Jog dial type operation switch and sink cabinet device comprising same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucets in bathroom environments fail to immediately discharge water at a desired temperature, leading to user discomfort and water wastage, as the temperature of hot water supplied is not constant and can cool down over time.
Innovation Solution
A jog dial type operation switch with a display device, encoder, and wheel assembly that allows natural drainage of water, along with a sink cabinet device featuring a lamp that changes colors to indicate operation states and includes a heating member to dry water, ensuring user safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional faucets are used to control water temperature, then users can adjust the temperature by rotating a control lever, but the water temperature is not constant and cools down over time, requiring users to waste water or risk burns
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in a storage tank before the user needs it. When the user sets a desired temperature, the controller activates the heating element to heat water in advance, so that hot water is immediately available without requiring the user to waste time flushing cold water from the pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the water temperature in the storage tank and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element's operation based on this feedback, maintaining the water at the desired temperature and preventing it from cooling down, thus eliminating the need for users to waste water or risk burns.
2Ease of operation
If conventional faucets are used, then users can control water flow, but hot water cools down in the pipes after a predetermined period, causing water wastage when users flush the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains hot water in the storage tank by continuously or periodically heating it, so that when users need hot water, it is immediately available without requiring them to flush cold water from the pipes, thereby preventing water wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor and controller work together to monitor and maintain the water temperature in the storage tank. This feedback mechanism ensures that water remains hot and ready for use, eliminating the need for users to waste water by flushing pipes to clear cooled water.
3Ease of operation
If users adjust water temperature by rotating the control lever, then they can control the temperature, but sudden lever operation may cause burns
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-heats water in the storage tank to the desired temperature before the user needs it. This eliminates the need for users to suddenly adjust the control lever to access hot water, as the hot water is already prepared and available, reducing the risk of burns from sudden temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the water temperature and provides feedback to the controller, which maintains the water at a safe, desired temperature. This prevents sudden temperature fluctuations that could occur with manual lever adjustment, thereby eliminating the burn risk associated with rapid temperature changes.
4Device complexity
If a single operation switch controls multiple devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the switch must be waterproof to prevent malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof cover is introduced as an intermediary between the operation switch and the water environment. The cover includes a waterproof member that extends into the water flow path, creating a barrier that prevents water from reaching the switch while still allowing the switch to control multiple devices reliably.
5Adaptability or versatility
If the operation switch is exposed to water, then it can be installed in bathroom environments, but water may enter the switch and cause malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof cover with a waterproof member extending into the water flow path serves as an intermediary barrier. This allows the operation switch to be installed in bathroom environments where water is present, while the waterproof member prevents water from entering the switch, maintaining its functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof cover acts as a flexible barrier that protects the operation switch from water exposure. The cover can be designed to flex with water flow while maintaining the waterproof seal, allowing the switch to remain functional in wet bathroom environments without risk of water intrusion.
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
The jog dial switch enables intuitive operation and temperature control, while the sink cabinet device improves user experience by visually indicating operation states and preventing water wastage through efficient drainage and heating.
Implementation Method 1
a lower assembly including an encoder
Implementation Method 2
including a heating member to dry water
Implementation Method 3
a lamp that changes colors to indicate operation states
Data Source
AI summary
A dial type operation switch 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 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 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.