Sensor-Based Shower Controller for Wet-Environment Input Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-related systems face issues with mechanical controllers that are bulky, prone to degradation in wet environments, and require sealing to maintain functionality and accuracy, particularly in temperature control which has health and safety implications.
Innovation Solution
A controller using optical, infrared, or ultrasonic sensors with a movable input member and magnet pairs to determine user inputs, keeping the position determining device in a dry environment and ensuring durability and accuracy, while allowing easy detachment and reinsertion of the input member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches and buttons are used in controllers, then the controller can provide user input functionality, but the controller becomes bulky and mechanical components degrade in wet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and buttons with a magnetic field-based detection system. Magnets are positioned behind a transparent barrier, creating magnetic fields that are detected by sensors on the opposite side. This eliminates mechanical components that degrade in wet environments while maintaining a compact form factor, as the magnetic field can penetrate the barrier without requiring physical contact or complex sealing mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical controllers are used to control water flow characteristics, then user control is provided, but the mechanical components are affected by the wet environment leading to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent barrier as an intermediary element that separates the magnetic components from the wet environment. The barrier allows magnetic field lines to pass through while protecting the internal magnetic components from water exposure. This enables the controller to maintain mechanical-like user interaction (pushing buttons or sliders) without the mechanical components being directly exposed to the harmful wet environment.
3Measurement precision
If optical or infrared sensors are used to detect input member position, then the position determining device can be kept in a dry environment, but the device requires a transparent barrier which adds to the design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical or infrared sensors to detect the position of input members (buttons, sliders) by measuring the interruption or modification of light beams. This allows the position determining device to be located in a dry environment behind the transparent barrier, while still achieving precise position detection. The transparent barrier, while adding a design element, actually simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or direct exposure mechanisms.
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, reliable, and durable controller that maintains accuracy and operability in wet environments by using sensors and magnets, reducing mechanical switch degradation and ensuring smooth user input experience.
Implementation Method 1
The controller comprises at least one magnet pair configured to apply a force to the input member to position the input member in the neutral position
Implementation Method 2
The position determining device comprises a sensor comprising an emitting unit configured to emit a signal and a detecting unit configured to detect the signal
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a controller (1) for a water related system, such as an electronic shower unit, and a water related system including such a controller (1). The present invention provides a controller (1) configured to control a characteristic of water flow in the water related system. The controller (1) for a water related system comprises a control unit (10) comprising a position determining device and an input member (20) being movable relative to the control unit (10) between a neutral position and a displaced position. The controller (1) is configured to determine the position of the input member (20) and to determine an input based on the position of the input member (20). The controller (1) may comprise at least one magnet pair (14) configured to apply a force to return the input member (20) to the neutral position. The position determining device may be a sensor (11), wherein the sensor (11) comprises an emitting unit (11a) configured to emit a signal (12) and a detecting unit (11b) configured to detect the signal (12), wherein the sensor (11) is optical, infrared or ultrasonic. In this case the input member (20) or the control unit (10) comprises a reflector (13) arranged to reflect the signal (12) towards the detecting unit (11b) and the controller (1) is configured to determine the position of the input member (20) based on the reflected signal (12).