Gesture-Controlled Electronic Plumbing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic plumbing systems face difficulties in providing intuitive and efficient control over water parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and spray pattern, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking seamless user interaction.
Innovation Solution
An electronic plumbing system with spatial tracking and feedback capabilities, utilizing a processor-controlled electronic valve and activation sensor to detect user gestures and movements within a defined activation zone, allowing for automatic adjustment of water parameters based on detected positions, movements, or motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment controls are used for water parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of intuitive control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment controls with an activation sensor that detects user gestures and automatically adjusts water parameters. The sensor control system substitutes for traditional mechanical knobs and switches, enabling intuitive gesture-based operation while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the plumbing system automatically adjusts water temperature, flow rate, and spray pattern based on detected user gestures without requiring manual intervention. The electronic valve and sensor system autonomously responds to user input, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If automatic sensor control is implemented, then ease of operation is improved through gesture recognition, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The activation sensor serves multiple functions: detecting user presence, recognizing gestures, and triggering appropriate water parameter adjustments. The electronic valve system also handles multiple parameters including temperature, flow rate, and spray pattern control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the activation sensor, processor, and electronic valve into an integrated control system. The sensor control module merges detection and control functions, while the electronic valve integrates multiple control capabilities for different water parameters. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems for each function.
3Ease of operation
If spatial tracking and feedback capabilities are added, then ease of operation is enhanced through precise gesture detection, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback capabilities where the activation sensor detects user gestures and the processor provides real-time control responses through the electronic valve. This feedback loop enables precise gesture recognition and immediate adjustment of water parameters, enhancing operational ease while managing complexity through efficient feedback processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic plumbing system including sensor control. The system comprises a body, an electronic valve, a user input/output module, and a processor. The body is operable to be mounted on a surface and includes a discharge outlet. The discharge outlet is operable to deliver water. The electronic valve is operable to control a parameter for water flowing through the discharge outlet. The user input/output module is operable to communicate with a user regarding a selected value of the parameter for water. The user input/output module includes an activation sensor. The activation sensor is operable to define an activation zone. The activation sensor is operable to detect at least one of a position, movement, and motion of an object in the activation zone. Each position, movement, or motion of the object in the activation zone corresponds to a value of the parameter for water.