Automatic Faucet Radio Wave Sensor Directivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic faucets using radio wave sensors face issues with erroneous water spouting cessation during hand-lathering motions due to a narrowed sensing range during water spouting states, leading to unintended stoppages.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a radio wave propagation space within the faucet conduit pipe, with a radio wave sensor positioned at the base end and a directivity setting mechanism that adjusts the radio wave emission to ensure sensing range alignment with the spouting direction during water stopping and interference with the washing water stream during spouting, preventing interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the sensing range of the radio wave sensor is increased to detect users from various directions, then the response speed is improved, but the sensing range becomes excessively broad causing erroneous water spouting during hand-lathering motions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensing range adjustable based on the operational state. The control unit changes the sensing range of the radio wave sensor dynamically: expanding it when water is not spouting to improve response speed, and contracting it when water is spouting to prevent erroneous detection during hand-lathering motions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between broad sensing capability and precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of sensing range based on the water spouting state. When water is spouting, the control unit reduces the sensing range to a smaller area, while when water is not spouting, it expands the sensing range to cover a larger area. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both fast response and accurate detection without erroneous water spouting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the radio wave sensor is installed on the sink side to enhance design flexibility, then design flexibility is improved, but the sensing range becomes excessively broad causing erroneous water spouting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by dynamically adjusting the sensing range based on operational state. Even though the sensor is installed on the sink side for design flexibility, the control unit contracts the sensing range when water is spouting, preventing erroneous detection while maintaining the beneficial installation position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing range parameter based on the water spouting state. The control unit reduces the sensing range when water is spouting to prevent erroneous water spouting, while allowing a broader range when water is not spouting. This parameter adjustment enables the sensor to be installed on the sink side without causing reliability issues.
3Reliability
If the sensing range is contracted to prevent erroneous water spouting during hand-lathering, then reliability is improved, but the response speed during water start is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by switching the sensing range between two states: a broad sensing range when water is not spouting (to ensure fast response), and a contracted sensing range when water is spouting (to prevent erroneous detection). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between reliability and response speed at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by expanding the sensing range in advance when water is not spouting, so that users can be detected quickly when they approach. Once water spouting is detected, the sensing range is then contracted to prevent erroneous detection during hand-lathering. This preliminary expansion ensures fast response without compromising reliability during the actual washing phase.
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 effectively prevents erroneous water spouting cessation during hand-lathering motions by maintaining the sensing range suitable for both water stopping and spouting states, ensuring continuous water flow without unnecessary interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
a radio wave sensor (40) provided in the faucet main unit (1A) at a position on a side of the base end, and set to emit a radio wave into the radio wave propagation space
Implementation Method 2
a part of the radio wave emitted from a region of the radio wave emitting port (27) disposed offset toward the user side with respect to the spout port (26) at least partially interferes with a user-side region of a peripheral surface of a stream of the spouted washing water
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an automatic faucet using a radio wave sensor, which is capable of preventing erroneous stop of water spouting, with a simple configuration. The automatic faucet (1) has a radio wave propagation space, a radio wave emitting port (27), and directivity setting device. The directivity setting device is configured to direct a radio wave being emitted from the radio wave emitting port (27), in such a manner that, during a water stopping state, the emitted radio wave lies along a spouting direction (A) along which washing water is to be spouted from a spout port (26), and, during a water spouting state, a part of the radio wave emitted disposed offset in a direction C, with respect to the spout port (26) interferes with a region of a peripheral surface of a stream (W) facing in the direction C.