Dual-Mode Faucet Valve Layout for Contactless and Manual Water Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-handle faucets are inconvenient to use and prone to bacterial infection, and touch or inductive faucets have a short service life due to single functionality and vulnerability to damage.
Innovation Solution
A faucet design incorporating a faucet spout, communication valve, first and second valve cartridges, solenoid valve, and induction control circuit, allowing for both manual and induction mode operation, with a water flow sensor controlling the solenoid valve to switch between modes and ensuring continued functionality during abnormal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical handle switches are used to control water flow, then the faucet structure is simple and reliable, but it is inconvenient to use and easy to cause bacterial infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical handle switch with an induction switch that uses electromagnetic induction to detect the presence of a card or token, thereby controlling the solenoid valve to open or close the water flow. This substitution eliminates direct contact between the user and the faucet, reducing bacterial infection risk while improving convenience through contactless operation.
2Ease of operation
If touch or induction mode is used to control water flow, then convenience is improved, but the service life is shortened due to single functionality and vulnerability to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the faucet with dual functionality: it can operate in induction mode using the induction switch and solenoid valve, or in manual mode using traditional handle switches. This multi-functionality ensures that if the induction system fails or is damaged, the faucet can still be operated manually, thereby extending its service life and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a backup manual operation system (handle switches) that can be used if the induction system fails. This beforehand cushioning ensures continuous functionality and extends the service life of the faucet by providing a fallback mechanism when the primary induction system is damaged or malfunctioning.
3Ease of operation
If induction control circuit is added to enable induction mode, then convenience and service life are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: the induction control circuit with solenoid valve, and the manual handle switch system. Each part can function independently, allowing the induction system to be added without completely redesigning the entire faucet structure. This segmentation manages complexity by allowing modular addition of features.
4Extent of automation
If solenoid valve is used to control water flow in induction mode, then automation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solenoid valve to replace the mechanical handle switch in the induction mode, enabling automated control of water flow through electromagnetic actuation. The solenoid valve is controlled by the induction control circuit, which detects the presence of a card or token and automatically opens or closes the water flow without manual intervention, thereby increasing automation level.
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
The design provides a convenient and long-lasting solution for controlling water flow, enabling seamless transition between manual and induction modes, and ensuring continued operation even during power failures or induction failures.
Implementation Method 1
an induction switch, comprising an induction coil and a card detection coil... when the induction switch detects that the card or token is approached
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid valve, comprising a solenoid and a valve body... the solenoid is connected to drive the valve body to move between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 3
The first channel is provided with a water flow sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a faucet spout, a communication valve, a first valve cartridge, a second valve cartridge, a solenoid valve, and an induction control circuit. A first input end, a second input end and a third input end of the communication valve are connected to the first valve cartridge, the second valve cartridge and the solenoid valve, respectively. An output end of the communication valve is connected to the faucet spout. The communication valve is provided with a water flow sensor electrically connected to the induction control circuit. The faucet provides a manual mode and an induction mode to control the flow of water and is convenient to use and can prolong its service life.