Touch-Sensitive Tap Conductive Ring for Stable Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing touch sensitive taps face low sensitivity and installation challenges due to capacitive coupling methods, and increased cost and noise issues with rigid electronic elements for direct conduction.

Innovation Solution

A conductive silicone ring is used to create a direct electrical connection between the tap main body and support pipe, forming an integral conductor that enhances sensitivity and stability, while eliminating wobble and improving user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If capacitive coupling is used to connect the support pipe and tap main body, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the touch sensitivity is low and touch failure may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtouch sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical connection parameter from capacitive coupling to direct conductive connection by introducing a conductive element (metal strip or conductive rubber) between the support pipe and tap main body, thereby improving touch sensitivity while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive intermediary element (metal strip or conductive rubber) that mediates the electrical connection between the support pipe and tap main body, enabling direct signal transmission while avoiding the complexity of rigid electronic elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a conductive metal element or rigid electronic element is provided for direct electrical conduction, then the touch sensitivity is improved, but the cost and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch sensitivityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the conductive element from rigid (metal strip) to flexible (conductive rubber), enabling direct electrical conduction while simplifying installation and reducing the need for precise positioning and additional fastening components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses conductive rubber, a composite material that combines the electrical conductivity of metal with the flexibility and ease of installation of rubber, thereby improving touch sensitivity while avoiding the complexity associated with rigid electronic elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a rigid dielectric element is used for electrical conduction, then direct electrical connection is achieved, but the support pipe scrapes and makes noise during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidnoise and scraping
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the friction parameter by replacing the rigid dielectric element with a flexible conductive rubber element, which reduces friction during rotation, eliminates scraping and noise, while maintaining direct electrical connection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses conductive rubber, a flexible material, to replace rigid electronic elements, allowing the support pipe to rotate smoothly without scraping or noise while maintaining electrical connection through the flexible conductive material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 conductive silicone ring increases the sensitivity and stability of the touch sensing area, prevents water leakage, reduces noise, and enhances the rotational feel by forming a sealed and elastic connection.

Implementation Method 1

The connection method between the tap main body and the support pipe is capacitive coupling. The support pipe transmits the signal to the tap main body, then the tap main body transmits the signal to the on-off control portion.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A conductive metal element or a rigid electronic element is provided between the support pipe and the tap main body to realize the direct electrical conduction of the tap main body and the support pipe.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

A conductive silicone ring is disposed between the tap main body and the support pipe to connect the tap main body and the support pipe in sealing way

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3375941B1A touch sensitive tap
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH TECH INDUSTRIES CO LTD
  • EP3375941B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375941B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375941B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a touch sensitive tap, which comprises a tap main body, a support pipe, an outlet portion, a waterway and an on-off control portion; the support pipe is disposed with a touch sensing area for user to touch. A conductive silicone ring is disposed between the tap main body and the support pipe to connect the tap main body and the support pipe in sealing way, the conductive silicone ring electrically connects the tap main body and the support pipe to form an integral conductor, the integral conductor acquires touch signal from the touch sensing area and transmits the signal to the on-off control portion, the on-off control portion turns on and turns off the waterway after receiving the signal. It has the following advantages: the electrical connection mode of the tap main body and the support pipe is direct coupling, increasing the sensitivity of the touch area of the support pipe. The support pipe and the tap main body has the same sensitivity; the conductive silicone ring sealed connect the tap main body and the support pipe, enhancing the stability of the circuit used; it can eliminate the gap between the support pipe and the tap main body, thus efficiently avoiding the wobble; the conductive silicone ring increase the area of the fitting-surface and frictional resistance, also enhance the feel of the users.