Radio Wave Sensor Phase Detection for Wet Area Water Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet area devices using radio wave sensors, such as Doppler sensors, face instability in determining water flow states due to changes in water flow momentum, pressure, distance, and ambient environment, leading to inaccurate signal intensity or frequency readings.
Innovation Solution
A wet area device employing a radio wave sensor that outputs sensing signals based on phase information, allowing for stable and accurate determination of water flow states, including direction and presence, by using phase differences between signals, and controlling operations accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If signal intensity or frequency is used to determine water flow state, then the device can operate with simple sensor output, but the determination becomes unstable when water flow momentum, pressure, distance, or ambient environment changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from signal intensity/frequency to phase difference. The control unit determines water flow state based on the phase difference between sensing signals at different times, which is less sensitive to changes in water flow momentum, pressure, distance, and ambient environment, thereby improving determination stability while maintaining simple sensor output.
2Reliability
If phase information is used to determine water flow state, then determination stability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary signal acquisition at multiple time points and pre-calculates phase differences. The control unit stores sensing signals at different times and computes phase differences in advance, which simplifies the real-time decision-making process and reduces the complexity of continuous signal processing while maintaining high determination stability.
3Device complexity
If traditional sensor methods are used, then device structure remains simple, but water wastage occurs due to inaccurate detection and unnecessary jetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the phase difference of sensing signals and adjusts the jetting operation accordingly. When the phase difference indicates no water flow or insufficient flow, the system stops jetting, preventing water wastage while maintaining simple device structure through accurate detection.
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
This approach enables more stable and accurate determination of water flow states, preventing unnecessary jetting and water wastage, and ensuring safe operation by accurately detecting user activities like urination or exit from the toilet.
Implementation Method 1
a radio wave sensor configured to output a sensing signal concerning a water flow
Implementation Method 2
determine a state of the water flow based on phase information of the sensing signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitary device includes a wet area device includes a radio wave sensor, a control section and a controlled section. The radio wave sensor is configured to output a sensing signal concerning a water flow. The control section is configured to determine a state of the water flow based on phase information of the sensing signal and to output a control signal based on a determination result. The controlled section is configured to be controlled based on the control signal.