Sensor Retention in Faucet Spout Using Segmented Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touchless faucet systems with externally or partially externally mounted sensors lack aesthetic appeal and are prone to inadvertent activation due to their location.
Innovation Solution
A faucet design with a sensor completely integrated within the spout, secured by a sensor holder that inhibits horizontal and vertical motion, allowing for touchless actuation while maintaining a clean and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is mounted externally or partially externally to the spout, then the sensor is easily accessible and simple to install, but the aesthetic appearance of the faucet is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is completely nested within the spout interior, with the sensor holder positioned inside the spout and the sensor itself mounted within the holder. This nesting arrangement hides the sensor from external view, maintaining the smooth aesthetic appearance of the spout while still allowing the sensor to function for touchless actuation.
2Reliability
If the sensor is mounted at the base of the faucet, then the sensor is protected from water exposure, but the faucet becomes prone to inadvertent activation by user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned at a specific location within the spout - along the curved portion of the sidewall between the outlet end and inlet end. This localized positioning places the sensor in a region that is neither exposed to direct water flow (maintaining protection) nor in the path of typical user movements (preventing inadvertent activation), while still being effective for detecting intentional hand gestures for touchless control.
3Shape
If the sensor is completely integrated within the spout, then the aesthetic appearance is enhanced and inadvertent activation is reduced, but the sensor positioning and retention complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: the sensor holder frame that provides the mounting structure, the raised window that engages with the spout opening for horizontal positioning, the legs that extend vertically to prevent downward motion, and the tab that secures to the spray insert to prevent upward motion. This segmentation allows each component to address a specific retention requirement, simplifying the overall design while achieving complete sensor retention within the spout.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling touchless operation of a faucet that includes turning on a sensor of the faucet in response to receiving a signal that a mechanical valve of the faucet is in an open position, wherein the mechanical valve is movable between the open position and a closed position; shifting an electronic valve of the faucet from a closed state, in which a fluid does not flow from the faucet, to an open state, in which the fluid is configured to flow from the faucet, in response to a first interruption of a field of detection of the sensor; and shifting the electronic valve to the closed state in response to a second interruption of the field of detection of the sensor, so long as the second interruption follows the first interruption within a predetermined period of time.