Electronic Faucet Inlet Auto-Identification to Prevent Misconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets with multiple inlets for conditioned water sources face challenges in simplifying the connection process, leading to potential user safety risks due to incorrect inlet connections, particularly with hot and cold water inversion, and require improved configuration of commands.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a data processing unit that receives identifying signals from sources of conditioned water, assigns logical associations between inlets and sources, and controls valve operations to ensure correct water supply, featuring wired and wireless transmission channels, and self-learning capabilities for customized dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inlets are provided for different conditioned water sources, then the functionality and versatility of the faucet is improved, but the complexity of connection and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet system performs self-identification and self-configuration by automatically detecting which water sources are connected to which inlets through sensor data (temperature, flow characteristics) and autonomously mapping them without requiring manual operator configuration, thereby simplifying the connection process while maintaining multiple inlet functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in physical parameters (temperature, flow rate, pressure) detected by sensors to automatically identify and differentiate between various water sources connected to the multiple inlets, enabling the faucet to adapt its operation based on the detected parameters rather than requiring pre-configured physical connections
2Ease of manufacture
If manual connection of water sources to inlets is required, then the installation process becomes simpler, but the risk of incorrect connection and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water sources through sensors (temperature, flow, pressure) and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts valve operations to ensure correct water source routing to appropriate inlets, preventing incorrect connections even when manually installed
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents incorrect water source connections by automatically detecting the actual connections made during installation and pre-adjusting the valve configurations to compensate for any potential mismatches, thereby preventing safety hazards before they can occur
3Reliability
If automated identification and mapping of water sources is implemented, then connection accuracy and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions including water source identification, inlet mapping, valve control, and safety monitoring using a single integrated electronic system, reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual mechanical configuration and identification processes with automated electronic sensing and control, using electrical/electronic components (sensors, microprocessors) to perform tasks that would otherwise require complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
4Device complexity
If traditional manual configuration commands are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation and customization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet system automatically configures itself by detecting connected water sources and their characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration commands or programming, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic configuration and mapping of water sources to inlets during the initial installation phase, so that no subsequent manual configuration commands are needed during operation, simplifying both installation and ongoing use
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a data processing unit for receiving an identifying signal of a first source of conditioned water or fluid for being modularly connected to any of a plurality of inlets of a faucet. The inlets are directly realized on said faucet or realized in a connection module connected to the faucet. The electronic device includes at least a first command for selecting a supply of an outlet of the faucet with a fluid coming from an inlet of said faucet. The first command is operatively connected to said data processing unit. Said data processing unit is configured for assigning to the first command a logical association between the first source and an inlet to which the first source is connected, so that said first command, when activated, recalls the logical association and causes a supply of the outlet with a fluid supplied from said first source.