Remote Faucet Activation Using a Wireless Foot or Knee Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faucets require users to physically touch or reach the faucet body to activate them, which can spread germs and bacteria and is inaccessible to individuals who cannot physically reach the faucet, such as children or those with physical impairments.
Innovation Solution
The development of faucet systems with remote activation, which include an activator placed at a variety of positions, such as near the floor or on a cabinet, that can be triggered with a body part other than a hand, sending a signal to an electromechanical valve to control water flow, allowing for activation without direct contact or reaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual or automatic faucets are used, then the faucet can be activated by proximity or direct contact, but the user must physically reach and touch or extend hand to the faucet body, which spreads germs and is inaccessible to some users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an activator as an intermediary device positioned away from the faucet body. This activator can be triggered by various body parts (foot, knee, elbow, hand) and wirelessly transmits activation signals to the faucet controller, eliminating the need for direct contact with the faucet body while maintaining reliable activation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical activation system (direct contact with handle or proximity sensor at faucet body) with a wireless communication system. The activator uses wireless transmitters (RF, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to communicate with the faucet controller, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing germ transmission while improving accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the activator is placed away from the faucet body, then users can activate the faucet without reaching the faucet body, but the system complexity increases due to additional components and wireless communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The activator is designed as a multi-functional device that can be positioned at various locations (near floor, on cabinet, on wall) and triggered by multiple body parts (foot, knee, elbow, hand). This universal design approach allows a single device to serve multiple activation scenarios, justifying the added system complexity through enhanced versatility and adaptability
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 solution enhances hygiene by preventing the spread of germs and bacteria and increases accessibility for users who cannot reach the faucet, enabling them to activate the faucet from a safe distance or with a different body part.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical valve fluidly coupled to the outlet hose and configured to control water flow to the faucet spout
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are automatic faucet systems with remote activation and kits for retrofitting existing faucets to include remote activation. Automatic faucets systems with remote activation can include a faucet comprising a faucet body and a faucet spout; an outlet hose in fluid communication with a cold water supply line, a hot water supply line, and the faucet spout; an electromechanical valve fluidly coupled to the outlet hose and configured to control water flow to the faucet spout; an activator separate from the faucet body and configured to be placed in a variety of positions during installation of the faucet system; and a controller configured to receive a first signal from the activator and, in response to the first signal, to control the electromechanical valve to control water flow to the spout.