Smart Water Valve Control via Multi-Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water supply valve systems fail to automatically and variably supply the appropriate amount of water in response to different conditions and user requests, leading to unnecessary water waste due to manual control and fixed water flow settings.
Innovation Solution
A smart water supply valve system equipped with pressure and flow rate sensors, infrared, temperature, proximity, heat, and camera sensors, and a controller that adjusts the valve switching rate and flow rate based on sensed data to optimize water output according to user intentions and object characteristics, including human presence, size, shape, and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If manual control or fixed-time automatic control is used, then the system is simple to operate, but water waste occurs due to inability to supply appropriate amount of water
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensors (pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, infrared sensor, temperature sensor, proximity sensor, heat sensor, camera) to automatically detect user presence, object characteristics, and water conditions, then autonomously adjusts valve switching rate and flow rate without manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself by making intelligent decisions based on sensed data
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring water pressure, flow rate, user presence, and environmental conditions, then dynamically adjusts the valve switching rate and flow rate in real-time to optimize water supply according to actual conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents water waste
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed water flow settings are used, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot respond to various user requests and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple sensor types (pressure, flow rate, infrared, temperature, proximity, heat, camera) and a controller that can recognize various objects (human body, water cup, tableware, toothbrush) and adjust water supply accordingly, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions and adapt to diverse user needs and scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the valve switching rate and flow rate based on real-time sensor data, transitioning from fixed settings to variable control that adapts to changing conditions such as user presence, object type, water pressure, and temperature requirements, making the system flexible and responsive
3Productivity
If infrared sensor only control is used, then the device complexity is low, but water is supplied for fixed time period regardless of user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent sensor modules (pressure sensor, flow rate sensor, infrared sensor, temperature sensor, proximity sensor, heat sensor, camera) that each perform specific detection functions, with the controller integrating their inputs to make comprehensive decisions, allowing the system to process multiple parameters simultaneously for optimized water supply
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 system effectively optimizes water output and temperature settings to match user requirements, reducing unnecessary water waste by automatically adjusting flow rates and temperatures in real-time, enhancing user convenience and water efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensing unit for sensing a pressure or flow rate of water input through the inlet
Implementation Method 2
a first sensing unit for sensing a pressure or flow rate of water input through the inlet
Implementation Method 3
a second sensing unit for sensing at least one or more of motion, shape and heat distribution of an object
Implementation Method 4
a second sensing unit for sensing at least one or more of motion, shape and heat distribution of an object
Implementation Method 5
a second sensing unit for sensing at least one or more of motion, shape and heat distribution of an object
Implementation Method 6
a second sensing unit for sensing at least one or more of motion, shape and heat distribution of an object
Data Source
AI summary
A smart water supply valve system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an inflow unit for being supplied with water through one or more pipes; a valve for allowing/suspending the flow of water input through the inflow unit; a first sensing unit for sensing the pressure or flow rate of water unit input through the input unit; a second sensing unit for sensing at least one of the movement, the shape, and the heat distribution of an object; a controller for controlling the amount of opening/closing of the valve or the flow rate of water on the basis of sensing outputs from the first and second sensing units; and an outflow unit for discharging water supplied from the pipe.