Quantitative Faucet Self-Calibration via Flow Meter Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quantitative outflow water faucets require factory calibration and cannot be adjusted by users, leading to inaccuracies over time due to wear and tear, necessitating cumbersome maintenance processes.

Innovation Solution

A method for calibrating outflow water quantity through a touch/press signal-based system that enters a calibration mode, adjusts the outflow water valve based on flow meter rotations, and sets a calibrated value based on the difference between set and actual outflow quantities, allowing users to correct inaccuracies independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If factory calibration is performed before shipping, then initial outflow water accuracy is ensured, but users cannot adjust the faucet themselves when inaccuracies occur, requiring cumbersome professional maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutflow water quantity accuracyVSAvoiduser adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform calibration themselves through a self-service calibration function. The control module allows users to enter calibration mode by operating the control switch for a predetermined time, then guides them through the calibration process by displaying prompts and accepting input values. This eliminates the need for professional maintenance personnel and allows users to independently correct accuracy deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static factory calibration into a dynamic user-adjustable system. The calibration parameters are stored in a writable memory module, allowing the outflow water quantity to be dynamically adjusted based on actual usage conditions. The system can adapt to changes in water pressure, flow rate, and other variables over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If factory calibration is performed before shipping, then initial outflow water accuracy is ensured, but accuracy deteriorates over time due to wear and tear of components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutflow water quantity accuracyVSAvoidlong-term accuracy stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual outflow water quantity is measured and compared with the target calibration value. The control module calculates the difference between these values and automatically adjusts the calibration parameters to minimize the error. This closed-loop feedback system continuously maintains accuracy despite component wear and environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration adjustments by allowing users to input correction values before finalizing the calibration. The system calculates preliminary calibration parameters based on the difference between actual and target values, then applies these adjustments to compensate for anticipated wear and drift over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If professional maintenance is required for calibration, then accuracy can be corrected, but the maintenance process is too cumbersome and the maintenance cycle is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutflow water quantity accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform calibration themselves through a self-service calibration function. The control module allows users to enter calibration mode by operating the control switch for a predetermined time, then guides them through the calibration process by displaying prompts and accepting input values. This eliminates the need for professional maintenance personnel and allows users to independently correct accuracy deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calibration adjustments by allowing users to input correction values before finalizing the calibration. The system calculates preliminary calibration parameters based on the difference between actual and target values, then applies these adjustments to compensate for anticipated wear and drift over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12158368B2Method for setting calibrated outflow water of quantitative outflow water faucet, method for processing outflow water, and faucet
Publication Date: 2024.12.03 ZHANGZHOU SOLEX SMART HOME CO LTD
  • US12158368B2 patent drawing
  • US12158368B2 patent drawing
  • US12158368B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for setting calibrated outflow water of a quantitative outflow water faucet, a method for processing outflow water, and a faucet. The method for setting the calibrated outflow water comprises receiving a touch/press signal, and entering a calibration setting mode; receiving a signal for setting one or more quantitative outflow water gear positions, and obtaining a calibrated outflow water gear position; receiving a touch/press signal of an outflow water control switch, and controlling an outflow water valve to be opened; when a number of rotations of a flow meter reaches an initial set value of the one or more quantitative outflow water gear positions, controlling the outflow water valve to be closed to obtain an actual outflow water quantity; receiving a difference value; setting a calibrated set value of the calibrated outflow water gear position; and exiting the calibration setting mode.