Electronic Faucet Piston Valve Stepper Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic plumbing fixture fittings, such as faucets, lack efficient mechanisms for controlling water flow that are both precise and adaptable to user needs, often relying on mechanical valves that are cumbersome and less responsive to user input.
Innovation Solution
An electronic plumbing fixture fitting with a piston and seat valve system, incorporating a stepper motor actuated valve and sensors for precise control, allowing for proportional flow adjustment based on user input through a toggle sensor, presence sensor, and parameter sensor, enabling seamless activation and deactivation of water flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical valve is used to control water flow, then the device is simpler in structure, but the response to user input is slower and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve control with an electronic valve system actuated by a stepper motor. The electronic valve includes a piston with sealing and flow control zones that respond to electronic signals rather than purely mechanical input, enabling more precise and responsive flow control while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the stepper motor can adjust the piston position in multiple discrete steps, allowing the valve to transition between fully closed, partially open, and fully open states. This dynamic adjustment capability provides precise flow control that adapts to varying user needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single valve position is used, then the device is simpler to operate, but the adaptability to different user needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve system with multiple adjustable positions controlled by a stepper motor, enabling the piston to stop at various intermediate positions between fully closed and fully open. This allows continuous adjustment of water flow rate and temperature mixing ratios, providing high adaptability to different user requirements while maintaining straightforward operation through electronic control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the valve by allowing the piston position to vary continuously between extreme positions. This enables adjustment of flow rate, pressure, and temperature mixing ratios without complicating the user interface, as the system can be controlled through simple electronic signals that translate to precise mechanical positions
3Reliability
If the sealing zone and flow control zone are combined, then the valve structure is more compact, but the sealing performance and flow control precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve's functional zones into distinct segments: a sealing zone where the piston contacts the seat to prevent leakage, and a separate flow control zone where the piston position modulates water flow. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently for its specific function, ensuring reliable sealing performance while maintaining precise flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different local qualities to different parts of the piston and seat structure. The sealing zone features precise mating surfaces with specific geometric characteristics optimized for leak-free operation, while the flow control zone has different surface characteristics and geometric features optimized for flow modulation. This localized optimization maintains high reliability without excessive overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting with an electronic valve including a piston and a seat, such as an electronic faucet with an electronic valve including a piston and a seat.