System for operating a valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for dispensing heated fluids lack an automated safety mechanism to instantly stop the flow upon contact with a user, posing significant safety risks, especially for children, elderly, and disabled individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system that introduces an electric current into the fluid flow, using a sensor to detect contact with a user's body and a controller to automatically shut off the valve when a predetermined threshold is met, overriding the user's actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual button control system is used for dispensing hot water, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the safety response time is too slow to prevent skin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical button control system with an automated electro-sensing system. A sensor detects the user's body (conductive object) and automatically triggers the valve closure, eliminating the need for human reaction time and providing instant safety response without requiring complex manual intervention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-protection by automatically detecting when a user comes into contact with the dispensing mechanism and autonomously shutting off the flow. The sensor and controller work together to provide self-service safety functionality, preventing injury without requiring user awareness or additional safety equipment
2Ease of operation
If the valve remains open during button actuation, then the user can dispense water freely, but the user cannot let go quickly enough to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the control element state through the sensor. When the sensor detects that the conductive body (user) is still in contact with the control element after the predetermined time period, it provides feedback to the controller to reopen the valve, allowing the user to resume dispensing while preventing accidental prolonged exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary protective action by automatically closing the valve before significant skin damage can occur. The predetermined time period is calibrated to allow normal dispensing operations while ensuring the valve closes automatically if contact is prolonged, preventing injury before it becomes severe
3Reliability
If the valve shuts off automatically, then safety is improved, but the user may not be able to resume dispensing when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control system dynamically adjusts its state based on real-time sensor feedback. The valve can transition between open and closed states automatically, and the system adapts to user needs by reopening when the sensor confirms the user is still attempting to use the dispenser, providing both safety and operational flexibility
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
Prevents long-term skin damage by quickly stopping the fluid flow, outpacing human reaction times, and is applicable to various dispensing apparatuses, including coffee machines and boiling water faucets.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current is introduced into the flow of liquid. When a user holds the button and comes into contact with the flow of heated liquid, the sensor detects the current from the flow
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system (100) for operating a valve in an apparatus for dispensing heated conductive liquid and, more specifically, for implementing an automated safety shut off mechanism in the valve the moment that the liquid comes into contact with a user's body. The system operates by coupling a sensor (104) to a control element (106) such as a button that operates the liquid dispensing apparatus, and also introducing an electric current into the flow of liquid. When a user holds the button and comes into contact with the flow of heated liquid, the sensor detects the current from the flow and a controller shuts off the valve (108).