Smart Faucet Object Sensing and Customized Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets require manual control for water temperature, volume, and flow type, which is burdensome and inconvenient for users who need different settings for various applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of faucets equipped with object sensing and automatic dispensing features, using sensors to detect objects below the faucet and adjust water type, flow type, duration, temperature, and flow rate accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control is used for water temperature, volume, and flow type, then the faucet structure remains simple, but user convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet system automatically detects objects below it using sensors and autonomously adjusts water temperature, volume, and flow type without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by making control decisions based on object identification, eliminating the need for users to manually operate controls while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control operations with an automated sensing and control system. Sensors detect objects and trigger electronic control mechanisms that automatically adjust water parameters, substituting the need for mechanical user interaction with an automated detection-actuation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If automatic object detection and adjustment features are added, then user convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet incorporates a multi-functional control system that can identify different object types (glasses, dishes, produce, hands) and automatically adjust water parameters accordingly. This universal system handles multiple applications through a single integrated sensing and control mechanism, providing adaptability without requiring separate specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes water parameters (temperature, volume, flow type) based on detected object characteristics. The control system adjusts multiple water delivery parameters simultaneously according to the identified application, enabling versatile adaptation through dynamic parameter modification rather than structural changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple water types and flow types are provided, then adaptability to different applications improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water delivery system is divided into separate channels for different water types (potable, filtered, alkaline, electrolyzed) and flow types (stream, spray, pulsing). Each channel can be independently controlled and activated based on the detected application, allowing the system to provide multiple water configurations without requiring all components to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity through modular activation.
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 solution allows for dynamic and automatic adjustment of water characteristics based on the detected object and its application, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors to detect objects below the faucet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a faucet includes a faucet having a spout, the spout configured to direct a fluid into a sink, an image sensor configured to collect image data, and a processor configured to analyze the image date. The processor may analyze the image data and assign a classification to an object included in the image data, select a flow attribute based on the assigned classification, and cause the faucet to direct a flow of fluid having the selected flow attribute into the sink.