Faucet Sensor Mode Switching for Water Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets in personal cleaning areas, such as toilets and bathrooms, lack the ability to disable automatic water flow, leading to erroneous detection and unnecessary water usage, and do not allow precise adjustment of water temperature and flow rate according to user needs, especially in public use settings.
Innovation Solution
A faucet with a sensor for non-contact water control, a manual control mechanism for user-adjustable temperature and flow rate, and a mixed mode allowing both contact and non-contact operation, featuring a control unit and adjustment members for precise temperature and flow rate settings, along with a switch for mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic flow mode is enabled for hygiene control, then contactless water delivery is achieved, but erroneous detection and unnecessary water flow occur when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet system dynamically switches between automatic flow mode and manual flow mode based on user needs. The control unit receives signals from the sensor about object presence and automatically activates water flow in automatic mode, while in manual mode the operating element directly controls the electronic valve, allowing users to prevent erroneous detection and water waste by simply not triggering the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from purely automatic sensor-based control to a selectable mode between automatic and manual control. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios, preventing unnecessary water flow while maintaining hygiene benefits when automatic mode is appropriate.
2Temperature
If temperature adjustment is enabled in automatic faucets, then water temperature control is provided, but the adjustment precision is insufficient for user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces imprecise mechanical temperature adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system. The electronic valve receives precise control signals from the control unit based on sensor input, enabling accurate temperature regulation. The system can detect the user's temperature preference through the operating element's position or touch and adjust the hot/cold water mix proportion accordingly, achieving precise temperature control that mechanical systems cannot provide.
3Ease of operation
If flow rate adjustment is performed automatically based on user proximity, then convenience is improved, but users cannot adjust flow rate according to their own needs
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic valve system serves multiple functions: it can operate in automatic flow mode where the control unit adjusts flow rate based on sensor-detected user proximity, and in manual flow mode where the operating element directly controls the electronic valve for user-specific flow rate adjustment. This multi-functionality allows the same system to provide both automated convenience and personalized control.
4Ease of operation
If manual control mechanisms are added to automatic faucets, then user control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the automatic sensor-based control system with a traditional operating element into a unified system. The control unit intelligently determines whether to respond to sensor signals or operating element inputs based on the current mode, consolidating multiple control functions into a single electronic control architecture. This merging approach adds user control capability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity through integrated design.
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 user-friendly, ergonomic, and precise control of water flow and temperature in various modes, preventing unnecessary water usage and ensuring user needs are met, while maintaining ergonomic and practical operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor, which is positioned in said body, has at least one sensing zone and detects the presence of an object in case such object is positioned within the sensing zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The cleaning equipment (A) developed comprises the body (A1) through which the water may pass; the water outlet (A2) where the water passing through the body (A1) is delivered to the user; the sensor (A3), which detects the presence of an object; the automatic flow mode in which the flow of water is enabled upon the sensor (A3) detecting the presence of the object; the manual flow mode in which the flow of water is controlled only by the contact of the user; the mixed flow mode in which the flow of water is able to be controlled both by the user's contact and in a non-contact manner; the first adjustment member (A4), which enables, via rotational motion about an axis, the adjustment of the temperature of the water to be delivered to the user via the water outlet (A2); the second adjustment member (A5), which enables, via rotational motion about an axis, the adjustment of the flow rate of the water to be delivered to the user via the water outlet (A2) in all the flow modes; the control unit (K), which determines the extent of rotation of the adjustment members and accordingly enables the adjustment of the temperature and the flow rate for the water to be delivered to the user; and the switch (B), which is connected to the control unit (K), is able to be triggered mechanically or in a touch-operated manner by means of the first adjustment member (A4) and/or the second adjustment member (A5) and enables, upon being triggered, the switching to be performed between the flow modes or the flow of water to be controlled in the manual flow mode.