Sensor-Integrated Faucet Spray Head for Object-Aware Water Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touchless faucets require a hand to be placed in close proximity to the spout for water delivery, lacking the ability to recognize and respond to different objects in the water flow path.
Innovation Solution
A faucet assembly equipped with time-of-flight, camera, or time-of-flight camera sensors on the spray head to recognize items in the water flow path, allowing for automatic water delivery based on item identification and controlling flow parameters such as temperature, volume, and pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touchless sensors are used to enable hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to recognize and differentiate between various objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (time-of-flight sensors, camera sensors, image sensors) into a unified detection system on the spray head face. This merging of different sensing technologies enables both hands-free operation detection and specific object recognition, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head face is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the water delivery interface and the sensor platform for object recognition. The sensors are positioned on the spray head face to detect various objects (hands, toothbrushes, pans, etc.), making the system universally applicable to different washing needs while maintaining hands-free operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned on the spray head face, then object recognition precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types are merged into a single integrated sensor array on the spray head face, reducing the need for separate detection components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high object recognition precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head face serves as an intermediary platform that integrates the sensors with the water delivery system. This mediator role allows the sensors to be positioned optimally for object recognition while sharing the existing spray head structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are integrated, then object recognition capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head face is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple sensor types (time-of-flight, camera, image sensors) in a single integrated array. This multi-functional design allows the same structural component to support diverse sensing capabilities, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating separate assemblies for each sensor type.
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 intelligent water delivery tailored to recognized objects, enhancing user convenience and efficiency by allowing hands-free operation and adaptive water control.
Implementation Method 1
the spray head comprises one or more detectors selected from a group consisting of time-of-flight sensors, camera sensors, image sensors, and time-of-flight camera sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A faucet assembly comprising a faucet body, a spout and a spray head, wherein the spray head comprises one or more detectors selected from a group consisting of time-of-flight sensors, camera sensors, image sensors, and time-of-flight camera sensors positioned on a face of the spray head, the spray head face defines a water flow path, and the one or more detectors are configured to recognize an item located in the water flow path.