Capacitive Coupling in Electronic Faucet Mounting Shank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic faucet assemblies face challenges in effectively communicating electrical signals between control circuits and physical structures, which affects the operation and efficiency of fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an electronic faucet assembly with a mounting shank and a spring clip that facilitates electrical signal communication through capacitive coupling, using a conductive metal material with a non-conductive layer or a conductive metal sheet forming a circumferential collar, allowing for efficient signal transfer without direct electrical conduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct electrical conduction is used between control circuit and physical structure, then electrical signal communication is achieved, but electrical current conduction risks and potential safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting shank as an intermediary component between the control circuit and physical structure. This shank serves as a mediator that enables electrical signal communication while preventing direct harmful electrical current conduction to the faucet body, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable signal communication and electrical safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional direct electrical conduction mechanisms with a mounting shank-based system that mechanically couples components while providing controlled electrical pathways. This substitution allows signal communication through a dedicated structure rather than through the faucet body, eliminating the harmful conduction pathway
2Ease of operation
If a mounting shank with spring clip is used for electrical connection, then electrical signal communication is facilitated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the mounting shank: mechanical support, electrical signal conduction, and structural coupling. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the addition of the spring clip, as the shank serves multiple purposes that would otherwise require separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting shank is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the control circuit, conducting electrical signals, and enabling structural coupling between components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the complexity introduced by the spring clip mechanism
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
This configuration enables reliable and efficient communication of electrical signals, enhancing the control and operation of electronic faucets by ensuring effective communication between control circuits and sensors, while minimizing electrical current conduction risks.
Implementation Method 1
the communication of the electrical signals between the distal portion of the mounting shank and the spring clip is by capacitive coupling without conduction of electrical current between the mounting shank and the spring clip
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic faucet assembly having a faucet body and a mounting shank. At least one electrically controlled valve is disposed in a fluid line between the fluid supply and a fluid passageway supported by the faucet body. A controller is configured to control operation of the valve. A circuit component supported on the faucet body is in electrical communication with a proximal portion of the mounting shank. A spring clip in electrical communication with the control circuit is mounted on a smooth cylindrical surface of the distal portion of the mounting shank. The mounting shank may be aluminum with an aluminum oxide layer on the smooth cylindrical surface. Electrical signals may be conducted between the spring clip and mounting shank by capacitive coupling without conduction of electrical current between the spring clip and mounting shank. The spring clip may be dimensioned to prevent incorrect installation on the mounting shank.