Smart water dispenser and control method thereof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional water dispensers pose a risk of scalding due to improper use, especially for families with children, as they often rely on mechanical switches that may not be turned off in time, leading to overflow of hot water.
Innovation Solution
A smart water dispenser is introduced with both a mechanical and an electronic switch on the water outlet pipeline, where the electronic switch is controlled by a controller that detects the ON/OFF states of both switches, ensuring water discharge only when both are turned on and automatically turning off the electronic switch if the mechanical switch is not properly turned off, along with additional features like fingerprint recognition, infrared detection, and a timer to enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only mechanical switches are used for water discharge control, then the device structure is simple and ease of operation is maintained, but safety reliability deteriorates due to potential scalding from forgotten switches
Solution Approach 1:
The water discharge control function is segmented into two independent switches: a mechanical switch for basic control and an electronic switch for safety control. This segmentation allows each switch to perform its specific function independently, with the electronic switch acting as a safety guardian that can cut off power regardless of the mechanical switch state, thereby improving safety without completely redesigning the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
A control module is introduced as an intermediary between the mechanical switch and the heating element. The control module receives signals from both the mechanical switch and electronic switch, processes their states according to preset logic, and controls the heating element accordingly. This intermediary component enables complex safety logic to be implemented without directly modifying the basic mechanical control structure.
2Reliability
If electronic switches and detection units are added to monitor switch states, then safety reliability is improved through automatic shutdown capability, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection units for monitoring switch states are merged with the control module. Rather than having separate detection circuits and control circuits, the control module integrates both functions, reducing the number of independent components and simplifying the overall control system architecture while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to switch states for safety purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to automatically detect switch states and execute appropriate control actions without requiring additional manual intervention or complex external monitoring systems. The control module continuously monitors the states of both switches and automatically adjusts the heating element operation based on the detected states, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dual switch control with state detection is implemented, then the risk of hot water overflow is reduced, but ease of operation may deteriorate due to increased operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the states of both mechanical and electronic switches and automatically adjusting the heating element operation accordingly. When the electronic switch is off, the system immediately stops heating regardless of the mechanical switch state, providing real-time feedback control that prevents hot water overflow without requiring users to manually check or adjust multiple switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic switch is designed to be turned off in advance or simultaneously with the mechanical switch, creating a preliminary safety action. The control module is programmed to interpret the combination of switch states and automatically stop heating when it detects that the electronic switch is off, even if the mechanical switch remains on, thereby preventing overflow before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a smart water dispenser and a control method thereof. The smart water dispenser includes: a mechanical switch, an electronic switch and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether water usage is normal according to ON/OFF states of the mechanical and the electronic switches; if so, to indicate a water discharged volume detection unit to collect a water discharged volume; and otherwise, to turn off the electronic switch and transmit a play instruction to a voice playback unit. The control method includes: detecting states of the mechanical switch and the electronic switch in real time; determining whether the mechanical switch is in the ON state when the electronic switch is switched from the OFF state to the ON state; if so, turning off the electronic switch and outputting a prompt voice; and otherwise, collecting the water discharged volume when the mechanical switch is switched from the OFF state to the ON state.