Drinking Fountain Retrofit Circuit for Touch-Free Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic drinking fountains rely on high-touch surfaces for activation, which may not meet public health and aesthetic standards, particularly during pandemics, and there is a lack of effective retrofit solutions to convert traditional mechanical fountains into touchless or hands-free operation.

Innovation Solution

A retrofit kit is provided that includes a proximity sensor, switch, and relay to connect to the activation line of an electronic drinking fountain, allowing activation through proximity detection or predefined gestures, without requiring physical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mechanical linkage-based fountain is used, then the fountain can operate with simple activation, but it requires high-touch surfaces that compromise hygiene and public health

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation simplicityVSAvoidhygiene risk from high-touch surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system with an electronic solenoid valve system. The mechanical button press is substituted by an electronic activation mechanism where a proximity sensor detects user presence and triggers the solenoid to open the valve, eliminating the need for physical contact with the activation surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary between the user and the water valve. The sensor detects user presence without contact and transmits this information to the control circuit, which then activates the solenoid valve, serving as a mediator that eliminates direct physical contact while maintaining the fountain's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an electronic drinking fountain with solenoid valve is used, then touchless activation is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene improvement from touchless operationVSAvoidcomplexity of electronic components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is designed to accept multiple types of sensors (proximity sensors, motion sensors, gesture recognition sensors) and can be configured for different activation methods. This universal design allows the same basic electronic architecture to support various touchless activation techniques, reducing overall system complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electronic system into separate functional modules: a sensor module for detection, a control circuit module for processing signals, and a solenoid valve module for water control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance by treating them as separate replaceable units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional mechanical fountains are shut off, then hygiene is improved, but access to drinking water is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehygiene improvementVSAvoidaccessibility to water

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical button-press system with an electronic sensor-based activation system. The solenoid valve responds to electrical signals from the sensor rather than mechanical force, enabling touchless operation that maintains both hygiene and accessibility to drinking water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The retrofit kit converts electronic fountains into touchless or hands-free operation, maintaining original functionality while reducing high-touch interactions and enhancing hygiene, and is cost-effective compared to replacing the entire fountain.

Implementation Method 1

at least one proximity sensor; activating the at least one proximity sensor when the kit is attached to the touch drinking fountain causes the switch to connect the at least one relay to a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12553227B1Retrofit sensor kits for drinking fountains

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 LAITUS SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure convert a drinking fountain into a touch-free drinking fountain. In an embodiment, the fountain retains its original activation functionality. In addition, a touchless circuit activates a preexisting electronic valve within the fountain responsive to a sensor determining a person is within a certain proximity. The touchless circuit installs into existing electronic fountains and is much more cost effective than replacement of an entire water fountain.