Mechanical Touch Faucet Switching Module Without Electrical Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic touch faucets require electrical power, complicating installation, decreasing reliability, and necessitating additional maintenance, while mechanical touch faucets lack the operational benefits of electronic faucets.
Innovation Solution
A modular control mechanism for mechanical touch faucets that eliminates the need for electrical power by using a piston twist button, seal pin, and diaphragm spring assembly to control fluid flow, allowing for universal activation methods such as rocker switches and push buttons, simplifying installation and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic touch faucets are used, then operational benefits and features are provided, but installation complexity increases and reliability decreases due to electrical power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electrical power source and electronic control circuitry from the faucet system, retaining only the essential flow control function through a mechanical switching module activated by touch-induced water flow changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic control system with a purely mechanical switching module that uses water flow dynamics and mechanical linkages to control valve operation, eliminating the need for electricity while maintaining touch activation functionality
2Ease of operation
If electronic touch faucets are used, then operational benefits are provided, but reliability decreases due to power loss and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical switching module is activated automatically by changes in water flow caused by user touch, requiring no external power source or electronic components that could fail, thereby achieving continuous reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
By removing batteries, power adapters, and electronic circuitry, the patent eliminates the sources of reliability problems such as power loss, electronic failure, and maintenance requirements
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If electronic control circuitry is used, then touch sensitivity is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic touch sensing circuitry with a mechanical system where user touch modifies water flow characteristics, which are then detected and amplified through hydraulic and mechanical mechanisms to actuate the valve
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces water flow as an intermediary medium that transmits the user's touch input to the valve control mechanism, replacing direct electronic sensing with a fluid-mechanical transmission system
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 solution provides a reliable, power-independent mechanical touch faucet system that offers the same operational benefits as electronic faucets, with simplified installation and increased long-term reliability, suitable for various activation methods and fluid types.
Implementation Method 1
a seal pin return spring positioned between a base of the seal pin and a lower cavity of the piston, where the seal pin return spring is biased to push said seal pin downward toward the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
a diaphragm spring rests on the diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
a piston return spring
Data Source
AI summary
A set of universal switching modules is provided for mechanical touch faucets. The switching modules afford the same operational benefits and features as an electronic faucet without the necessity of resort to an electrical power supply, eliminating the need for electronic control circuitry, and simplifying installation while increasing long term operational reliability. The switching modules are activated by a linear depressing or a rocking motion that contrasts with rotary motions associated with rotating a valve stem. The switching module designs are agnostic to the faucet design meaning that the switching modules are universal in that the modules fit any faucet design. The switching modules work with a variety of activation methods used in faucet design illustratively including rocker switch concepts, push concepts, and a horizontal/perpendicular push concepts. Faucet manufacturers purchase a module based on the type of activation that they prefer for seamless integration in their faucet design.