Curved Sensor Array for Plumbing Fixture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for sanitary fixtures face issues with operator error due to complex operation, difficulty in fine graduation of water temperature and flow, and accessibility for individuals with impaired vision or dexterity, often requiring large operator panels and direct numerical input.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least three sensors uniformly distributed along a closed curve, allowing continuous variation of fluid temperature and flow by sweeping over sensors, which can be actuated without pressure and is accessible for users with impaired vision, using capacitive, proximity, or infrared sensors, and featuring a control unit with a decrementer/incrementer and timer for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If three sensors are disposed substantially uniformly along a closed curve, then the device achieves space-saving design and reduced operator error, but the device complexity increases due to the specific geometric arrangement and control logic required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are arranged along a closed curve (circular or arc-shaped) rather than a linear arrangement. This curved geometry allows the sensors to be compactly positioned while maintaining uniform spacing, reducing the overall area required for the operator panel while enabling continuous parameter adjustment through sequential activation of adjacent sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is segmented across multiple discrete sensors positioned at specific angular intervals along the closed curve. Each sensor represents a discrete control point, and by activating sensors in sequence around the curve, continuous parameter variation is achieved through discrete steps, simplifying both the sensor design and control logic
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are actuated in succession to vary parameters, then fine graduation of fluid temperature and flow is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to sweep over multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The closed curve arrangement allows users to sweep their finger or actuator continuously around the curve, activating sensors in natural sequence. This circular motion is more intuitive and easier to perform repeatedly than linear scanning, while still providing precise parameter control through the sequential activation of multiple sensors positioned at defined intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are arranged to enable continuous parameter adjustment through uninterrupted sequential activation. As the user sweeps across the closed curve, each sensor activation contributes to gradual parameter change, maintaining continuous control action without dead zones or abrupt transitions, thereby preserving ease of operation while achieving fine graduation
3Ease of operation
If tactile or proximity sensors are used, then the device becomes accessible to users with impaired vision, but the reliability decreases due to sensitivity to temperature variations and false actuation
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive cover or protective layer is introduced between the user's finger and the capacitive sensor elements. This intermediary layer isolates the sensors from direct contact with water and temperature extremes while still allowing capacitive coupling to detect finger proximity or light touch, thereby maintaining accessibility for users with impaired vision while protecting against false actuation and environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical push-button sensors are replaced with capacitive or proximity sensors that detect finger presence or approach without requiring physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and tear from mechanical contact, reduces sensitivity to temperature variations, and maintains ease of use for users with impaired vision or dexterity, thereby improving both reliability and accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an actuating device for fixtures, particularly plumbing fixtures, comprising at least one input unit that is provided with a plurality of sensors which are connected to a control unit, and at least one drive unit for at least one closing device for at least one fluid pipe, especially a valve of a water pipe that can be controlled by means of the control unit. At least three sensors are arranged in a substantially regular manner essentially along a closed curve. The drive unit is triggered when signals of at least two adjacent sensors are detected.