Capacitive Faucet Gesture Control for Precise Hygienic Water Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronically controlled water delivery devices, such as faucets and showerheads, are limited in functionality, requiring manual adjustment of water temperature and flow rate, and lack programmability and data analysis capabilities, leading to user frustration and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A water delivery device with capacitive sensors and a controller that allows for multi-gestural control of water temperature and programmability, enabling users to adjust temperature through touch or touchless gestures and program features like disinfection schedules, while also collecting and analyzing usage data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional infrared sensors are used for touchless control, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the zone of detection is difficult to determine and gestures are not intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional infrared optical sensors with capacitive touch sensors that detect changes in electrical capacitance when a user's hand approaches or contacts the faucet surface. This substitution allows for more intuitive gesture recognition and easier determination of active zones, as the capacitive sensors can be positioned precisely under specific faucet surfaces and respond to deliberate touch gestures rather than requiring precise hand waving in an undefined infrared zone.
2Measurement precision
If manual controls are used for temperature and flow rate adjustment, then precise control is achieved, but the sanitary environment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical controls (knobs, handles) with an electronic control system that uses capacitive sensors to detect user gestures and a mixing valve to automatically adjust water temperature and flow rate. The system includes a controller that receives signals from the capacitive sensors and operatively controls the mixing valve, eliminating the need for physical contact with control mechanisms while maintaining precise temperature and flow rate adjustment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mixing valve as an intermediary mechanism between the user's touch gesture and the water output. The capacitive sensor detects the user's intent, and the mixing valve translates this into precise temperature and flow rate adjustments without requiring the user to physically manipulate hot and cold water mixes or touch any control surfaces.
3Device complexity
If preset parameters are used in traditional devices, then device simplicity is maintained, but programmability and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single faucet system, including touchless activation, capacitive gesture control for temperature adjustment, programmable operation modes, and data collection capabilities. The controller can store and execute multiple user profiles with different temperature preferences and usage patterns, allowing the same device to serve multiple users with customized settings while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 experience by reducing cross-contamination, improving customization, and providing data for optimized maintenance and cost prediction, thus creating a more sanitary and efficient water delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitive sensor is configured to detect changes in a capacitance signal in response to a human gesture
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A water delivery device includes a body, a user interface, a micro-mixing valve, first and second capacitive sensors, and a controller. The body includes a base and a spout. The user interface is provided on the spout. The micro-mixing valve is contained within the body and is in fluid communication with a hot water source and a cold water source. The first capacitive sensor is provided below the user interface. The second capacitive sensor is provided below the user interface and is spaced apart from the first capacitive sensor. The controller is operatively connected to the first capacitive sensor, the second capacitive sensor, and the micro-mixing valve. Each of the first and second capacitive sensors is configured to be independently activated by a user to transmit a signal to the controller to increase or decrease a temperature of a flow of water flowing from the micro-mixing valve.