Double-Control Faucet Switching Between Manual and Sensor Modes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic faucets with temperature adjustment functions lack a manual operation mode, requiring a proximity sensor to sense a human body to open the solenoid valve, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A temperature-regulating double-control automatic faucet that incorporates a magnetic induction device to detect lever position changes, allowing manual control of the solenoid valve through a lever, and a proximity sensor for sensing human presence, enabling both manual and sensing control modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the automatic faucet is equipped with temperature adjustment function using single-handle double-control mixed water valve core, then the water temperature can be adjusted, but the faucet lacks manual operation mode and requires proximity sensor to open solenoid valve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adjustment functionVSAvoidmanual operation mode
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between manual control mode (when lever is pulled) and automatic sensing control mode (when proximity sensor detects human body). The controller changes the control logic of solenoid valve based on the detected lever position, enabling the faucet to adapt its operation mode according to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The faucet integrates multiple control functions into a single system: it can operate in automatic sensing mode using proximity sensor, in manual control mode by pulling the lever, and maintain temperature adjustment capability. The solenoid valve responds to different control signals from the controller based on which mode is activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the solenoid valve remains closed and user manually opens the single-handle double-control mixed water valve core, then the water flow path is prepared, but water cannot discharge immediately without proximity sensor detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual lever operationVSAvoiddelayed water discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

When the user pulls the lever to open the mixed water valve core, the system performs preliminary actions by automatically opening the solenoid valve in advance. This prepares the water flow path and removes the delay that would otherwise require waiting for proximity sensor detection, allowing immediate water discharge when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the proximity sensor is used to control solenoid valve opening, then automatic sensing control is achieved, but manual control capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing control modeVSAvoidcontrol mode options
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically switches between automatic sensing mode (when lever is not pulled) and manual control mode (when lever is pulled). The controller changes the control logic of solenoid valve based on the detected lever position, enabling the faucet to adapt its operation mode according to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables direct control of water discharge by pulling the lever, providing a manual operation mode while maintaining a sensing control mode to automatically manage water flow based on human presence, enhancing user convenience and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic induction device includes a magnetic assembly and a magnetic sensor for sensing a position change of the magnetic assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The proximity sensor is configured to sense a human body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Implementation Method 3

controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valve disposed on the waterway

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11111656B2Temperature-regulating double-control automatic faucet
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 HARDA INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
  • US11111656B2 patent drawing
  • US11111656B2 patent drawing
  • US11111656B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature-regulating double-control automatic faucet includes a faucet body, a single-handle double-control mixed water valve core having a lever, a solenoid valve, a water pipe assembly, a controller, a magnetic induction device, and a proximity sensor. The single-handle double-control mixed water valve core is installed in the faucet body cylinder. The magnetic induction device is configured to detect a position change of the lever. The proximity sensor is configured to sense a manual operation. The automatic faucet has a manual control mode and a sensing control mode for use, which can be used conveniently.