Electronic Faucet Orientation Control Without Bulky Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucets are bulky due to the need for mechanical components to control water temperature and flow, limiting design flexibility and aesthetic appeal, especially in kitchen faucets where mechanical valves require significant space.
Innovation Solution
An electronically controlled faucet with an inertial motion unit sensor in the handle that detects spatial orientation, allowing for electronic adjustment of water flow and temperature, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components by using an electronic flow control system controlled by a processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical valves and handles are used to control water temperature and flow, then the faucet can reliably control water flow and temperature, but the faucet body becomes bulky and aesthetically less appealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valves with an electronic flow control system. Sensors detect user input (touch, proximity, or voice) and send signals to an electronic control system that adjusts water flow and temperature without mechanical moving parts. This eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical valve components from the faucet body. By taking out the mechanical parts that cause bulkiness and replacing them with electronic components, the faucet body can be designed in a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing manner while retaining water control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical valves are included in the faucet body, then water temperature and flow can be controlled, but the faucet body size increases and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical valve systems with electronic flow control systems. This replacement dramatically reduces the space required for control components, allowing the faucet body to be more compact and offering greater design flexibility for various安装 scenarios and aesthetic configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control mechanism from mechanical displacement to electronic parameter adjustment. Sensors detect user intent and the electronic system adjusts flow rate and temperature parameters without requiring physical valve movement, reducing the volume needed for control components.
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
Enables a more streamlined faucet design by electronically controlling water temperature and flow, reducing bulkiness and enhancing aesthetic appeal while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial motion unit sensor mounted inside the faucet handle senses spatial orientation of the faucet handle
Implementation Method 2
An inertial motion unit sensor mounted inside the faucet handle senses spatial orientation of the faucet handle
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet is provided that electronically controls the flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a faucet body and a faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an inertial motion unit sensor mounted in the faucet handle to sense spatial orientation of the faucet handle. The faucet illustratively includes an electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed. The faucet illustratively includes a controller configured to receive signals from the inertial motion unit sensor and control the electronic flow control system to adjust flow volume and temperature of water being dispensed based upon the position of the faucet handle.