Faucet Controller Prioritizing Antibacterial Water Spouting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic faucet apparatuses cannot simultaneously spout electrolyzed water into a detection range while controlling the first spouting mode to prevent tap water from being spouted, limiting the antibacterial effect on objects like toothbrushes and glasses.
Innovation Solution
A faucet apparatus with a controller that switches between tap water and function water spouting modes, allowing function water with antibacterial effects to be spouted without activating the tap water spouting mode when an object is detected, using solenoid valves and a detection sensor to prioritize the function water spouting mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first spouting mode is executed when the detection sensor detects an object, then tap water is spouted from the tap water spouting portion, but function water cannot be spouted to the detected object without tap water interference
Solution Approach 1:
The spouting function is segmented into two independent modes: first spouting mode for tap water and second spouting mode for function water. The controller selectively activates one mode at a time based on detection sensor input and operation portion signals, preventing interference between tap water and function water spouting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between first spouting mode and second spouting mode based on real-time sensor detection and user input. When the detection sensor detects an object and the operation portion receives a signal, the controller prioritizes the second spouting mode for function water, otherwise executes the first spouting mode for tap water
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the second spouting mode is executed to spout function water, then antibacterial effect is achieved on objects, but tap water spouting cannot be simultaneously executed
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the operational parameters of the solenoid valves to switch between modes. When the second spouting mode is executed, the second solenoid valve is activated to allow function water flow while the first solenoid valve remains closed to prevent tap water flow, achieving parameter-based mode switching for different water types
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet apparatus achieves multi-functionality by integrating both tap water spouting and function water spouting capabilities into a single system. The controller manages multiple spouting modes (first spouting mode for tap water, second spouting mode for function water) through a unified control architecture, making the system adaptable to different operational requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If both first solenoid valve and second solenoid valve are controlled independently, then both tap water and function water can be spouted, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the independent solenoid valves. It receives signals from the detection sensor and operation portion, then coordinates the first and second solenoid valves to ensure only the appropriate water type is spouted at any given time, simplifying the control logic while maintaining dual spouting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic extracts and prioritizes specific operational conditions: when the detection sensor detects an object and the operation portion receives a signal, the controller extracts this as a condition to execute the second spouting mode for function water, otherwise executing the first spouting mode for tap water
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 effective antibacterial and bacteria-removing effects on detected objects by ensuring only function water is spouted, preventing unnecessary tap water discharge and enhancing hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a detection sensor detecting an object
Implementation Method 2
a first solenoid valve switching between an opened state and a closed state of a supply flow path of tap water
Implementation Method 3
a second solenoid valve switching between an opened state and a closed state of a supply flow path of function water
Implementation Method 4
causes electrolyzed water to be automatically spouted from a second spouting unit
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet apparatus which is capable of, even when a first spouting mode is adapted to be executed when a detection sensor detects an object, causing function water that has an antibacterial effect or bacteria removing effect to be spouted to a detected object without causing tap water by the first spouting mode to be spouted, so that the antibacterial effect or bacteria removing effect can be caused to effectively work on the object. A controller of the faucet apparatus of the present disclosure comprises the first spouting mode and a second spouting mode, and the controller is further provided with a second spouting mode prioritization function of, even if the detection sensor is into a detection state, performing control not to execute the first spouting mode while the second water mode is executed.