Integrated Faucet Valve Assembly for Reduced Wiring Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic faucets with solenoid valves and temperature sensors are costly due to complex wiring and susceptibility to damage, and require multiple controllers for each dispensing device, increasing system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An integrated solenoid valve assembly with a controller mounted directly to the valve assembly, including a processor and solenoid coil, and a temperature sensor positioned outside the valve housing with a heat transfer device, allowing for reduced wiring and integration with secondary dispensing devices via a port for control and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the controller is located away from the solenoid valve with routed wiring, then the control function is achieved, but the wiring complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated directly into the solenoid valve assembly, combining previously separate components (controller, solenoid valve, temperature sensor) into a single unified unit. This eliminates the need for external wiring and connections, directly resolving the technical contradiction by achieving control function while eliminating wiring complexity.
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor is encapsulated in epoxy-filled casing and sealed in waterway, then the sensor is protected, but the sensor and wiring become susceptible to damage and leaking
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the encapsulated epoxy-filled casing and repositioned outside the waterway. The sensor is now mounted on the circuit board in a dry environment, eliminating the problematic encapsulation and sealing interfaces that were susceptible to damage and leaking, while maintaining sensor protection through the protected circuit board mounting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers are used for each dispensing device, then each device can be controlled independently, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated controller is designed to control multiple solenoid valves (hot water valve, cold water valve) and multiple temperature sensors within a single unified control system. This multi-functional controller eliminates the need for separate controllers for each dispensing function while maintaining independent control capability through software programming, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
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 design reduces wiring complexity and cost, enhances reliability by encapsulating sensors and reducing damage susceptibility, and allows for centralized control of multiple dispensing devices, improving operational efficiency and reducing overall system costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer device. The heat transfer device extends between the temperature sensor and the interior region to transfer heat from fluid in the interior region to the temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
The solenoid valve includes a solenoid coil and a moveable valve member operably coupled to the moveable valve member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic faucet includes a spout, a fluid supply conduit supported by the spout, and a valve assembly including an electrically operable valve. A controller is coupled to the valve assembly and includes a processor operative to control the electrically operable valve to control fluid flow through the fluid supply conduit. The controller includes a port in communication with the processor, the port being releasably coupled to electronics of a secondary device.