Shower Control System with Position Sensor and Solenoid Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower systems are limited in the flow parameters and control profiles that can be controlled, as they are fixed according to the type of cartridge used, restricting user customization and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a position-sensing handle and capacitive sensors that allow for reprogramming of water flow parameters without changing the valve hardware, utilizing a controller to send control signals to proportional solenoid valves for adjustable flow rates, enabling customizable temperature and flow rate control through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cartridge is used to control water flow parameters, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mixing cartridge with an electronic control system comprising position sensors, a controller, and proportional solenoid valves. This substitution enables programmable control of water flow parameters through software rather than fixed mechanical configurations, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The controller can manage various water flow parameters (temperature, flow rate, profiles) by executing different programs, making the system universally applicable to different shower configurations without requiring hardware changes
2Ease of operation
If conventional fixed cartridges are used, then manufacturing is simple, but customization and user flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static, fixed cartridge configurations to dynamic, programmable control. Users can customize water flow parameters through software programming, allowing the system to adapt to different user preferences and requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement of components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changeable water flow parameters through electronic control. By modifying control programs and sensor positions, parameters such as temperature, flow rate, and delivery profiles can be adjusted without changing the physical hardware, facilitating easy customization
3Adaptability or versatility
If reprogramming is used to change control profiles, then hardware modifications are avoided, but measurement and control precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs position sensors (capacitive, inductive, or optical) to precisely detect the position of the control element, replacing traditional mechanical position-indicating mechanisms. This electronic sensing provides high measurement precision necessary for accurate control profile execution without requiring mechanical modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback through position sensors that continuously monitor the position of the control element. This feedback is processed by the controller to accurately execute the programmed control profiles, ensuring precise control of water flow parameters according to the desired profile
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 flexible and customizable control of water flow parameters, allowing users to change profiles such as step, linear, or exponential changes in flow rates, enhancing user experience and system adaptability without requiring hardware modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The position sensor may include two or more capacitive sensors
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention there is provided a control system (20; 120) for a shower comprising a control lever (42; 142) having a changeable position for setting one or more water flow parameters, where the control lever (42; 142) includes a target (44). The control system (20; 120) further comprises a position sensor arranged to sense the position of the target (42; 142) and a controller (50) arranged to monitor the sensed position of the target (42; 142) and send a corresponding control signal to one or more valves (28; 128) to allow a pre-determined flow rate of water to pass.