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 for gesture-controlled water and soap supply, eliminating the need for direct user interaction, and includes an electrolyte assembly for regular sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gesture control is added to the faucet to enable multifunctional operation, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The faucet is divided into multiple independent sensing probe assemblies (first sensing probe assembly for water supply detection, second sensing probe assembly for soap supply detection, third sensing probe assembly for electrolyte supply detection), each responsible for a specific function. This segmentation allows the complex multifunctional faucet to be managed through modular, independent sensing units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet integrates multiple functions (water supply control, soap supply control, electrolyte supply control) into a single device with a unified gesture-based control system. The controller coordinates all functions through a common sensing mechanism, allowing one device to perform multiple tasks that would traditionally require separate fixtures, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple sensing probe assemblies are used to detect different gestures for different functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing probe assemblies automatically detect user gestures and trigger the appropriate functions without requiring manual intervention or complex user input. The system serves itself by interpreting gestures directly into control actions (e.g., hand waving gesture automatically triggers water supply, fist gesture triggers soap supply), eliminating the need for buttons, switches, or complex interfaces, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping the control logic relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms (buttons, knobs, switches) with non-contact gesture sensing technology. The sensing probe assemblies detect gestures through electromagnetic or optical fields rather than physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and simplifying the user interaction interface. This substitution improves ease of operation by allowing contactless control while reducing the complexity of mechanical moving parts.
3Productivity
If automatic sensing control is implemented for water and soap supply, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing probe assemblies operate in a periodic detection manner, continuously monitoring for gestures but only activating the full sensing and control sequence when a gesture is detected. The system alternates between low-power standby mode and active sensing mode, periodically checking for user presence and intent. This periodic operation maintains high productivity by quickly responding to gestures while reducing energy loss by keeping the sensing system in a low-power state during idle periods.
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 operational simplicity while providing regular basin sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing probe assembly, a second sensing probe assembly... 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
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.