Jog Dial Operation Switch for Sink Cabinet Water Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing faucets often fail to immediately discharge water at the desired temperature due to inconsistent hot water supply, leading to user inconvenience and potential safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A jog dial type operation switch with an upper assembly, lower assembly, and wheel assembly that allows for natural drainage of water and enables selection and operation of various control target devices using a single switch, while also incorporating a lamp system to indicate operation states and improve aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional faucet is used to control water temperature, then the user can adjust the water temperature by rotating a control lever, but the hot water in the hot water pipe cools down after a predetermined period of time, causing the user to flow water down without using the cooled water, which results in waste of water
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the storage tank before it is needed, and the control system activates the water heater in advance based on predicted usage patterns. This ensures hot water is ready immediately when the user opens the faucet, eliminating the need to flush cooled water from the pipes and preventing water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the temperature of water in the storage tank and in the distribution pipes. This feedback information is used by the control system to activate the water heater when temperatures drop below the desired threshold, maintaining consistent hot water supply and preventing water waste from flushing cooled water.
2Ease of operation
If the user adjusts the temperature by rotating the control lever directly, then the user can control water temperature, but the user may get burnt when the lever is suddenly operated
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a control system with temperature sensors and a water heater as intermediaries between the user and the hot water supply. The control system monitors water temperature continuously and activates the water heater in advance to maintain the desired temperature, eliminating sudden temperature changes that could cause burns while preserving easy temperature control through the existing lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary heating actions by activating the water heater before the user opens the faucet. This pre-heating ensures that the water temperature is already at the desired level when the user operates the lever, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause burns while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various types of convenience apparatuses and bathroom furniture are provided separately, then each component can function independently, but the bathroom furniture and convenience apparatuses are considered as separate components requiring multiple power outlets and storage locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into an integrated bathroom furniture system. The water heater, storage tank, control system with temperature sensors, and bathroom furniture are merged into a single unified system, reducing the number of separate components and power outlets needed while maintaining the independence and functionality of each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bathroom furniture system performs multiple functions within a single unit: it provides storage space, houses the water heater and storage tank, contains the control system with temperature monitoring, and supplies hot water to the faucet. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining the adaptability and independence of each functional component.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dial type operation switch according to the present invention comprises: an upper assembly including a display device; a lower assembly including an encoder; and a wheel assembly which rotates while surrounding the sides of the upper assembly and the lower assembly. Further, a knob switch according to the present invention comprises a push switch which is operated by pressing the display device in multiple directions, whereby a structure capable of various settings and operations is provided by combining the push switch with the rotation of the wheel assembly. In addition, a sink cabinet device according to the present invention comprises a bath sink and a functional module, wherein a bath sink lamp is provided and operation states of the sink cabinet device can be displayed using the bath sink lamp. Therefore, there is provided a structure in which the bath sink lamp can be used as a mood lamp for improving the beauty of a bathroom.