Temperature-Activated Shower Controller with Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower controllers do not automatically initiate and enforce a limited shower duration based on temperature changes or thresholds, allowing users to override the timing function, and often require professional installation and a remote power source.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-activated shower controller with a thermistor sensor and programmable microprocessor that initiates and controls the water flow based on a predetermined temperature gradient or threshold, allowing users to select or default shower durations, and includes a latching solenoid valve for automatic operation without complete shutdown, enabling easy installation and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a shower timer is provided with user-initiated controls, then the user can control shower duration, but the timing function can be overridden by the user thereby negating any benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The shower controller automatically detects when a shower has begun through temperature sensing and initiates the timing function without requiring user action. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring temperature changes, detecting shower start, and enforcing the time limit, eliminating the need for user initiation and preventing override.
2Reliability
If a temperature sensor is used to automatically detect shower start, then the timing function cannot be overridden, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor acts as an intermediary that indirectly detects shower start by monitoring water temperature changes rather than directly detecting user presence or shower initiation. This indirect detection method provides reliable automatic activation while keeping the system relatively simple, as temperature sensing is a well-established and straightforward technique.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a remote power source is required for the shower controller, then the device can function continuously, but qualified installer involvement is required adding to cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from requiring continuous external power to using dynamic power management with battery operation. The controller is designed to function continuously on battery power, eliminating the need for complex hardwired power connections and qualified installer involvement, while maintaining continuous operation capability through efficient power usage and battery longevity.
4Loss of substance
If the valve completely shuts off water supply at the end of shower, then water waste is eliminated, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely shutting off the water supply, the valve performs partial action by reducing flow to a minimal level. This provides enough water to maintain convenience and allow users to finish rinsing or turn off the shower properly, while dramatically reducing water waste compared to full flow, achieving a balance between conservation and user experience.
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 effectively limits shower duration based on temperature changes, reducing water and energy waste, and can be installed without professional assistance, promoting water conservation and user compliance, especially among children, while providing visual and audio prompts for responsible showering habits.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor adapted to detect and respond to a pre-determined rate of change of temperature with respect to time, that is, a temperature gradient, in water supplied to a shower head
Implementation Method 2
a latching solenoid valve for automatic operation without complete shutdown
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature activated shower controller including in combination, a temperature sensor adapted to detect and respond to a pre-determined temperature increase in water supplied to a shower head; a valve adapted to allow or reduce the flow of water to the shower head; programmable microprocessor means responsive to the temperature sensor and adapted to control the operation of the valve, according to a pre-programmed shower duration. In operational use, when turning on the water supply and within a given period of time after the pre-determined temperature rate of change of temperature with respect to time, ie a temperature gradient, is detected, the temperature activated shower controller is initiated and a user can select a shower duration or the microprocessor defaults to a pre-set shower duration after which time the valve moves to the closed position to reduce the flow of water supply to the shower head.