Infrared Sensor Solenoid Valve Faucet Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic water flow controllers for faucets are complex, require manual operation, and often rely on batteries that drain quickly, with capacitive touch-controls prone to germ transfer and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

An automatic water flow controller using an infrared ray detector to detect user approach, coupled with a solenoid valve and manual valve system, allowing for hands-free operation and precise water control without battery dependency, with an optional bypass for solenoid valve maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a capacitive touch-control is used in the spout, then the faucet can be actuated by touch, but germs and contaminants may be transferred from people to people and the touch-control may be affected by noises or outer signals causing false actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch control operationVSAvoidgerm transfer and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the capacitive touch-control system with an optical detection system (infrared sensor). Instead of detecting electrical capacitance changes from finger contact, the system uses an infrared sensor to detect the presence and approach of users through thermal or motion signals, eliminating direct contact and associated germ transfer risks while being immune to electromagnetic interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an infrared sensor as an intermediary detection mechanism between the user and the faucet control system. This intermediary detects user presence without requiring direct contact, thereby preventing germ transfer while still enabling automatic faucet activation. The infrared sensor acts as a non-contact mediator that translates user presence into control signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If an automatic water flow controller with battery power supply is used, then the faucet can be controlled automatically, but the battery will be consumed quickly and should be replaced or changed often

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic water flow controlVSAvoidbattery consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a passive detection system using infrared sensors that detect user presence without requiring active power consumption for sensing. The system only activates the solenoid valve when needed, rather than continuously monitoring or using powered sensors. This self-service approach minimizes energy consumption by letting the infrared environment do the detection work passively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces battery-powered electronic sensors with a passive infrared detection system. Instead of using powered capacitive or ultrasonic sensors that continuously consume energy, the system uses passive infrared detection that relies on natural infrared radiation from users, significantly reducing power requirements and extending operational life between battery replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If a solenoid valve is used for automatic water control, then precise water flow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow control precisionVSAvoidvalve control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the solenoid valve from a complex integrated control system and makes it a standalone, simple component. By separating the solenoid valve as an independent element controlled directly by the infrared sensor output, the system achieves precise water control through a single actuator rather than a complex multi-component control mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables hands-free, precise, and efficient water delivery to the faucet, reducing germ transfer risks and battery consumption, while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared ray detector attached to the outlet member for detecting an approaching of a user within a detection zone of the infrared ray detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid valve attached to the coupling tube for controlling the water to selectively flow through the coupling tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS8863774B2Water flow controller for faucet

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 WANG HSIANG HUNG

AI summary

An automatic water flow controller for a faucet includes an outlet member, a manual valve device, one or more inlet pipes supplying water to the manual valve device, a coupling tube coupled between the outlet member and the manual valve device, a solenoid valve attached to the coupling tube for controlling the water to selectively flow through the coupling tube, and an infrared ray detector attached to the outlet member for detecting an approaching of a user within a detection zone of the infrared ray detector, the infrared ray detector is electrically connected to the solenoid valve for operating the solenoid valve to control the water to selectively flow through the coupling tube.