Capacitance Touch Inductive Switch Assembly for Faucets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets with mechanical handles are inconvenient to operate when hands are oily or wet, and they suffer from mechanical wear, leading to potential leaks and improper closure, while existing capacitance induction faucets require replacement and are not universally compatible with existing faucets.
Innovation Solution
A universal capacitance-type touch inductive switch assembly for faucets, comprising an adjustable locking component, a control circuit board with a capacitance-type touch unit, a solenoid valve, and a power supply module, allowing for touch-based control of water supply and temperature selection, with features like adjustable touch duration and audible feedback, and compatibility with all metal faucets without the need for replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical handle switch is used, then the faucet can be operated manually, but it causes mechanical wear and potential leaks after long use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle switch with a capacitance induction module that detects body capacitance to control water flow. The induction module includes a detection electrode that forms a capacitor with the human body, eliminating mechanical moving parts and their associated wear problems while maintaining ease of operation through touch-based control
2Ease of operation
If a capacitance induction faucet is used, then touch-based control is achieved, but the faucet requires replacement and is not compatible with existing faucets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the touch control system into a separate, modular capacitance induction module that can be independently installed on existing faucets. The module is segmented into a control unit with detection electrodes and a power unit, allowing it to be added as an accessory rather than requiring replacement of the entire faucet assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a universal mounting structure that acts as an intermediary between the capacitance induction module and existing faucet installations. This mounting structure adapts to different faucet types and hole sizes, enabling the touch control module to be universally installed on various existing faucets without modification to the original faucet
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
Enhances user convenience by allowing touch-based operation without mechanical handling, reduces wear and leaks, and is easily installable on existing faucets, providing flexible water temperature control and audible feedback for operational status.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitance induction module is arranged in the faucet, the spout of the metal faucet acts as an electrode of the capacitor, and the human body acts as the other electrode of the capacitor. When the body touches the metal faucet spout, it constitutes the capacitor with the metal faucet spout.
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve, which is arranged in a water supply line of the faucet, wherein the control circuit board controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a universal capacitance-type touch inductive switch assembly for a faucet, comprising: an adjustable locking component, which is formed by a conductive metallic material and is locked to a faucet spout; a control circuit board, which is provided with a capacitance-type touch unit, wherein touch electrodes of said capacitance-type touch unit are connected with said adjustable locking component through a touch circuit; a solenoid valve, which is arranged in a water supply line of the faucet, wherein said control circuit board controls opening and closing of said solenoid valve according to a touch signal from the capacitance-type touch unit; and a power supply module, which supplies power to said control circuit board and said solenoid valve. The switch assembly of the present invention can be installed in a manner compatible with all existing metal faucets.