Dual-handle faucet with mechanical and sensor control modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-handle automatic faucets are unable to function properly when the sensor control mode fails, such as due to power failure or solenoid valve core damage, leaving users without access to water.
Innovation Solution
A dual-handle and dual-control faucet design incorporating both mechanical and sensor control modes, featuring a mechanical control unit with first and second mechanical valve cores, a sensor control unit with a solenoid valve core, and a water flow sensor, allowing manual operation when the sensor control mode is abnormal, ensuring continuous water access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensor control mode is used for automatic faucet operation, then user convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates when sensor or power system fails
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the control parameter from purely sensor-based automatic control to a switchable dual-mode control (sensor control mode and manual control mode). This allows the faucet to transition between automatic operation for convenience and manual operation for reliability, resolving the contradiction by making the control parameter adjustable based on system status.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mode is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The system can switch between sensor control mode and manual control mode depending on whether the sensor or power system is functioning normally. This dynamic adaptability allows the faucet to maintain reliability while preserving ease of operation when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If dual-control mode (mechanical and sensor) is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same faucet body and valve cores can operate in either sensor control mode or manual control mode. The first and second mechanical valve cores serve dual purposes: they can be actuated manually through handles or controlled automatically via the solenoid valve core. This universality reduces the need for completely separate mechanical systems, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If mechanical valve cores are added for manual control, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual control handles (first handle and second handle) are merged with the mechanical valve cores (first mechanical valve core and second mechanical valve core) into an integrated assembly. This merging allows the manual control mechanism to be manufactured and assembled as a unified component, simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring that manual operation capability is reliably built into the faucet structure.
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 users to operate the faucet manually when the sensor control mode fails, prioritizing manual control to ensure water availability and convenience, while maintaining a sensor control mode for normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor control unit includes a solenoid valve core mounted to the faucet body and a sensor. The solenoid valve core controls the outlet end of the third inlet water channel to be in communication with the main outlet water cavity or not.
Implementation Method 2
The water flow sensor is mounted to the faucet body. The water flow sensor is configured to detect whether there is water flowing through the mixed water channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-handle and dual-control faucet includes a faucet body and a faucet spout, a mechanical control unit, a sensor control unit, a water flow sensor and a controller that are mounted to the faucet body. The controller detects whether the mechanical control unit is operated through the water flow sensor. When the mechanical control unit acts, the sensor control unit becomes inactive. The faucet has a mechanical control mode and a sensor control mode and is convenient to use.