Programmable Basin Faucet for Preset Temperature and Fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional basin faucets require manual control of water temperature, volume, and fill time, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A programmable basin faucet that allows users to control water temperature, volume, and fill time through user inputs on a face or remotely via a personal computing device, with features like capacitive touch screens and wireless connectivity, enabling automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control is used for water temperature, volume, and fill time, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to pre-set water temperature, volume, and fill time parameters before actual use. The processor stores these parameters and automatically executes them when activated, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during operation. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction by providing convenient automated operation while keeping the physical control structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The programmable faucet system performs self-service by automatically controlling water flow, temperature mixing, and fill duration based on pre-programmed parameters. The processor autonomously manages the mixing valves and flow control without requiring continuous user intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated automation.
2Extent of automation
If automated control is implemented for water temperature and volume, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: it controls mixing valves for temperature regulation, manages flow control for volume adjustment, tracks fill time, and coordinates automated operation. By consolidating these diverse control functions into a single programmable unit, the system achieves high automation level while preventing excessive device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control of temperature (via mixing valves), volume (via flow control), and time (via timing functions) into a single integrated programmable faucet system. This consolidation allows automated operation across multiple parameters without proportionally increasing device complexity, as shared components and centralized control reduce the need for separate dedicated mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If precise control of water temperature is implemented, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the mixed water temperature and provide feedback to the processor. The processor adjusts the mixing valve positions based on this feedback to maintain the desired temperature setpoint, achieving precise temperature control through closed-loop regulation without requiring overly complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves precise temperature control by dynamically changing the parameters of hot and cold water flow rates through electronically controlled mixing valves. Rather than requiring complex mechanical temperature adjustment mechanisms, the system precisely controls temperature by varying flow parameters, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high measurement and control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are programmable basin faucets comprising a face configured to be disposed on a side wall of a basin and comprising a user input device configured to detect a user input indicating one or more of a set temperature. a water volume, or a set time: and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the user input device and configured to receive a signal indicating the user input and to responsively, based on the user input, cause one or more valves to be actuated such that water is dispensed from a water outlet of the faucet in accordance with the one or more of the set temperature. the water volume. or the set time, wherein the faucet is configured to be moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the side wall of the basin.