Digital Shower Valve Control With Delayed Power-Loss Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operable shower systems lose control and fail to terminate water flow when electrical power is lost, potentially leaving users without a way to stop the water during a shower.
Innovation Solution
A digital shower system with a delayed shutdown feature that automatically closes the shower valves and terminates water flow after a predefined period (1 to 5 minutes) following a loss of electrical power, allowing users to complete their shower before the water is shut off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shower valves immediately close upon loss of electrical power, then water flow is quickly terminated and safety is improved, but users cannot complete their shower routine and convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing advance warning to the user before automatically closing the valves. The visual indicator (LED light) alerts the user in advance that power is lost and valves will close, giving them time to finish rinsing shampoo or soap from their hair before water flow terminates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual override mechanism is added to allow users to close valves during power loss, then user control is improved, but physical complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential mechanical manual override mechanisms with an electronic control system. The microcontroller monitors power status, controls the visual indicator, and automatically actuates the valves electrically, eliminating the need for separate manual mechanical override components.
3Loss of information
If the shower system provides continuous visual warning during power loss, then user awareness is improved, but energy consumption from the power storage device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator operates periodically or intermittently rather than continuously during the delay period. The microcontroller can control the LED to flash or illuminate only at specific intervals, providing sufficient user awareness while conserving energy from the capacitor or battery during the countdown to valve closure.
Data Source
AI summary
A shower system having a shower fitting with a discharge outlet. At least one electrically operable valve being operable to control water flow from a water supply to the shower fitting; a micro-controller with a processor in communication with the valve and controlling operation of the valve. A sensor disposed in an electrical line supplying electrical power to the valve. An electrical power storage device configured to supply electrical power to the micro-controller and the valve upon loss of electrical power. The processor being configured to detect the loss of electrical power based on signals from the sensor and, upon detecting the loss of electrical power, continues operation of the shower system for a preselected time period and, upon the expiration of the preselected time period, closes the at least one electrically operable valve thereby terminating the flow of water to the shower fitting.