Electronic showerhead device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic showerheads with automatic flow control require external power and complex installation, are sensitive to user position and size, and can self-trigger or lock in the ON position, making them difficult to retrofit and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An electronic showerhead device with an integrated power source and IR sensor that emits a conically shaped presence interrogation beam, an electromagnetic solenoid valve, and an adjustable design to prevent self-triggering, allowing for easy retrofitting without special tools or connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a presence detector is located near a faucet handle or within the showerhead, then automatic flow control is achieved, but the device requires external electrical power and complex installation by qualified technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead device uses its own water flow to power the presence detector and control valve through a turbine mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical power and complex wiring installations by qualified technicians
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical sensing systems with a mechanical turbine-based presence detector that uses water flow dynamics to detect user presence and trigger automatic flow control, simplifying the system to require no electrical connections
2Extent of automation
If the presence detector is positioned to detect user presence, then automatic flow control is achieved, but the detector may self-trigger or lock the valve in the ON position
Solution Approach 1:
The presence detector is positioned at a specific location on the showerhead body where it detects presence based on localized water flow patterns rather than general ambient conditions, preventing false triggering while maintaining reliable automatic control
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detector continuously monitors water flow conditions and adjusts valve control accordingly, preventing the valve from locking in the ON position by detecting abnormal flow patterns that indicate self-triggering
3Measurement precision
If the presence detector is positioned close to the showerhead, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the detector becomes sensitive to user distance and angle, affecting performance for users of different heights and perimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The presence detector utilizes three-dimensional water flow field analysis rather than simple two-dimensional optical detection, measuring flow characteristics in multiple dimensions to accommodate users of various heights and positions without requiring precise alignment
4Loss of substance
If an electronic showerhead with automatic flow control is installed, then water saving is achieved, but special plumbing or electrical connections and professional installation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The showerhead device is designed to be self-powered by the water flow itself, using a turbine mechanism to generate electricity for the control system, which eliminates the need for external electrical connections and special plumbing modifications, allowing easy retro-fitting by consumers without professional installation
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal retro-fit showerhead that can be installed on conventional showerheads without special plumbing or electrical infrastructure, maintaining water saving functionality while simplifying installation to a basic mechanical attachment
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 device reliably turns water on and off based on user presence, avoiding self-triggering and locking issues, while enabling easy installation and operation for users of varying heights and perimeters, and functions as a conventional showerhead when powered off.
Implementation Method 1
The presence detector comprises an Infrared (IR) sensor that emits a conically shaped IR presence interrogation beam
Implementation Method 2
The electronically controlled valve comprises an electromagnetic 'latching' solenoid
Implementation Method 3
a parabolic water flow trajectory area of the showerhead body
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic showerhead device for automatically controlling water flow includes a showerhead body and a presence detector located in a bottom surface of the showerhead body. The presence detector provides a presence interrogation beam area that is located above and adjacent to a parabolic water flow trajectory area of the showerhead body. Interruption of the presence interrogation beam area by a person or an object turns the water flow on.