Smart Water Outlet Mixing Control for Precise Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual-operated water outlet devices waste water resources as they require manual adjustment of cold and hot water ratios to achieve desired temperatures, leading to inefficiencies in water usage.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent water outlet device equipped with a microcomputer electronic control system that regulates a water-temperature valve using step motors and sensors to precisely adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water, allowing for rapid temperature control and variable water output volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If manual adjustment of cold and hot water ratio is used, then water outlet device can supply water at desired temperature, but water resource is wasted due to trial-and-error adjustment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an electronic control system comprising a microcontroller, temperature sensor, and step motor. The microcontroller receives temperature sensor feedback and automatically controls the mixing valve position via step motor, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment and the associated water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the mixed water temperature and sends signals to the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the detected temperature with the target temperature and automatically adjusts the cold-hot water mixing ratio via the step motor-controlled valve, achieving precise temperature control without water waste from manual adjustment.
2Device complexity
If conventional manual water outlet device is used, then device structure is simple, but temperature control precision is poor due to manual evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual temperature evaluation with an electronic temperature sensing system. The temperature sensor provides precise digital feedback to the microcontroller, enabling accurate temperature measurement and control without relying on subjective human judgment, thereby significantly improving temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation through the closed-loop control mechanism. The microcontroller automatically adjusts the mixing valve position based on temperature sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention and achieving precise temperature control autonomously.
3Measurement precision
If intelligent control system is introduced, then water temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional modules: temperature sensor for detection, microcontroller for processing, step motor for actuation, and mixing valve for flow control. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving precise temperature control while managing system complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a step motor as an intermediary between the microcontroller and the mixing valve. The step motor provides precise angular control of the valve position based on microcontroller commands, enabling fine-grained temperature adjustment while isolating the complexity of electronic control from the mechanical valve system.
4Loss of substance
If rapid temperature adjustment is achieved through intelligent control, then water saving is improved, but response time may be affected by system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous temperature monitoring and adjustment through the closed-loop feedback system. The temperature sensor continuously detects water temperature, and the microcontroller continuously adjusts the mixing valve position via the step motor, ensuring uninterrupted temperature control and rapid response to temperature changes without water waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling of temperature by the sensor and periodic adjustment of the valve position by the step motor based on microcontroller processing. This periodic control action achieves rapid temperature stabilization while minimizing water waste through efficient, timely adjustments.
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 device provides efficient and rapid adjustment of water temperature with minimal water waste, achieving smart control and water savings by automating the mixing process.
Implementation Method 1
The first step motor has a rotational power output shaft coaxial and integrally connected with the adjusting bar of the water-temperature regulating valve
Implementation Method 2
a mixing ratio of cold and hot water can be obtained by rotating the adjusting bar
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent water outlet device includes a water-temperature regulating valve, a water-output control valve, a power source unit, an input unit, a motor drive unit, a first step motor, a second step motor and a control unit. The power source unit energizes the water outlet device. The input unit selects a temperature value for the water output. The motor drive unit drives the first step motor and second step motor, to rotate an adjusting bar of the water-temperature regulating valve and to push a valve bar of the water-output control valve, respectively. The control unit receives a temperature option and an expected water volume from the input unit, and then controls the first step motor and the second step motor to output warm water with the inputted temperature value and the expected water volume.