Hall Effect Selector Ring for Watertight Shower Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-end bathroom shower systems require complex user control panels to manage numerous functions, making them difficult to operate, especially in a wet environment where a simple and watertight interface is needed.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a faceplate and display for alphanumeric characters and icons, incorporating a selector ring with Hall effect sensors for rotational input and a wireless remote control to manage plumbing fixtures like shower systems, ensuring watertight operation and easy access to multiple functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex user control panel is used to manage numerous shower functions, then the system can provide comprehensive control over multiple valves, lights, audio equipment and steam generator, but the interface becomes difficult to operate and overly complicated for users
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is segmented into multiple independent switches, each dedicated to controlling a specific shower function (showerhead, bathtub, jet tub, bidet, toilet). This segmentation allows users to control each function independently through simple on/off actions, eliminating the need for complex menus or selections while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single control panel, then the system provides comprehensive control, but the control panel becomes large and difficult to install in wet bathroom environments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent switch units mounted on the wall, rather than a single large integrated panel. Each switch is a discrete, simple component that can be individually installed and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A central control unit serves as an intermediary that receives signals from the simple wall-mounted switches and coordinates control of all shower functions (valves, lights, audio, steam generator). This intermediary handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to users.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional control panel is used in a wet bathroom environment, then control functions are available, but water can damage the electrical components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses an intermediary architecture where simple, watertight wall switches serve as the user interface, while the main control unit is positioned in a protected location. This intermediary setup allows users to operate controls in wet environments without exposing sensitive electronics to water damage.
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 a simple, intuitive, and watertight user interface for controlling advanced shower systems, allowing users to easily select and customize settings, including water flow, lighting, and audio, with the wireless remote control enabling pre-configured settings for different bathing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
A Hall effect sensor is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the selector ring.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for controlling a plumbing fixture includes an electronic display configured to display multiple different graphical menus for controlling a plurality of valves. The user interface includes a selector control configured to receive input from a user for navigating the multiple different graphical menus and for selecting items displayed in the multiple different graphical menus. A controller receives a first user input from the selector control and causes the electronic display to switch from displaying one of the graphical menus to another of the graphical menus in response to the first user input. The controller receives a second user input from the selector control and causes the plurality of valves to make multiple different adjustments in response to the second user input based on which of the multiple different graphical menus are displayed when the second user input is received.