Embedded Microwave Radar Sensing for Reliable Urinal Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bathroom devices for male urination rely on line of sight sensors and infrared technology, which are costly, require installation on walls or ceramics, and are prone to interference from ambient light and user clothing, leading to inconsistent flushing and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A microwave radar sensor integrated into the vitreous body of bathroom fixtures, such as urinals and sinks, that detects user presence and gestures without visible components, allowing for easy installation and operation, and includes a control unit configured to provide water based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared technology with transmitting and receiving windows is used, then user presence can be detected, but the device requires installation on walls or ceramics, increasing product costs and manual installation and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical infrared detection system with a microwave radar sensor that uses electromagnetic waves. This substitution eliminates the need for transmitting and receiving windows, allowing the sensor to be embedded within the vitreous body without requiring external optical interfaces, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microwave radar sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism that can penetrate the vitreous body material. This intermediary sensor enables presence detection without requiring direct optical line-of-sight components, solving the installation complexity issue by allowing flexible integration within the fixture structure
2Reliability
If infrared technology is used, then user presence can be detected, but in areas with strong ambient light or user wearing black clothes, the sensing range is short, and in severe cases, it does not activate to flush
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-based infrared detection system with a microwave radar system that operates on electromagnetic waves. This substitution fundamentally eliminates sensitivity to ambient light conditions and clothing color, as microwave radiation is not affected by visible light interference, thereby ensuring consistent detection reliability across various environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical wavelength (infrared) to microwave wavelength. This parameter change in the electromagnetic spectrum allows the sensor to detect users regardless of ambient light conditions or clothing properties, as microwave radiation penetrates and reflects differently from human bodies without being influenced by visible light interference
3Reliability
If sensor faceplate or sensor windows are installed on the urinal ceramics, then detection can be achieved, but it increases manufacturing complexity and cost due to aesthetic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor functionality from the external faceplate or window components and integrates it directly into the vitreous body structure. By embedding the microwave radar sensor within the fixture body, the design eliminates the need for separate sensor faceplates that require aesthetic matching, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor integration with the fixture manufacturing process itself. The microwave radar sensor is incorporated during the vitreous body formation, combining the structural and detection functions into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting operations and aesthetic matching, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
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 microwave radar sensor provides reliable, hands-free operation with reduced installation and maintenance costs, smart water conservation, and effective flushing based on detected urine stream duration, unaffected by ambient light or user clothing.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave radar sensor coupled to the fixture-facing side of the vitreous body... receives sensor data from the microwave radar sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a millimeter wave radar detection. An apparatus such as a lavatory or a urinal includes a vitreous body, a water outlet, a sensor, and a control unit. The vitreous body includes a user-facing side opposite to a fixture-facing side. The water outlet is coupled to the user-facing side of the vitreous body. The sensor is coupled to the fixture-facing side of the vitreous body. The control unit is configured to receive sensor data from the microwave radar sensor and generate a command to provide water to the water outlet in response to the sensor data from the microwave radar sensor.