Electronic Shower Controls for Quick Hot Water and Smart Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plumbing systems lack integrated technologies to enhance operational efficiency, such as anticipatory hot water delivery and smart control of water flow and temperature, leading to inefficiencies and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bathroom electronic system with sensors and a controller that anticipates user needs, providing features like hands-free faucet operation, quick hot water, digital temperature control, and automatic nightlight operation, utilizing a network of modules for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional plumbing systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system lacks automated control capabilities and user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (sensing, control, water delivery, illumination) into an integrated faucet assembly. Sensors detect user presence and automatically control water flow, while LED lights provide illumination and system status indication, all managed by a centralized controller within the single fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet assembly serves multiple functions: water delivery, automated flow control based on presence detection, temperature control, illumination through integrated LEDs, and system monitoring. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function.
2Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are used to detect user presence at different distances, then the automation capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is divided into multiple zones using separate sensors at different distances. One sensor detects presence at a greater distance for early activation, while another sensor at a closer distance provides confirmation for immediate water delivery, creating segmented detection zones that improve automation accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If recirculation pumps are used to provide quick hot water, then the user convenience is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation pump proactively circulates hot water through the plumbing system before the user actually needs it, based on predicted usage patterns or scheduled times. This preliminary action ensures hot water is immediately available at the faucet without requiring the user to wait for hot water to travel through cold pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors monitor the water temperature in the recirculation loop and provide feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the pump operation and mixing valve based on this feedback to maintain optimal temperature while minimizing energy consumption by pumping only when necessary.
4Adaptability or versatility
If digital controls and networked modules are implemented, then the system intelligence is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable and adaptable features through digital controls that can be programmed with different operational parameters, schedules, and user preferences. The networked modules can communicate and coordinate their operations dynamically, allowing the system to adapt to different usage patterns and requirements.
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 ensures hot water availability when needed, optimizes water usage, and enhances user convenience through smart control of water flow and temperature, improving operational efficiency in bathrooms.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor in thermal communication with the mixed water outlet and configured to detect the temperature of water passing therethrough
Implementation Method 2
A recirculation pump is in communication with the controller and is configured to be deactivated when the temperature sensor detects a temperature greater than a predetermined value
Implementation Method 3
The controller is configured to activate the illumination device when the sensor detects the presence of a person within a predetermined distance of the faucet
Implementation Method 4
The hot water indicator light is configured to be activated when the temperature sensor detects a temperature greater than the predetermined value
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated bathroom electronic system including a plurality of sensors to detect conditions within a bathroom and to provide signals indicative thereof to a controller. A plurality of distinct and exclusive modules or subsystems are illustratively provided for integration into the system. Such modules may include a quick hot water module, a roman tub module, a custom shower module, a hands free faucet module, and a tub shower module. In certain illustrative shower modules, a user interface includes a plurality of user defined presets, each preset including a shower setting stored in memory.