
3Reliability
If the target temperature is lowered immediately when water volume reduces, then temperature overshooting is prevented, but the temperature may be too low for user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by temporarily maintaining the lowered target temperature only for a predetermined time period after detecting reduced water flow, then automatically restoring it to the normal comfortable level. This time-limited adjustment prevents overshooting during the critical transition period while ensuring user comfort is restored afterward, balancing stability and comfort needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The target temperature is made dynamic and time-dependent rather than statically low. It is temporarily reduced only when needed for stability during water flow transitions, then automatically restored to the comfortable normal level. This dynamic behavior ensures both temperature stability during transitions and user comfort during normal operation.
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 effectively prevents temperature overshooting during sudden changes in water volume, maintaining temperature stability and ensuring a comfortable user experience by adjusting the water temperature accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
plus the thermal inertia of the heating element itself
Data Source
AI summary
A process includes setting a preset temperature; setting up a counter, wherein a first number is displayed on the counter in response to a water control switch switching from a low position to a high position, a second number is displayed on the counter in response to the water control switching from the high position to the low position; setting a target temperature in response to a first determination as to whether the first number or the second number is displayed on the counter, wherein the target temperature is equal to the preset temperature in response to the first number being displayed and the target temperature is equal to preset temperature less an adjustment temperature in response to the second number being displayed; and maintaining the target temperature for a period of time, then restoring the target temperature to the preset temperature after the period of time.