Moisture-Sealed Controller Enclosure for Accessible Utility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility device controllers are difficult to position in accessible locations due to environmental degradation from moisture and steam, and they struggle with data communication and user interaction monitoring across multiple devices in hospitality and healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A universal controller with a multitasking operating system and native/external control applications that can monitor and control multiple utility devices simultaneously, featuring a robust design with moisture-resistant features and modular I/O boards for diverse operations, allowing for flexible placement and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device-specific controller is used for each utility device, then the controller can be dedicated to specific control functions, but the controller becomes difficult to position in accessible locations due to environmental degradation from moisture and steam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single universal controller that can control multiple utility devices (shower, bathtub, sink, toilet) instead of separate device-specific controllers. This universal controller is positioned remotely in a protected environment away from moisture and steam, while still providing control functionality for all devices through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the controller into two parts: a protected universal controller positioned remotely in a safe environment, and wireless communication modules positioned near each utility device. This allows the main controller electronics to be protected from environmental degradation while maintaining control capability.
2Ease of operation
If the controller is positioned close to the utility device for accessibility, then user interaction is improved, but the controller electronics and hardware degrade and fail over time due to exposure to steam and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary between the remotely positioned universal controller and the utility devices. This allows user interaction without requiring the controller to be physically positioned in the harsh environment near the utility devices, thus protecting the electronics while maintaining operational accessibility.
3Loss of information
If user interface points are provided for wired connections, then data communication capability is improved, but moisture enters through these points and degrades the controller and its components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. This eliminates physical user interface points that would allow moisture ingress, while maintaining full data communication capability between the universal controller and utility devices through wireless protocols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate device-specific controllers are used for each utility device, then each controller can be optimized for its specific function, but the system complexity increases and multiple controllers are difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal controller that can adapt to control multiple different types of utility devices (shower, bathtub, sink, toilet) with a single unified system. This reduces system complexity by consolidating multiple device-specific controllers into one while maintaining the ability to optimize control for each specific device type through software configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling and monitoring control application associated with one or more work operations of one or more utility devices is disclosed. The controller is programmed for controlling one or more external work operations associated with one or more utility devices. An I/O board is connected in communication with the primary controller having a module with a plurality of device-specific control applications associated with one or more device-specific work operations. The housing of the controller includes one or more cable access points for plugging a cable into the controller. The cable access points are sealed to prevent water from entering into the housing. A mounting bracket assembly provides flexibility for mounting the controller at various orientations and/or positions. The controller also includes a DC control circuit for controlling backlight luminance over the entire dimming ratio.