Rotating Control Element With Two Functional Levels For Plumbing Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary operating devices, both mechanical and electronic, pose difficulties for users, especially the elderly, in easily regulating water flow and temperature due to complexity and requirement of fine motor skills, and are not adaptable to user preferences.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary fitting with an electronically controlled mixing valve and an operating device featuring a rotatable control element with two functional levels, where the second level is aligned parallel to the first and held by a spring element, allowing independent adjustment of water temperature and flow without angle or position dependence, with interchangeable parameter assignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical operating device (single-lever mixer) is used, then the device structure is simple, but it requires excessive fine motor skills and places excessive demands on the user's fine motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical operating principle with an electronic control system that includes sensors to detect the position and movement of the operating element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing fine motor skill requirements while maintaining operational control
2Device complexity
If a purely mechanical operating device (three-hole faucet) is used, then the device structure is simple, but the effort required to open the taps is too great for very old users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical force transmission with an electronic sensor system that detects the position of the operating element and controls the mixing valve electronically, eliminating the need for users to apply significant physical force to operate the faucet
3Measurement precision
If electronic operating devices with keypads are used, then water flow and temperature can be precisely controlled, but the keypads can overwhelm the user in their complexity and require too much time to set the desired water flow and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into two distinct functional levels: the first functional level controls water flow, and the second functional level controls water temperature. This segmentation allows users to control each parameter independently without being overwhelmed by a complex single interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the control interface by providing two functional levels at different heights. The first functional level is at a lower position for flow control, and the second functional level is at a higher position for temperature control, creating an intuitive spatial organization that reduces complexity
4Measurement precision
If electronic operating devices with sensor arrays are used, then control precision is improved, but elderly users are required to have excessive fine motor skills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the control functionality into two large, easily accessible functional levels with distinct purposes, rather than using a dense array of small sensors. This local quality approach makes the control interface suitable for users with reduced fine motor skills while maintaining precision through electronic sensing
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 simplifies operation, reduces effort, and allows intuitive, quick, and reproducible control of water flow and temperature, making it accessible even for users with reduced fine motor skills, and is adaptable to user preferences.
Implementation Method 1
the operating device comprises a spring element (26) which elastically holds the operating element (3) in the first functional level (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~5D
Figure 6~7
Figure 8A~9
AI summary
The application relates to a control device (1) comprising a control element (3) that can be rotated on a first functional level (2), an electronic controller (4), an electric power supply (5), and a base (6) for mounting the control device (1). Said control device (1) is designed to control plumbing appliances (7) comprising a water discharge point (8) and an electronically controlled mixing valve (9) that has a cold water connection (10) and a hot water connection (11). The flow or the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point (8) can be changed by rotating the control element (3). The control device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the control element (3) can be moved onto a second functional level (12) by performing a lifting movement, said second functional level (12) extending parallel to and at a distance from the first functional level (2). Furthermore, the control device (1) comprises a spring element (26) which elastically retains the control element (3) on the first functional level (2), the control element (3) being movable onto the second functional level (12) against the resistance of the spring element (26). The temperature or the flow of the water discharged from the water discharge point (7) can be changed by rotating the control element (3) on the second functional level (12).