Sanitary fixture comprising communication units and sensor fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitary installations with electrically actuated valves fail to perform hygienic flushing when the power supply is interrupted, leading to potential water stagnation and germ formation, as well as risk of water damage if the water pipe breaks.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor connected to the communication unit to detect pressure drops, which triggers the valve to open using an auxiliary power supply, ensuring hygienic flushing even when the main power is off, by determining pressure changes and using an additional power source to operate the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is designed to close automatically when power is switched off, then safety is improved, but hygienic flushing cannot be performed during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors water pressure in advance to detect when the sensor fitting opens, triggering the valve to open via the auxiliary power supply before water stagnation can occur during power outages
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural water pressure drop caused by the sensor fitting opening as a signal to automatically trigger the valve opening through the auxiliary power supply, eliminating the need for external power intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the valve remains open during power outages, then hygienic flushing is maintained, but water damage risk increases if the water pipe breaks
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback on water pressure conditions, enabling the control unit to make real-time decisions about valve opening based on actual pressure drops, preventing unnecessary valve opening and water damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simple pressure sensor and auxiliary power supply as a temporary override mechanism during power outages, allowing hygienic flushing to occur without compromising overall system safety through the automatic closing design
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pressure sensor and auxiliary power supply are added, then hygienic flushing during power outages is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves multiple functions: monitoring water pressure continuously, detecting sensor fitting openings, and triggering the auxiliary power supply only when needed, maximizing the utility of the added component
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives pressure sensor signals and manages the auxiliary power supply activation, coordinating between the pressure detection and valve opening actions without requiring direct mechanical connection
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 regular hygienic flushing and prevents water damage by maintaining the functionality of the sanitary system during power outages, ensuring the system remains in a safe and hygienic condition.
Implementation Method 1
the water line (3) is provided with a pressure sensor (4) connected to the first communication unit (1.1), by which a pressure drop due to an opening of the sensor fitting (1) is determined
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sanitary fixture comprising a sensor fitting (1) which is supplied with power for carrying out a hygienic flushing and which comprises: a first signal processing communication unit (1.1) and an electrically actuable valve (2) that can close automatically without a power supply; and a second signal processing communication unit (2.1) and a power supply (2.2), the sensor fitting (1) and the valve (2) being fluidically connected via a water pipe (3) and the two communication units (1.1, 2.1) being connected to transmit information. According to the invention, in order to ensure a hygienic flushing function when the power supply (2.2) is switched off, the water pipe (3) is provided with a pressure sensor (4) connected to the first communication unit (1.1) and the valve (2) is provided with an auxiliary power supply (2.3).