Electronic Faucet Sensor Integration for Intuitive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic plumbing fixture fittings, such as electronic faucets, often confuse users with their activation and actuation mechanisms, leading to difficulty in operating them effectively.
Innovation Solution
The electronic faucet incorporates a combination of sensors, including a toggle sensor and a presence sensor, along with a mechanical flow device and parameter sensor, to manage water flow and temperature settings, allowing users to control the faucet through a handle that activates and deactivates the electronic valve based on position, enabling intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic sensors and valves are used to control water flow and temperature, then precision control of water parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical flow device serves multiple functions: it mechanically controls water flow while simultaneously allowing optical energy to pass through it to the parameter sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining precision control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical flow device acts as an intermediary element that bridges the mechanical control system and the optical sensing system. By allowing optical energy to pass through it, it enables the parameter sensor to detect water parameters without requiring direct electronic intervention in the flow path, thus simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Productivity
If multiple sensors and electronic components are integrated, then operational efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex activation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic sensor detection capabilities that eliminate the need for manual activation. The presence sensor automatically detects when a user approaches or interacts with the faucet, and the parameter sensor continuously monitors water parameters, allowing the system to self-regulate without complex user input mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation mechanisms (such as manual valve handles or buttons) with sensor-based detection systems. The optical sensor detects user presence or gestures, and the parameter sensor automatically adjusts water flow and temperature, substituting complex mechanical user interfaces with intuitive sensor-driven control.
3Device complexity
If a mechanical flow device is used to transmit energy for parameter detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by mechanical positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors changes in optical energy transmission parameters through the mechanical flow device. By detecting variations in energy intensity that correspond to different mechanical positions of the flow device, the parameter sensor can accurately determine water flow conditions while maintaining system structural simplicity.
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
This configuration simplifies user interaction by using sensors to manage water flow and temperature settings, providing a user-friendly interface that allows for precise control of water temperature and volume, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical flow device is operable to permit transmission of varying intensities of energy through the mechanical flow device based on the position of the mechanical flow device. The parameter sensor is operable to detect the intensity of energy transmitted through the mechanical flow device
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic plumbing fixture fitting comprises a discharge outlet, an electronic valve, a parameter sensor, and a user interface. The discharge outlet is operable to deliver water. The electronic valve is operable to permit flow of water through the discharge outlet when the electronic valve is activated and to prevent flow of water through the discharge outlet when the electronic valve is deactivated. The parameter sensor includes an emitter and a detector. The parameter sensor is operable to detect an intensity of energy transmitted from the emitter to the detector and provide information to set at least one parameter of water flowing through the electronic valve.