Device for a shower, consisting of a housing, a temperature controller, an LCD screen, a LED ring, two opening taps; a hot and cold water inlet; a three-way valve, a flowmeter connected to a pump; a thermostatic valve, a servomotor; and an integrated circuit card; method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-saving devices fail to ensure the shower water reaches the desired temperature, leading to inefficiencies and waste due to unsynchronized timers and lack of temperature regulation, and they do not effectively quantify water and monetary savings.
Innovation Solution
A device that recirculates cold water through the household system to the boiler until it reaches the user's preset temperature, using a thermostatic valve and temperature sensors to maintain constant temperature, accompanied by an LCD display and LED indicators for real-time feedback on temperature and savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a timer is used to control water recirculation, then the device can operate automatically, but the water temperature cannot be precisely controlled leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using temperature sensors that continuously monitor water temperature and provide real-time data to the microcontroller. This closed-loop feedback system allows the device to automatically adjust the recirculation pump and three-way valve based on actual temperature conditions, resolving the contradiction between automation and temperature precision control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical timer-based control system with an electronic control system using a microcontroller, temperature sensors, and digital signaling. This substitution enables precise temperature monitoring and control while maintaining automatic operation, eliminating the imprecision of timer-based mechanical systems
2Loss of substance
If water is recirculated through the boiler, then water waste is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a three-way valve that can direct water flow to multiple destinations (recirculation to boiler, direct to shower, or mixing) based on temperature requirements. This multi-functional component enables water recirculation and temperature control using a single device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining water conservation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (recirculation control, temperature regulation, flow direction) into an integrated control system centered around the microcontroller and three-way valve assembly. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, managing device complexity while achieving water conservation
3Ease of operation
If the shower starts immediately, then user convenience is improved, but water waste increases due to temperature adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary heating of water through automatic recirculation through the boiler before the user needs to shower. The system pre-heats water in advance based on predicted usage patterns or user schedules, so when the user activates the shower, water is already at the desired temperature, eliminating waste from temperature adjustment while maintaining convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors water temperature and initiates recirculation through the boiler when temperature thresholds are not met, without requiring user intervention. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously prevent water waste while maintaining readiness for immediate shower use, improving both convenience and conservation
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
Ensures the shower water reaches the desired temperature, significantly reducing water and monetary waste by providing precise temperature control and real-time feedback on savings.
Implementation Method 1
a flowmeter connected to a pump
Implementation Method 2
a thermostatic valve, a servomotor
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensors to maintain constant temperature
Implementation Method 4
a three-way valve
Implementation Method 5
a LED ring, which changes color according to the water temperature
Implementation Method 6
passing again through the boiler of the house until it reaches the temperature preset by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A water recirculating device, liter counter, and temperature regulator for showers, which allows the user to predetermine the water temperature required for any bathroom having cold water network and hot water network, whereby any water below the predetermined temperature is recirculated passing through the boiler of the house until it reaches the temperature preset in the device, wherein said device is composed of a housing, a temperature regulator, an LCD display, a LED ring, two water valves; a hot and cold water inlet; a three-way valve; a flowmeter connected to a pump; a thermostatic valve; a servomotor; and an integrated circuit board; and a method.