Hands-Free Fluid Dispensing via Electronic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid-dispensing systems do not offer hands-free operation for dispensing fluid at a desired flow rate and temperature.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a faucet, a fluid control system, and a flow rate controller, which allows for hands-free dispensing of fluid by using a pedal or other foot-operated device to control the flow rate and temperature, while also enabling conventional hand-operated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional faucet control is used with knobs or handles, then the system is simple to operate, but hands-free operation is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control (knobs, handles) with electronic control systems including flow rate encoders, temperature encoders, computers, and electronic valves. This substitution enables hands-free operation through electronic sensing and actuation while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control devices such as flow rate controllers, temperature controllers, and electronic valves that act as mediators between the user's intent (hands-free input) and the fluid delivery system. These intermediaries enable indirect control without direct hand contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If hands-free operation is implemented, then hygiene is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates direct hand contact with control mechanisms by replacing mechanical knobs and handles with electronic sensors and actuators. This substitution improves hygiene by preventing contamination while managing complexity through integrated electronic control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic control systems are added for hands-free operation, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (flow rate control, temperature control, hands-free operation) into a unified electronic control system. This multi-functionality approach enhances dispensing versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through shared electronic components and integrated control architecture.
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 solution enables hands-free control of fluid flow rate and temperature, reducing waste and improving hygiene by allowing users to control fluid flow without removing their hands from the task at hand.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical temperature component that is coupled to the faucet temperature controller and based on the desired faucet temperature setting, mechanically admixes a ratio of fluid of a first temperature to fluid of a second temperature to arrive at a temperature for the fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
The mixing cartridge, which is coupled to the faucet flow controller and based on the desired faucet flow rate setting, dispenses the fluid stream at desired flow rate from the faucet
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid-dispensing systems and methods relating thereto are described. A method of dispensing fluid includes: (i) receiving, from a temperature encoder, a temperature signal; (ii) receiving, from a flow rate encoder, a flow rate signal; (iii) providing, based on the temperature signal and the flow rate signal, a first amount of power required by a first motor; (iv) providing, based on the temperature signal and the flow rate signal, a second amount of power required by a second motor; (v) opening, based on the first amount of power, the first valve by a first amount of valve opening; (vi) opening, based on the second amount of power, the second valve by a second amount of valve opening; and (vii) facilitating admixing of a first fluid flow at a first fluid flow rate, received from the first valve, and a second fluid flow at a second fluid flow rate, received from the second valve, to create an admixed fluid stream.