Microwave Faucet Sensing for Stable Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic faucet systems using infrared sensors face interference from light, moisture, and pollution, leading to unreliable water detection and control.
Innovation Solution
A microwave induction control system comprising a microwave inductor with a transmitting antenna and two receiving antennas, connected to a solenoid valve, which analyzes radio frequency echo signals to control water flow accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared sensors are used as inductors, then the automatic faucet can detect water outlet demand, but the detection is easily interfered by light, moisture, and pollution leading to unreliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the infrared optical detection system with a microwave electromagnetic detection system. The microwave sensor emits microwave signals that penetrate through foam, stains, and moisture without being affected by light conditions, thereby eliminating the harmful interference factors that plague infrared sensors while maintaining reliable water outlet demand detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from infrared wavelength to microwave frequency. This parameter change allows the detection system to operate independently of visible light conditions, immune to moisture absorption issues, and capable of penetrating through common sink materials like foam and stains, thus resolving the reliability problems caused by environmental interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If microwave sensors are used, then light interference is eliminated, but the sensor is easily interfered by surroundings causing water waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single microwave sensor into multiple antenna elements arranged in an array. By segmenting the detection function across multiple elements, the system can perform beamforming and spatial filtering to distinguish between legitimate water outlet demands and spurious reflections from surrounding objects, thereby reducing false positives and water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the microwave sensor continuously monitors the electromagnetic environment and adjusts its detection thresholds and beam patterns based on learned patterns of legitimate versus spurious targets. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing surroundings while maintaining accurate detection and avoiding water waste from false triggers.
3Reliability
If microwave sensors are used, then detection range is improved, but the sensor is greatly influenced by detection threshold causing false triggers or slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic threshold adjustment where the detection threshold is not fixed but adapts in real-time based on the current electromagnetic environment, signal strength, and detected target characteristics. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain optimal sensitivity across varying conditions, preventing both false triggers from low thresholds and missed detections from high thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic calibration cycles where the microwave sensor systematically adjusts its detection parameters and thresholds based on known reference measurements. This periodic action ensures that the detection threshold remains optimally calibrated despite drift over time or changes in the installation environment, maintaining measurement precision while preserving detection stability.
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 system provides reliable and stable detection of water outlet demand, unaffected by illumination, object color, or water flow quantity, ensuring accurate control of water flow.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna and two receiving antennas for receiving radio frequency echo signals. The transmitting antenna transmits electromagnetic waves toward a water outlet
Implementation Method 2
two receiving antennas for receiving radio frequency echo signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a microwave induction control system for a water outlet device. The system includes a microwave inductor and a solenoid valve, which controls an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe to be connected with each other or disconnected from each other. The microwave inductor includes a transmitting antenna and at least one receiving antenna for receiving at least one radio frequency echo signal. The transmitting antenna transmits electromagnetic waves toward a water outlet of the outlet pipe. The microwave inductor further includes a control device communicatively connected to the solenoid valve. The control device analyzes the at least one radio frequency echo signal received by the at least one receiving antenna and drives the solenoid valve to control the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to be connected with each other or disconnected from each other according to the analysis result.