Sensor-Controlled Faucet Spout for Precise Container Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in precisely filling containers with water from traditional faucets, often leading to overfilling and water wastage due to the lack of precise control over water flow.
Innovation Solution
A faucet system incorporating a water level sensor and controller that adjusts water flow based on the detected water level in a container, using a multi-configuration spray head with angled and parallel nozzles to provide visual indication and automatic shut-off at a predetermined level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional manual faucet control is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision of water level control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by using a water level sensor to detect the water level in the container and automatically adjusting the valve to shut off water flow when the desired level is reached. This eliminates the need for manual monitoring and achieves precise water level control without requiring complex user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The faucet system performs self-service by automatically detecting water level and controlling its own water flow shutdown. The controller monitors the water level sensor signals and autonomously operates the valve, making the system self-regulating without requiring continuous user attention or manual adjustment.
2Productivity
If high rate water flow is used, then productivity of container filling is improved, but loss of substance increases due to overfilling
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, enabling the system to maintain high flow rates during filling while automatically detecting when the desired water level is reached. This feedback mechanism ensures rapid filling without overfilling, as the controller shuts off the flow precisely at the target level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting the desired water level using the adjustable spout and sensor positioning. Before filling begins, the user can adjust the spout height and angle to achieve the desired fill level, and the system is pre-programmed to shut off automatically when this level is reached, preventing water waste before it can occur.
3Measurement precision
If manual timing control is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision of water level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water level sensor provides continuous real-time feedback to the controller, enabling precise measurement of water level without requiring user monitoring. The sensor detects the water level continuously and transmits this information to the controller, which automatically adjusts the flow based on the detected level, achieving high measurement precision while eliminating user time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical timing and monitoring with an automated sensor-based detection system. The water level sensor uses non-contact detection methods (such as ultrasonic, optical, or capacitive sensing) to measure water level continuously, substituting manual observation and timing with automated electronic measurement that provides superior precision and requires no user time.
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet includes a base, a spout, a water level sensor, and a controller. The spout is coupled to the base and includes a first portion proximate to the base and a second portion adjustable relative to the first portion. The second portion includes a water outlet. The water level sensor is disposed on the second portion, and is configured to detect a distance between the water outlet and a level of water in a container disposed below the water outlet. The controller is configured to control the flow of water through the water outlet based on the detected distance between the water outlet and the level of water.