Multifunction faucet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunctional faucets require complicated operations and do not achieve desired effects in controlling water and soap supply.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional faucet with sensing probe assemblies and a controller that allows users to control water and soap supply through gestures, eliminating the need to touch the faucet, and includes an electrolyte assembly for regular sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gesture control is added to control water flow rate, temperature, and sterilization, then the functionality of the faucet is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating multiple control capabilities (water supply control, soap supply control, temperature control, flow rate control, and sterilization) into a single faucet system. The controller coordinates all these functions through a unified gesture recognition system, allowing one device to perform multiple tasks that would traditionally require separate controls or devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that mediates between the gesture sensing system and the various faucet functions. The controller receives gesture signals from the sensing system and translates them into appropriate control actions for water supply, soap supply, heating, and sterilization assemblies, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hand soap supply function is added to the faucet, then the multifunctionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the faucet to automatically detect user needs through gesture recognition and autonomously control water supply, soap supply, and other functions without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by interpreting gestures as commands, eliminating the need for users to operate multiple controls or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (knobs, switches, buttons) with a non-contact gesture recognition system. This substitution allows users to control multiple functions including soap supply through simple hand gestures in the air, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining multifunctionality.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact gesture recognition is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensing probe assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sensing function into multiple specialized sensing probe assemblies positioned at different locations (upper portion, lower portion, and front of the faucet housing). Each sensing probe assembly is responsible for detecting gestures in its specific region, allowing the system to recognize a variety of gestures without requiring a single complex sensing 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
Enables convenient and efficient control of water and soap supply through non-contact gesture recognition, enhancing user experience and simplifying operations while providing regular basin sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing probe assembly disposed in the faucet housing, a second sensing probe assembly disposed in the faucet housing, wherein the sensing region of the first sensing probe assembly is an upper portion of the faucet housing, the sensing region of the second sensing probe assembly is a lower portion of the faucet housing
Implementation Method 2
an electrolyte assembly disposed in the faucet housing, wherein the output terminal of the controller is in communicative connection with the electrolyte assembly, and the controller controls the electrolyte assembly to start electrolyte supply or stop electrolyte supply
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet that includes a housing with a water supply assembly, a soap supply assembly, first and second sensing probe assemblies, and a controller provided in the housing, wherein a sensing region of the first sensing probe assembly is an upper portion of the housing, a sensing region of the second sensing probe assembly is a lower portion of the housing, an output terminal of each sensing probe assembly is electrically connected with an input terminal of the controller, and an output terminal of the controller is electrically connected with a control terminal of each of the water and soap supply assemblies. The controller controls the water supply assembly to start/stop water supply according to the sensing signal from the first or second sensing probe assembly, and controls the soap supply assembly to start/stop soap supply according to the sensing signal from the first or second sensing probe assembly.