Smart Water Apparatus with RF Ranging for Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water dispensing systems in residential and commercial settings often result in wasteful water usage, as users may wait for desired water temperature without accounting for presence or activity, leading to inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
A smart water apparatus equipped with RF ranging circuitry to approximate the distance and mass of objects, and temperature sensors to adjust water flow rate and temperature dynamically based on detected presence and characteristics, integrated into network-connected showerheads and faucets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water flow is continuously supplied to ensure desired temperature is reached, then water temperature availability is improved, but water waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of water to the desired temperature before the user actually needs it, using sensors to detect when water reaches the target temperature. This allows the system to stop heating early, preventing waste of both water and energy while ensuring the desired temperature is already available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and flow sensors to continuously monitor water temperature and flow rate, providing feedback to the control mechanism. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust water flow and heating in real-time, stopping water supply when the desired temperature is reached, thereby eliminating waste while maintaining temperature availability.
2Loss of time
If water flow rate is increased to reduce waiting time, then user convenience is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the water flow rate based on real-time conditions such as user presence detection, desired temperature, and current water temperature. The flow rate is not fixed but varies optimally throughout the process, providing high flow when needed to reduce waiting time while reducing or stopping flow when the temperature is reached, thereby minimizing overall water consumption.
3Loss of substance
If sensors and control mechanisms are added to enable smart water control, then water conservation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single unified control mechanism that handles temperature sensing, flow rate control, and conservation logic simultaneously. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate complex components while achieving water conservation goals through coordinated control of water flow and temperature management.
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 smart water system optimizes water usage by adjusting flow rates and temperatures in real-time based on user presence and activity, reducing waste and enhancing conservation efforts.
Implementation Method 1
radio frequency (RF) ranging circuitry operative to approximate a distance of an object from the smart water apparatus
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency (RF) capturing circuitry operative to approximate mass of an object and distance of the object from the smart water apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor operative to monitor a water temperature of water flowing through the smart water apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for facilitating water conservation and smart water control are provided. Water conservation and smart water control can be achieved using a smart water apparatus having the ability to approximate distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object such as a human or inanimate object and adjust flow rate of water and/or temperature of the water based on the approximated distance, mass, and/or specific characteristics of an object. The smart water apparatus can be embodied, for example, in a network connected shower head or a network connected faucet.