Hybrid Faucet Valve Routing for Touchless Use and Manual Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual faucet systems require physical contact, exposing users to germs, while automatic faucets lack control over water temperature and volume, and are inoperable during power outages.
Innovation Solution
Hybrid faucet systems integrating both manual and automatic controls, allowing users to control temperature and volume manually and operate the faucet automatically, featuring a sensor, temperature control system, water volume control, solenoid valve, and microcontroller for automatic operation, with manual override options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual faucet control is used, then user control over temperature and volume is maintained, but user exposure to germs and bacteria increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (automatic sensor activation) that mediates between the user and the faucet controls. The sensor detects user presence and automatically activates the faucet, eliminating the need for direct contact with temperature and volume controls while maintaining precise control capability through dedicated control mechanisms that remain untouched by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the faucet operation into distinct functions: automatic activation (sensor), temperature control (separate control mechanism), and volume control (separate control mechanism). This segmentation allows different aspects of faucet operation to be handled differently - activation is automatic while control functions remain manual but physically separated, reducing germ exposure while maintaining control precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic faucet control is used, then germ exposure is reduced, but control over temperature and volume is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automatic faucet system into separate control mechanisms for temperature and volume that are distinct from the automatic activation sensor. This segmentation preserves user control over water parameters while maintaining the germ-free automatic activation benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the sensor as an intermediary for activation only, while direct control mechanisms serve as intermediaries for temperature and volume adjustment. This layered intermediary approach maintains both automatic activation benefits and manual control capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic faucet control is used, then germ-free operation is achieved, but functionality during power outages is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the faucet system to change its operational parameters between automatic and manual modes. During power outages, the system transitions from automatic sensor-based activation to manual activation, ensuring continuous functionality while adapting to changed conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system that can switch between automatic and manual operation modes. The faucet adapts its control mechanism based on operational conditions, maintaining reliability across different scenarios including power outages.
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
Provides users with germ-free operation, precise control over water temperature and volume, and continued functionality during power outages by enabling both manual and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor may be an infrared sensor, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, or a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
The faucet system may comprise a solenoid valve, wherein when the solenoid valve is in an open position, the valve is configured to direct the mixed water to the outlet of the faucet body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a hybrid faucet system comprising: a faucet body comprising a sensor configured to detect a user and an outlet; a temperature control system configured to receive hot water and cold water and form mixed water; a water volume control configured, when the hybrid faucet system is operated manually, to receive mixed water from the temperature control system and control a flow rate of water; a valve configured to receive the mixed water from the temperature control system and if the sensor detects a user and the water volume control is in a closed position, direct the mixed temperature water to the outlet of the faucet body; or if the water volume control is in an open position, direct the mixed temperature water to the water volume control to control the flow rate of the mixed water, and from the water volume control to the outlet of the faucet body.