Faucet Valve Position Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchless faucet control systems miscommunicate the operational state to users due to a disconnect between the LED indicator and the mechanical valve, leading to inconvenience when the mechanical valve is closed but the LED suggests it is active, causing users to incorrectly attempt to resume fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects and communicates the mechanical valve position to the touchless control system, using a sensor and electronic valve configuration within the faucet, where the sensor triggers the electronic valve to move between open and closed positions, and an annunciator indicates the valve's state to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an LED indicator is provided in the touchless control system to indicate system activity, then the user can see when the system is active, but the LED does not communicate with the mechanical valve causing misleading information when the mechanical valve is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LED indicator system with the mechanical valve position detection system. The LED is electrically connected to receive a signal from the mechanical valve position detector, merging these previously separate systems into a unified communication system that provides accurate operational status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by connecting the mechanical valve position detector to the LED indicator. The detector continuously monitors the mechanical valve position and provides real-time feedback to the LED, which then displays the correct operational state to the user, eliminating misleading information.
2Reliability
If the mechanical valve is closed while the touchless control system is active, then fluid flow is blocked, but the LED remains on suggesting the system is operational and ready to flow
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical valve position detector provides continuous feedback to the LED indicator about the actual valve position. When the mechanical valve is closed, the detector signals the LED to turn off or change state, providing accurate real-time information to the user and preventing unnecessary attempts to resume flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the mechanical valve position detector as an intermediary component between the mechanical valve and the LED indicator. This intermediary detects the valve position and translates it into an appropriate LED signal, ensuring accurate communication of the operational state without requiring direct connection between all components.
3Loss of information
If the LED is electrically connected to receive a signal from the mechanical valve position detector, then accurate operational state is communicated, but additional components and wiring are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical valve position detector serves multiple functions: it detects the mechanical valve position, provides this information to the control system, and simultaneously drives the LED indicator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the information gathering function and the indication function into a integrated system. The mechanical valve position detector both detects the valve state and directly controls the LED display, combining these functions to minimize the number of separate components needed.
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
Ensures accurate communication of the faucet's operational state to the user, preventing unnecessary attempts to resume fluid flow when the mechanical valve is closed, thus enhancing user convenience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
These touchless control systems may use magnetic, capacitive, or optical sensors to detect an object
Implementation Method 2
An LED is provided at a base of the faucet. The LED indicates if the touchless control system is active or inactive
Data Source
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AI summary
A system 400 for detecting and communicating a mechanical valve position in a faucet is provided. The system includes a mechanical valve 410 having an open state and a closed state, a control stem 6 configured to selectively operate the valve 410 between the open state and the closed state, a member 411 movable between an open position and a closed position in response to operation of the mechanical valve 410 between the open state and the closed state. The system further includes a ring 420 disposed at least partially around the mechanical valve 410 and having a switch 440 disposed on the ring 420. Moving the member 411 from the closed position to the open position actuates the switch 440.