Electronic Faucet Metered Dispensing for Precise Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic faucets lack the ability to dispense precise volumes of water accurately, relying on manual adjustments or proximity sensors that do not allow for controlled and measured fluid delivery.
Innovation Solution
A metered dispense input device that wirelessly communicates with a control module of an electronic faucet, featuring rotatable dials for selecting numerical units and fluid serving sizes, and an activation button to dispense specific volumes of water, integrating with the faucet's electrically operable valve to control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronic faucets use proximity sensors or touch sensors to control fluid flow, then automatic operation is achieved, but precise volume control is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless control module as an intermediary between the user and the faucet's electrically operable valve. This module receives wireless signals from a remote device, translates them into control commands, and activates the valve accordingly. The intermediary enables precise volume control through digital communication while maintaining automatic operation, resolving the contradiction between automation and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustments are used to control fluid flow, then some volume control is possible, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with a wireless electronic control system. Users can adjust volume parameters and control fluid flow remotely using a wireless device, eliminating the need for physical manipulation of mechanical components. This substitution maintains precise volume control while significantly improving ease of operation through remote accessibility and digital interface.
3Measurement precision
If a wireless control module is integrated into the faucet, then precise volume dispensing is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control module is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving wireless signals, processing control commands, communicating with the electrically operable valve, and providing user feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional module, the patent enables precise volume dispensing while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a metered dispense input device that wirelessly communicates with a wireless control module of an electronic faucet to allow wireless control of the faucet such that selected volumes of water can be dispensed. The present disclosure further relates to a metered dispense input device that is integrated into an electronic faucet to allow the dispensing of selected volumes of water.