Electronic Faucet Control With Dual Input and Water Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in effectively controlling and demonstrating the parameters of electronic plumbing fixture fittings, such as temperature and flow rate, in electronic faucets and showers, which can lead to inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
An electronic plumbing fixture fitting that includes a discharge outlet, an electronic valve, a user input module, a water sensor, and a processor, allowing users to input desired parameters through an electronic input device and a manual input device, with the processor controlling the valve to adjust water parameters until they match the desired settings, and providing feedback to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic input devices are used to control water parameters, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple input methods: electronic input devices for precise numerical control and manual input devices for intuitive physical adjustment. This segmentation allows users to choose the appropriate interaction mode based on their needs, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the input devices and the electronic valve. It receives signals from either electronic or manual input devices, processes the desired water parameters, and controls the valve accordingly. This intermediary enables seamless integration of different input modalities, maintaining both precision and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual input devices are used to demonstrate parameter changes, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A water sensor provides feedback to the processor about the actual water parameters (temperature, flow rate). When a user adjusts parameters using manual input devices, the sensor continuously monitors the actual values and sends feedback to the processor, which then adjusts the electronic valve to achieve the desired parameters. This feedback loop ensures measurement precision is maintained despite the use of manual input devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple types of input devices (electronic and manual) through a unified control architecture. It can process signals from different input methods and control the electronic valve accordingly, providing adaptability without requiring separate control systems for each input type, thus managing device complexity.
4Productivity
If automated control is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting water parameters when electronic input devices or sensor feedback are used, but also allowing manual intervention when needed. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to operate autonomously for efficiency while remaining easily controllable by users, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting including a demonstration feature.