Metered Pot Filler Control for Precise Water Volume Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic faucets lack the ability to dispense precise volumes of water efficiently, relying on manual adjustments or rudimentary sensors that do not provide accurate control over fluid flow and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A metered dispense pot filler with a wireless communication system that integrates a metered dispense input device, allowing users to select precise quantities and units of water through rotatable dials, which communicates with a control module to control an electrically operable valve for precise fluid dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments or rudimentary sensors are used in electronic faucets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy of fluid flow and temperature are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with an electrically operable valve controlled by a control module. The valve receives electrical signals from the control module to precisely regulate fluid flow, eliminating the need for manual mechanical control while achieving accurate flow measurement and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module monitors fluid flow through the electrically operable valve and adjusts the valve operation based on feedback signals. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise control of fluid flow and temperature by continuously comparing actual conditions with desired parameters and making real-time adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If proximity sensors or touch sensors are used to control faucet operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to dispense precise volumes of water is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it receives signals from proximity or touch sensors for hands-free activation, controls the electrically operable valve for precise flow regulation, and manages temperature control. This multi-functional integration allows the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving precise water volume dispensing through the controlled valve operation.
3Productivity
If traditional pot fillers are used without metered dispense capability, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and efficiency in cooking tasks are reduced due to inability to dispense specific water volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-select desired water volumes or dispensing parameters through the control module before actual dispensing occurs. This preliminary setting enables rapid, repeatable dispensing of precise water amounts during cooking tasks, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the actual dispensing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A pot filler including a metered dispense input device for dispensing of predetermined volumes of water. The pot filler illustratively includes an electrically operable valve operably coupled to a metered dispense input unit, and a control module configured to control operation of the electrically operable valve.