An electronic shower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional shower control systems lack accurate and convenient adjustment of water temperature and volume, with mechanical switches being indirect and imprecise, and electrically controlled systems requiring multiple buttons and being weak in visualization.
Innovation Solution
A shower control system with a control panel featuring a digital temperature display, an arc-shaped volume meter, and a lock mode icon, where the controller is concealed, and temperature and volume adjustments are made using stepped motors, ensuring balanced water pressure and embedded power supply for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If mechanical switches are used to adjust water temperature and volume, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment accuracy is insufficient and excessive force causes excessive changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electrical control system comprising a controller and control panel. The controller receives electrical signals from the control panel and adjusts the water temperature and volume through electrical control of outlet terminals, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms and achieving precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position to electrical signal. The control panel detects user input through electrical signals and transmits these signals to the controller, which then adjusts the water temperature and volume parameters precisely without the limitations of mechanical switch positioning.
2Measurement precision
If electrical controllers with multiple buttons are used to adjust temperature and volume, then the adjustment accuracy is improved, but the operation convenience deteriorates and visualization is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature and volume control functions into a single integrated control panel with a rotary knob. The control panel combines display elements and control mechanisms into one unified interface, allowing users to adjust both temperature and volume through a single rotational operation rather than multiple separate buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel serves multiple functions through a single rotary knob mechanism. By rotating the knob in different directions or positions, users can control both temperature adjustment and volume adjustment, as well as switch between different outlet terminals, making the control system universal and highly convenient for operation during showering.
3Shape
If the controller is concealed and control panel is wall-mounted, then the appearance elegance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent parts: a concealed controller unit installed within the wall or shower structure, and a separate control panel mounted on the wall surface. This segmentation allows the controller to be hidden from view while the control panel provides the user interface, achieving an elegant appearance without compromising functionality.
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 system provides a visually simple, direct, and logically clear method for users to adjust temperature and volume, ensuring accurate and quick adjustments while maintaining a safe and elegant design.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets
Implementation Method 2
the temperature control valve is controlled by a first stepped motor to adjust the water area of the cool water inlet hole and the hot water inlet hole; the volume regulation valve comprises a pivot valve and a second stepped motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a shower control system, which comprises a controller (1) and a control panel (2); the control panel (2) comprises a knob, the top surface of the knob is disposed with an inner ring (21) and an outer ring (23); the outer ring (23) is disposed with outlet buttons (231) corresponding to a first outlet (17) and a second outlet (18); when one of the outlet buttons (231) is touched, the circuit of the controller (1) sends a signal to an electromagnetic valve (19) to control the first outlet (17) or the second outlet (18) to open; the inner ring (21) is disposed with a display screen (22) with a temperature displaying area (221), a volume displaying area (222), a temperature adjusting mode icon (223), a volume adjusting mode icon (224) and a lock mode icon (225); when the knob is pressed for a predetermined time, the control panel (2) is activated and the inner ring (21) lights up; the temperature displaying area (221) and the volume displaying area (222) on the display (22) respectively display the temperature and volume at the last time's use, and the lock mode icon (225) is selected. Further adjustements can be made by simple operation and following clear logic.