Pressure-Sensing Control Panel for Waterproof Sanitary Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sanitary equipment with touch keys faces issues of fingerprint marks affecting aesthetics, ineffectiveness when hands are wet, and high costs due to etching on surfaces like mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a deformation control area on the outer plate, featuring a pressure sensor and controller, which allows for key control without direct contact, avoiding surface damage and using a hollow area for key functionality, ensuring the key is waterproof and dustproof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch key is arranged on the main body of the sanitary equipment (e.g., on the mirror surface), then the control function is integrated, but fingerprint marks are left on the surface affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the control function from the main body surface by using a独立的 control device with an outer plate. The deformation control area is created as a distinct segment on the outer plate, allowing touch input without contacting the mirror or main body surface, thus preventing fingerprint marks while maintaining control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer plate with the deformation control area serves as an intermediary between the user's touch and the control system. The pressure sensor detects deformation of this intermediary structure, enabling control without direct contact with the main body surface, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of fingerprint marks.
2Device complexity
If a touch key is used on the main body, then the structure is simple, but the touch is ineffective when there is a lot of water on the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional electrical contact-based touch switch with a pressure-sensitive deformation detection system. The pressure sensor detects mechanical deformation of the outer plate when pressed, providing reliable control input even when the user's hand is wet, as the mechanical pressure detection is not affected by water conductivity issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If the LOGO is etched on the mirror for the mirror cabinet, then the branding is visible, but the yield of the mirror is low and the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the control function and branding elements from the mirror surface and relocates them to a separate control device with an outer plate. The LOGO or key patterns are formed on the outer plate through deformation control areas rather than etching the mirror, thereby preserving the mirror's integrity and yield while maintaining branding visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the mirror surface in two dimensions (etching), the invention moves the branding and control elements to a third dimension by creating a separate control device structure. The deformation control areas on the outer plate provide tactile and visual branding without affecting the mirror's manufacturing yield.
4Measurement precision
If the deformation control area is made with smaller thickness, then the pressure sensitivity is improved, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer plate is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a deformation control area with smaller thickness for pressure sensitivity while other areas maintain larger thickness for structural strength. This local variation in quality allows the plate to be both sensitive to pressure input and sufficiently strong to maintain its shape and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation control area is designed to be dynamically responsive, with reduced thickness allowing it to flex and deform under pressure for detection. The overall structure maintains strength through the combination of varying thickness and the supporting framework of the outer plate, enabling both sensitivity and strength.
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 cost-effective, aesthetically preserved sanitary equipment with a pressure-sensitive key that is waterproof and has a long service life, addressing the ineffectiveness and cost issues of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor in communication connection with the controller are arranged on the circuit board, and the pressure sensor is arranged behind the deformation control area
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a control device and a sanitary equipment. The control device comprises: a back plate and an outer plate, the outer plate is provided with a deformation control area, a circuit board is arranged between the outer plate and the back plate, a controller and a pressure sensor in communication connection with the controller are arranged on the circuit board, and the pressure sensor is arranged behind the deformation control area. The pressure sensor is arranged in the deformation control area, so that the pressure sensor detects deformation of the deformation control area, thus realizing control by pressing. Since the deformation control area is arranged on the outer plate, etching a key on other parts of the sanitary equipment may be avoided, and damage to other parts may be avoided, thus saving costs. The pressure-sensitive key is waterproof and dustproof, and has a long service life.