Capacitive Sensor for Faucet and Soap Dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic faucet and soap dispenser systems require duplicate components and sensors, leading to increased cost, complexity, and susceptibility to interference and false activations, as well as higher maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic faucet system with a common controller and sensor module that utilizes capacitance sensing to activate both the water faucet and soap dispenser, minimizing components and interference by sharing sensing infrastructure and implementing software algorithms to differentiate between water and soap activation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate IR sensors are used for faucet and soap dispenser, then each device can be activated independently, but device complexity and cost increase due to duplicate components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent activation capabilityVSAvoidduplicate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor and controller functions into a single integrated unit that serves both the faucet and soap dispenser. The capacitive sensor detects proximity to either device, and the controller manages activation for both, eliminating the need for separate sensors and controllers while maintaining independent activation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single sensor module is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting user proximity to the faucet, detecting user proximity to the soap dispenser, and controlling activation for both devices. This multi-functional approach reduces component duplication while maintaining the ability to independently activate each device based on proximity detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two IR sensors are placed in close proximity, then both faucet and soap dispenser can be detected, but signal interference and false activations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidfalse activations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a single capacitive sensor as an intermediary detection device that replaces two separate IR sensors. This single sensor acts as a mediator to detect user proximity to either the faucet or soap dispenser without causing interference, as it uses capacitive coupling rather than active IR emission that could interfere with another sensor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the active IR sensing mechanism with capacitive sensing. Instead of using two separate active IR sensors that emit and detect infrared light (prone to interference), the system uses a capacitive sensor that detects changes in capacitance caused by the proximity of the user's hand to either device, eliminating the interference problem inherent in active IR sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers are used for faucet and soap dispenser, then each device can be controlled independently, but maintenance costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent controlVSAvoidmaintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions into a single controller that manages both the faucet and soap dispenser. This unified controller handles activation logic for both devices, reducing the number of separate control circuits, power supplies, and processing units, thereby lowering maintenance complexity and costs while maintaining independent control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If duplicate power supply and cable infrastructure are installed, then each device can operate independently, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operationVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply and communication infrastructure into a single integrated unit. The sensor module receives power and data through a single connection point, eliminating the need for separate power and signal wiring for both the faucet and soap dispenser. This reduces installation complexity while maintaining independent operational capability through software-controlled activation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies installation, reduces costs, and improves activation response time by dynamically adjusting thresholds, reducing false activations and extending battery life through shared sensing infrastructure and advanced signal processing.

Implementation Method 1

The faucet system measures the capacitance signal of the water faucet and the soap dispenser to detect a user's hand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20230203797A1Capacitive sensing faucet system

Publication Date: 2023.06.29 MASCO CANADA

AI summary

A capacitive sensing faucet includes a water faucet and a soap dispenser operably coupled to a capacitive sensor. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates either the water faucet or soap dispenser by comparing output signal levels from the capacitive sensor measured on the water faucet and soap dispenser.