Hot-Water Pipeline Reuse With Multi-Valve Flow and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic faucets lack the ability to efficiently regulate water flow and temperature, leading to unnecessary water waste, as they typically use a single solenoid valve that operates at maximum capacity, and fail to utilize remaining hot water at the correct temperature before it cools and is discarded.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a plurality of electromechanical means, including solenoid valves, controlled by a microcontroller and sensors, to divide the water flow into sub-channels, allowing for precise regulation of flow and temperature through electrical signals, and includes a mechanism to redirect unused hot water to an auxiliary deposit for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single solenoid valve is used to control water flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow regulation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single water flow control into multiple independent sub-channels, each controlled by its own solenoid valve. This segmentation allows precise regulation of water flow by selectively opening or closing individual sub-channels, thereby achieving accurate flow control without requiring a single complex valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts water flow by controlling multiple solenoid valves in different states (open or closed) based on detected water flow conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to adaptively regulate flow precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
2Productivity
If the solenoid valve operates at maximum capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of operating the solenoid valve at maximum capacity continuously, the system applies partial action by selectively opening only the necessary number of sub-channels based on actual water demand. This prevents excessive water flow when full capacity is not needed, thereby reducing water waste while maintaining adequate productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flow sensors to detect water flow conditions and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the state of solenoid valves accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that water flow is optimized to match actual demand, preventing both insufficient delivery and excessive waste.
3Device complexity
If the remaining hot water is discarded, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding remaining hot water in the pipeline, the system recovers it by detecting its presence using flow sensors and redirecting it through controlled sub-channels to the outlet. This prevents water waste while avoiding the need for complex heating or treatment systems, as the recovered water is used directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically detecting and utilizing remaining hot water without requiring additional heating infrastructure. The control unit autonomously manages the redirection of recovered water, making the system self-sufficient in reducing water waste without increasing device complexity significantly.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple electromechanical means are used to divide water flow, then the flow regulation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water flow control into multiple independent sub-channels, each with its own solenoid valve. This segmentation achieves precise flow regulation by allowing independent control of each sub-channel, while the modular structure keeps device complexity manageable through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple solenoid valves and sub-channels serve multiple functions: they control water flow distribution, enable temperature mixing by selecting hot or cold water paths, and facilitate water recovery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving precise flow regulation.
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 efficient regulation of water flow and temperature, reducing waste by allowing for customizable flow and temperature settings and reusing leftover hot water, thus optimizing water usage and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs a plurality of electromechanical means, including solenoid valves, controlled by a microcontroller and sensors, to divide the water flow into sub-channels
Implementation Method 2
controlled by a microcontroller and sensors, to divide the water flow into sub-channels, allowing for precise regulation of flow and temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for the distribution, regulation and mixture of fluids, but particularly for the regulation of water flow through a tap, within a water distribution system, and for the regulation of the temperature of said flow from mixtures of smaller flows than the flow of the water distribution system, where at least one execution-by-the-user means is coupled, wherein the user has no contact with the mechanical parts of the system. Furthermore, systems for the reuse of water remaining in the pipelines, preventing waste and allowing remote activation, are revealed.