Sanitary fitting for dispensing processed liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fittings provide limited and inadequate feedback to users regarding the position and status of actuators and processing devices, making it difficult to manage the complex states and types of treated liquids effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary fitting with a first control element for setting the quantity of liquid, a second control element for setting the type of liquid, and a display device with multiple optical elements connected to the control device to provide clear and flexible feedback on actuator settings and device states through separate activation of optical display elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary selector switch is used to adjust hot water flow rate, then the hot water function can be activated and flow rate adjusted, but the operation becomes complex requiring multiple turning directions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into two independent parts: a first actuating element for selecting water type (cold/warm/hot) and a second actuating element for adjusting flow rate. This segmentation allows each element to have a simple, dedicated function rather than combining multiple functions in one complex switch.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single rotary switch that requires turning in different directions to activate function and adjust parameter, the patent inverts the approach by using two separate elements where each has a straightforward, intuitive operation mode.
2Loss of information
If individual visual signals or colors are used for feedback, then the system can indicate treatment types, but the feedback is limited and inadequate for the multitude of liquid treatment methods
Solution Approach 1:
The display device transitions from one-dimensional individual color signals to a two-dimensional matrix arrangement of optical elements. This dimensional expansion allows multiple parameters (treatment type, quantity, temperature, flow rate) to be displayed simultaneously using combinations of illuminated elements rather than requiring separate signals for each parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix of optical elements serves multiple functions: indicating treatment type, displaying quantity settings, showing temperature levels, and providing operational status feedback. A single display structure replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate indicator systems.
3Loss of information
If a display device with multiple optical elements is implemented, then comprehensive feedback on actuator settings and device states is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives signals from multiple sources (first actuating element, second actuating element, and processing device) and controls the entire matrix display from a single unit. This centralized control approach manages the complexity of coordinating multiple optical elements without requiring separate control circuits for each element or group of elements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sanitary fitting for dispensing treated liquids, comprising a first actuating element for setting a quantity of a liquid to be dispensed, a second actuating element for setting the type of liquid to be dispensed, a display device having a plurality of optical display elements, and a control device which is connected on the one hand to the actuating elements and/or to a treatment device, and on the other hand to the display device, such that actuating element settings and/or at least a state of the treatment device are displayed by means of separate control of the optical display elements.