Bluetooth Voice Control Enabling Independent Plumbing Fixture Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional plumbing fixtures with mechanical buttons or touch sensors are inconvenient for users as they require physical interaction and cannot perform functions like UV sterilization independently, limiting their usability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A Bluetooth-based control system that allows mobile equipment to transmit wireless speech data packets to control plumbing fixtures, enabling remote operation of functions such as massage, heating, drying, flushing, backlighting, and UV sterilization through a micro control unit, processor, and universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical buttons or touch sensors are installed on the plumbing fixture, then the plumbing fixture can perform multiple functions, but the user must physically interact with the fixture to activate functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the plumbing fixture. The mobile device transmits control signals wirelessly to the fixture, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with the fixture's control interface while maintaining multi-functional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons and touch sensors with a wireless communication system. The control interface is moved from the physical fixture to a mobile device, substituting mechanical interaction with wireless signal transmission
2Extent of automation
If traditional control methods are used, then the plumbing fixture can be controlled during use, but functions like UV sterilization cannot be performed independently without user presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the plumbing fixture to perform functions independently through automated control. The system can execute pre-programmed sequences or receive remote commands to perform functions like UV sterilization without requiring continuous user presence or manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to pre-configure control parameters and sequences on their mobile devices. The system can then execute these pre-planned actions automatically, enabling functions like sterilization cycles to run independently based on previously set parameters
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a system and method for controlling a plumbing fixture. The system includes a Bluetooth receiver module configured to receive a wireless signal from mobile equipment, a micro control unit in electrical communication with the Bluetooth receiver module, an asynchronous receiver and transmitter in electrical communication with the micro control unit, and a processor in electrical communication with the micro control unit and the plumbing fixture. The Bluetooth receiver module is configured to receive one or more wireless control speech data packets from mobile equipment, convert the one or more wireless control speech data packets into one or more digital signals, and transmit the one or more digital signals to the micro control unit. The micro control unit is configured to control one or more functions associated with the plumbing fixture in response to the one or more digital signals.