Sanitary Fitting Temperature and Flow Slide Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sanitary fittings are complex and not intuitive to use, lacking user-friendly operation for controlling water temperature and flow rate independently.
Innovation Solution
A sanitary fitting with separate temperature and flow slides, each with a Hall sensor and permanent magnet, allowing for intuitive control of water temperature and flow rate through distinct electrical signals, and an electronic controller that adjusts valve operation based on sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate control mechanisms for temperature and flow rate are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating part is segmented into two independent control mechanisms: a temperature slide (20) for controlling water temperature and a flow slide (22) for controlling water flow rate. Each slide operates independently with its own sensor (Hall sensor 46), allowing users to adjust temperature and flow rate separately without interference, thereby improving ease of operation despite the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller (56) serves multiple functions by receiving signals from both the temperature sensor and flow rate sensor, then coordinating control of the valve battery (68) to simultaneously or independently adjust both temperature and flow rate parameters, making the system versatile while managing complexity through integrated control
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent control of temperature and flow rate is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into independent temperature control and flow rate control pathways, each with dedicated sensors (Hall sensors 46) and control inputs. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different user requirements by adjusting temperature, flow rate, or both independently, enhancing versatility while organizing complexity into manageable separate functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of two critical water parameters: temperature (via temperature slide 20) and flow rate (via flow slide 22). By allowing separate modification of these parameters, the system achieves high adaptability to various user needs and conditions, while the electronic controller manages the complexity of coordinating these changes
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
Enables easy and intuitive operation by allowing users to independently set desired water temperature and flow rate, enhancing user experience and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor preferably has a Hall sensor and the temperature slide has a permanent magnet which interacts with the Hall sensor. Correspondingly, the second sensor preferably also has its own Hall sensor and the flow slide also has its own permanent magnet, which interacts with this Hall sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The operating element (16) of the sanitary fitting has a temperature slide (20) and a flow rate slide (22). These two slides (20, 22) are movable back and forth along the first movement path (40) and the second movement path (42) respectively, in order to set, on the one hand, the temperature of the water and, on the other hand, the flow rate of the water. Sensors (54, 60) detect the location and the position of the temperature slide (20) and of the flow rate slide (22) and deliver corresponding temperature signals and flow rate signals to the electronic controller (56). This controller controls the valve battery (68) in such a way that water with the desired temperature and the set flow rate flows out of the sanitary fitting through the water outlet (28). Square or rectangular designs and a fitting (312) having virtual slide controls (340, 342) are also possible.