Single Capacitive Sensor for Faucet Touch and Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic faucets often require multiple sensors for touch and proximity detection, increasing complexity and cost, while existing systems lack a seamless integration of touch and hands-free modes for fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A single capacitive sensor is used to provide both touch and hands-free modes of operation, eliminating the need for active infrared detectors and allowing variable control of water flow through capacitive sensing circuitry connected to the spout with a single wire, enabling the faucet to detect user presence and touch inputs for automatic fluid flow activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors (IR detector and capacitive sensor) are used for touch and proximity detection, then detection accuracy and functionality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a touch sensor for detecting direct contact with the faucet and a proximity sensor for detecting hands near the faucet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate IR detector and capacitive sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the touch sensing and proximity sensing functions into a single capacitive sensor system. By merging these two sensing functions that previously required separate sensors, the invention reduces the overall component count and simplifies the sensor system architecture while providing both touch and hands-free operation modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate touch sensor and proximity sensor are used, then operational versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a touch sensor for detecting direct contact with the faucet and a proximity sensor for detecting hands near the faucet. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate IR detector and capacitive sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
3Device complexity
If single capacitive sensor is used for both touch and proximity sensing, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses different detection thresholds and processing methods for the same capacitive sensor based on the detection scenario. For touch detection, the system looks for specific capacitance changes indicating direct contact, while for proximity detection, it monitors for hand presence in the detection area. This localized quality adjustment allows one sensor to accurately perform multiple detection functions with appropriate precision for each mode.
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 reduces component count and costs by integrating touch and proximity sensing with a single sensor, offering flexible control over water flow for various tasks without the need for additional sensors, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A user can selectively activate the hands free mode of operation so that the capacitive sensor senses a user's hands in a detection area located near the faucet
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic faucet comprises a spout having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.