Integrated Faucet Light Fixture for Task Illumination and Surface Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Faucets in bathroom and kitchen environments often lack sufficient lighting, making tasks difficult due to limited natural lighting, and existing solutions like additional light fixtures or handheld UV lights are cumbersome or ineffective in disinfecting surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A faucet with an integrated lighting fixture that emits visible and ultraviolet light, activated by user input, providing improved illumination for tasks and disinfection of surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If additional light fixtures are installed in the room, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the faucet structure by integrating LED lights into the faucet body. This merging eliminates the need for separate light fixtures and their associated wiring and installation complexity, while providing targeted illumination where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet system provides its own lighting function through integrated LEDs that are powered by the faucet's existing electrical connection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional wiring or power sources that would be required for separate light fixtures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If handheld UV light is used for disinfection, then pathogen elimination is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV disinfection function with the faucet structure, creating an integrated system that automatically or easily activates UV lighting. This eliminates the need for separate handheld UV devices and makes disinfection as convenient as using the faucet itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet system performs its own disinfection function through integrated UV LEDs that can be activated automatically or through simple user interaction. This self-service approach eliminates the need for users to manually operate separate UV disinfection devices.
3Shape
If water stream lighting is added, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but illumination effectiveness for tasks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies lighting to specific locations on the faucet structure (such as the spout or body) rather than just within the water stream. This localized approach provides both aesthetic appeal and practical task illumination by directing light to the workspace area below the faucet.
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
Enhances lighting for tasks under the faucet and effectively disinfects surfaces using germicidal UV light, improving user experience and hygiene without adding clutter or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
It is known that ultraviolet light (UV) can mitigate the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens
Implementation Method 2
The light fixture is configured to emit at least one of visible light and UV light
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet may be used to deliver water in a temperature and volume controlled manner. The faucet may also deliver light through the use of an integrated light fixture. The light fixture may emit at least one of visible and ultraviolet light. The light fixture may be selectively activated to display a number of types of light, intensities of light, and/or light colors. The activation of the light may be done through a touch sensor, optical sensor, and/or audio sensor.