Tap Spindle Shutoff Control for Abandoned Water Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water supply control systems are complex and expensive, and individuals with impaired mental processes, such as those with dementia, struggle to operate them, leading to reliance on staff for assistance due to confusion with unattended water flow issues.
Innovation Solution
A water supply control system with a spindle arrangement, tap rotation detector, and controller that allows for easy retrofitting to existing taps, ensuring water flow stops when the tap is abandoned in the 'on' position, maintaining a familiar look and feel while hiding electronic control, using a spindle with a rotary encoder to detect rotation direction and a detent for rotation limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water supply control systems with multiple sensors and controllers are used, then water flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronic control components (sensor, controller, solenoid valve) from the traditional mechanical mixer tap assembly. The electronic control unit is mounted separately on the underside of the tap, while the mechanical mixer valve remains in the tap cap. This separation simplifies the overall system architecture by removing unnecessary mechanical-electrical integration complexity while maintaining water flow control capability through the solenoid valve that receives signals from the remote sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the water supply control system adaptable to both conventional users and those with impaired mental processes through multi-functional operation modes. The system can function as a standard sensor-activated tap for normal users, while simultaneously providing automatic shut-off after a predetermined time interval (e.g., 3 minutes) for users who may forget to turn it off. This universal design approach allows one system to serve multiple user needs without requiring separate specialized devices.
2Loss of substance
If remote sensors are used to control water flow, then water conservation is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users with impaired mental processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automatic shut-off function that operates independently without requiring user intervention. The electronic control unit automatically monitors the time interval since the tap was activated and autonomously shuts off the solenoid valve after the predetermined time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users with impaired mental processes to remember to turn off the tap, as the system performs the shut-off action automatically, thereby maintaining water conservation while ensuring ease of operation.
3Reliability
If complex electronic control systems are installed, then water management capability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the water supply control system into distinct functional modules: (1) the mechanical mixer valve assembly in the tap cap, (2) the remote electronic control unit mounted on the underside of the tap, (3) the solenoid valve positioned below the tap, and (4) the electrical connection system. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured, tested, and installed independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing and installation process while maintaining comprehensive water management capability through the coordinated operation of these modular components.
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 simplifies water supply control, reduces reliance on staff for individuals with impaired mental processes by ensuring water flow stops when the tap is left on, maintaining user familiarity and independence, and can be easily installed on existing sanitary ware, minimizing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the tap rotation detector includes a rotary encoder for identifying the direction of rotation of the spindle
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a water supply control system for a tap (2). The control system includes a spindle (16) attached at one end to a tap handle (10) and at its other end to a tap rotation detector/valve actuator, the spindle (16) extending through the water supply conduit (3) to a tap rotation detector (5) which sends a signal to a supply valve (4) via a controller (6). The controller (6) triggers closure of the valve (4) if the valve has remained open for a predetermined time interval. The control system also has a detent to limit rotation of the spindle (16) in a tap closing direction.