Electronic Faucet With 3D Gesture Flow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets lack the ability to control water flow and temperature in three dimensions using hand gestures, and existing sensor-controlled faucets are limited to two-dimensional motion detection, restricting their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A faucet with an optical sensor assembly capable of detecting three-dimensional hand gestures to control water flow and temperature, integrated with a controller to adjust water flow based on detected gestures, eliminating the need for manual handle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a mechanical handle is used to control water flow and temperature, then the faucet structure is simple and reliable, but the design aesthetics are compromised and the faucet body cannot be slimmed down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional mechanical handle from the faucet body, extracting the control function to a separate sensor assembly. This allows the faucet body to be slimmed down and aesthetically improved while the handle function is eliminated, replaced by optical sensors that detect hand gestures to control water flow and temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical handle system with an optical sensor-based control system. Instead of manual mechanical manipulation, the system uses optical sensors to detect hand gestures and translates them into electronic control signals, substituting mechanical operation with optical detection and electronic control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional motion sensors are used to control faucet operation, then the faucet can be controlled without manual handle operation, but the sensors are limited to two-dimensional motion detection and cannot control water flow and temperature in three dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional motion detection to three-dimensional gesture detection by incorporating multiple optical sensors arranged to detect motion in three-dimensional space. The sensor assembly includes sensors positioned to capture hand gestures from multiple angles, enabling detection of gestures that control both water flow rate and temperature mixing in three dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control system where a single sensor assembly performs multiple functions: detecting gestures to control water flow rate, controlling hot/cold water mixing ratio, and providing intuitive multi-dimensional control. The sensor assembly serves as both the detection device and the control interface for multiple faucet parameters simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are integrated to detect three-dimensional hand gestures, then precise control of water flow and temperature is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor assembly and controller into an integrated control system. The optical sensors are positioned and configured to work together with the controller, combining the detection and processing functions into a unified system that manages water flow and temperature control through gesture recognition.
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
Enables precise control of water flow and temperature through intuitive hand gestures, enhancing user experience and design aesthetics by eliminating mechanical handles.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly comprises at least one optical sensor configured to detect a gesture within a three-dimensional space proximate to the sensor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet is provided that electronically controls the flow of water being dispensed using a sensor assembly. The faucet includes an electronic flow control assembly includes a water inlet and a water outlet in fluid communication with a spout of the faucet, and an electronic valve assembly is configured to control a water flow being dispensed through the spout. The sensor assembly includes at least one optical sensor configured to detect a gesture, and a controller is configured to receive the gesture from the sensor assembly to adjust the water flow based on the gesture.