Shower Control Device with Color Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic shower systems do not provide immediate and intuitive temperature feedback to users, leading to potential discomfort from water temperatures that are too high or too low, especially for children and the elderly.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that uses a color code and numeric display on an illuminated control device to indicate water temperature, with a default setting of 38°C and safety features like solenoids to prevent scalding, allowing users to select shower outlets and monitor water flow levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If water temperature is controlled by electronic module with buttons and controllers, then temperature regulation is achieved, but user cannot immediately know the temperature before water flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays the temperature on the illuminated control device before the water actually flows. The temperature is pre-calculated and shown on the screen, allowing the user to see the temperature information in advance without waiting for water to flow or requiring manual checking during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback to the user about the water temperature through the illuminated control device with color codes and numeric displays. The temperature information is continuously displayed on the screen, giving the user real-time feedback about the temperature setting before water flows.
2Ease of operation
If default temperature is set at 38 degrees, then comfortable temperature is provided, but user cannot adjust temperature immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-sets the temperature at 38 degrees before the user needs to use it. This default temperature is already configured in the system, so when the user activates the shower, the comfortable temperature is immediately available without requiring the user to wait for heating or manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic temperature adjustment through buttons on the illuminated control device. The user can easily change the temperature from the default 38 degrees by pressing temperature adjustment buttons, and the new temperature is immediately reflected on the display and applied to the water flow.
3Loss of information
If color code and numeric code are displayed on screen, then temperature information is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color codes on the illuminated control device to indicate different temperature ranges. Different colors represent different temperature zones, providing intuitive visual feedback to the user about the water temperature without requiring complex displays or additional information processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminated control device serves multiple functions: it displays temperature information, provides user input through buttons, gives visual feedback through color codes, and shows operational status. This multi-functionality consolidates several features into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive temperature feedback.
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 users to easily and safely select comfortable water temperatures, preventing scalding by providing immediate visual feedback and automatic safety measures, enhancing user experience and safety, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor (5) located at an outlet of the temperature regulating valve (4a)
Implementation Method 2
The selector valve of the water outlet (6) comprises a series of solenoids (24), one for each water outlet, wherein preferably the control circuit is configured to close said solenoids when the temperature sensor detects temperature levels above a predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 3
an illuminated control device (8), connected to a control circuit (3), that comprises a plurality of LEDs that show a specific colour depending on the temperature range of the water coming out of the system (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Electronic control system (1) for a shower facility and/or a domestic hot water bathroom that can immediately inform the user, by means of an illuminated colour code on an illuminated control device (8), the temperature range of the water coming out of the system (1), so that the user can intuitively know the water temperature without having to verify the numbers shown on the screen. Nevertheless, the illuminated control device (8) also displays a numeric code to indicate the exact water temperature. Additionally, when the system (1) is switched on, the default water temperature is set at 38°C, a comfortable water temperature, in order to avoid discomfort for the user with water temperatures that are either too high or too low. It is ideal for children and the elderly.