Control arrangement for water fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control arrangements for water fittings with multiple actuators, such as valves and mixing units, are complex and time-consuming due to nested logical operating levels, requiring multiple operating actions for parameter input.
Innovation Solution
The control arrangement features separate, spatially distinct input screens for each logical operating level, allowing operators to access and input parameters for different levels without nested structures, with all input screens designed identically for hardware consistency and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If nested logical operating levels are used to organize multiple functions, then the control arrangement can manage complex water fitting operations, but the operation becomes confusing and time-consuming requiring multiple operating actions
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement is divided into multiple independent operating units, each with its own input screen for accessing specific logical operating levels. This segmentation allows operators to directly access different functions (water outlet selection, automatic functions, etc.) without navigating through nested hierarchical levels, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality
2Device complexity
If a single input screen is used for multiple logical operating levels, then the control arrangement remains compact, but parameter input becomes confusing and requires multiple operating actions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one input screen for multiple logical operating levels, the system provides separate input screens for each logical operating level. This allows operators to directly access the desired function without sequential navigation, significantly reducing the time required for parameter input while the modular architecture keeps overall device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a hierarchical single-dimension access structure to a parallel multi-dimension structure where multiple input screens are spatially distributed. This dimensional change allows simultaneous access to different logical operating levels, eliminating the need for nested navigation and reducing operational time
3Ease of operation
If separate operating units with individual input screens are provided for different logical operating levels, then parameter input is simplified and faster, but the device requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operating units are designed with identical hardware configurations, allowing each unit to serve multiple functions. This universality means that while there are more components, each component is standardized and multi-functional, reducing the overall system complexity through repetition of proven designs rather than requiring unique complex components for each function
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control arrangement for controlling actuators (1-4) of a water fitting (5), in particular water outlet valves, wherein the operating parameters for the outlet operation of the water fitting (5) can be manipulated by controlling the actuators (1-4), wherein the control arrangement has at least one electrical control unit (6) and at least two operating elements (14-20) for inputting operating parameters, wherein the control unit (6) is coupled to the actuators (1-4) on the one hand and the operating elements (14-20) on the other hand and controls the actuators (1-4) based on the operating parameters, wherein at least one operating element (16-20) is designed as a variably controllable input screen with a display (21) and control fields (22-25) for inputting operating parameters, wherein at least two logical operating levels (26-30) are defined, each of which is assigned at least two input operating parameters.It is proposed that at least two logical operating levels (26-30) each have their own control element (16-20) designed as an input screen for entering the operating parameters of the respective logical operating level (26-30) and that the input screens are arranged spatially separate from each other.