Sanitary Fitting Display Periodic Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-end sanitary fittings with control panels lack an intuitive and energy-efficient way to display current mode and operating parameters, leading to a need for improved user interaction and energy management.

Innovation Solution

A sanitary fitting with a display device showing the remaining release period for water outlets, controlled by a unit that adjusts flow rates and switches between outlets, featuring a mode that transitions from idle to operating based on user interaction or proximity, displaying relevant information and allowing selection of water programs and temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the display device is always active to show current mode and operating parameters, then user information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser information availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is activated periodically based on detected user presence. When a user approaches the sanitary fitting, the display activates to show current mode and operating parameters. When no user is detected, the display enters sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction by providing information only when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If the display shows detailed operating parameters continuously, then user awareness of water usage is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser awareness of water usageVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display activates periodically based on detected user presence. When a user approaches the sanitary fitting, the display activates to show current mode and operating parameters. When no user is detected, the display enters sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic activation pattern resolves the contradiction by providing information only when needed while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If the control panel is always visible and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance and energy efficiency worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control panel transitions between different states based on user presence. When a user approaches, the display activates and control functions become accessible. When no user is detected, the display enters sleep mode and control functions are deactivated. This dynamic state transition resolves the contradiction by making controls accessible only when needed while maintaining aesthetic appearance and energy efficiency during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1964985B1Sanitary fittings
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 GROHE AG
  • EP1964985B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Sanitary fitting comprises a water outlet (16), a valve (38) for releasing and blocking the output of water from the water outlet, a control unit (34) for controlling the valve, a display unit (12) and an operating unit (14) for inputting commands fro the control unit. Preferred Features: An activating signal is manually triggered by actuating a keyboard (20) or automatically triggered when a person is in the proximity.