Water Heater Temperature Control With Location-Based Scald Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water heater control systems using wireless mobile devices can lead to unsafe conditions as users may inadvertently set higher temperatures in areas where lower temperatures are required, such as bathrooms, due to the lack of location-specific control.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs a communication device emitting adjustable signals detectable by mobile devices to determine their location near water access points, allowing users to select higher temperature settings only when authenticated and near designated areas, with the system reverting to lower temperatures when the mobile device is not detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless mobile devices are used to control water heater temperature, then user convenience and ease of operation are improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to inability to enforce location-based temperature restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emitting device as an intermediary between the mobile device and the water heater. This emitting device transmits location information to the mobile device, which then communicates with the water heater. The intermediary enables the system to enforce location-based temperature controls while maintaining wireless convenience, as the mobile device receives location data from the emitting device and automatically applies appropriate temperature restrictions based on the detected location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring location-based temperature restrictions in the water heater controller before the user attempts to change temperatures. The controller is pre-programmed with safe temperature limits for different locations (e.g., bathrooms have lower limits to prevent scalding). When the mobile device communicates with the water heater, the controller already has the location-based rules ready to enforce, preventing unsafe temperature settings before they can occur.
2Reliability
If location-based control is implemented using emitting devices and mobile devices, then safety and reliability are improved through location-specific temperature restrictions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it acts as a remote control for the water heater, receives location information from the emitting device, and automatically applies location-based temperature restrictions. The water heater controller also performs multiple functions: it controls water heating, enforces location-based temperature limits, and communicates wirelessly with the mobile device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by having the mobile device automatically receive location information from the emitting device and automatically apply the appropriate temperature restrictions based on that location. The user does not need to manually configure location-based rules or switch between different control modes. The system autonomously determines the user's location and enforces the appropriate safety restrictions, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
3Ease of operation
If higher temperature settings are allowed without location verification, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but harmful factors increase due to scalding risks in inappropriate locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by having the mobile device continuously receive location information from the emitting device and automatically adjust the available temperature settings based on the detected location. When the user approaches a bathroom (detected via emitting device signal), the system automatically restricts the maximum temperature to safe levels. When the user is in a kitchen or utility area (where higher temperatures are safe), the system automatically permits higher temperature settings. This automatic feedback loop eliminates the need for manual location verification while preventing scalding risks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a temperature of water delivered by a water heating system, includes providing communication device which is adapted to receive a communication from at least one mobile device, the communication device being located so as to determine when the at least one mobile device is within a predefined zone in which is located a pre-selected water access point. In response to a determination that the at least one mobile device is within the predefined zone, enabling a user selecting a temperature setting of the where the water heating system. The selection is wirelessly communicated to a receiver which is in communication with the water heating system.