Integrated Sensor Faucet and Soap Dispenser With Interlock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor type faucet and liquid soap dispensers are typically installed separately, leading to a cluttered appearance and practical issues with mutual interference during sensing, resulting in unsatisfactory design and performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrally formed sensor type faucet liquid soap dispenser with a single main body that includes a liquid soap pump, air pump, foaming device, sensors, electric magnetic valve, and interlock circuit, allowing for separate and controlled output of water and liquid soap through distinct sensor windows and ports, preventing simultaneous output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor type faucet and liquid soap dispenser are installed separately, then each device can function independently, but the appearance becomes cluttered and mutual interference occurs during sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the faucet and liquid soap dispenser into a single integrated device with one main body. The faucet component includes a water output port, while the liquid soap dispenser component includes a liquid soap output port. Both components share common elements including the sensor window, control unit, and power supply, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing mutual sensing interference.
2Volume of moving object
If water and liquid soap output ports are positioned close together, then the device structure becomes compact, but simultaneous output of water and liquid soap may occur causing functional interference
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the output mechanisms. It receives sensing signals and selectively activates either the water output or the liquid soap output based on the detected gesture, preventing simultaneous output. The control unit includes an interlock mechanism that ensures only one output function operates at a time, even though both output ports are positioned close together in the compact main body.
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 solution provides a compact, neat, and functional design that allows convenient and correct operation by preventing simultaneous output of water and liquid soap, enhancing user experience and maintaining a clean appearance.
Implementation Method 1
when a user extends and reaches his hand on the side surface, the upper surface, or the rear surface, liquid soap output sensor senses the touch generated signal through the liquid soap output sensor window, to trigger liquid soap output. Alternatively, when a user extends and reaches his hand on the lower surface, the water output sensor senses the touch generated signal through the water output sensor window, to trigger water output.
Implementation Method 2
an electric magnetic valve, with its second input connected to the water input tube, and with its output connected to the water output tube
Implementation Method 3
a liquid soap pump; a liquid soap bottle, with its output connected to a first input of the liquid soap pump; an air pump; a foaming device, with its first input connected to an output of the liquid soap pump, and with its second input connected to an output of the air pump
Data Source
AI summary
An integrally formed sensor type faucet liquid soap dispenser includes a faucet main body provided with an upper surface, a lower surface, a side surface, and a rear surface. The faucet main body further includes: a water output sensor window, disposed on the lower surface at a water output end of the faucet main body, and having the water output sensor provided inside; and a liquid soap output sensor window, disposed on the upper surface or the rear surface at the water output end of the faucet main body, and having the liquid soap output sensor provided inside. The water output port and the liquid soap output port are both disposed on the lower surface at the water output end of the faucet main body, such that water output port and liquid soap output port are adapted to output water and liquid soap respectively through using an interlock circuit.