Water-Powered Bidet Charging Control for Low Standby Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bidets face challenges such as limited power generation capacity, inefficient power usage, exposed wiring, and inability to function without external power sources, especially in areas lacking water tanks or power facilities, leading to high standby power consumption and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A self-generating bidet design that uses water flow to generate power through a generator and charging unit, with a controller managing power distribution and valve operations to minimize consumption and ensure stable operation, while integrating components within the bidet housing to prevent exposure and enhance installation ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is installed in a pipe connecting a water tank to a water inlet to generate power, then power generation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to external wiring and generator mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is nested within the bidet housing rather than being mounted externally on pipes. The charging unit is integrated into the housing, and all wiring is contained within the housing structure. This nesting approach eliminates external wiring and simplifies installation while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator, charging unit, and control unit are merged into a single integrated system housed within the bidet housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate external components and wiring, reducing installation complexity while preserving power generation functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is installed externally on pipes with wiring connected to a charging unit, then power generation is enabled, but reliability decreases due to exposed wiring that can be cut or tripped over
Solution Approach 1:
All electrical components (generator, charging unit, control unit) and wiring are nested within the bidet housing, eliminating exposed wiring that could be damaged or cause tripping hazards. This containment significantly improves system reliability and safety.
3Ease of operation
If standby power is supplied to electric devices to enable bidet functions, then operational readiness is improved, but power consumption increases significantly given insufficient generating capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit periodically monitors charging voltage levels and activates power generation only when voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. This periodic monitoring and on-demand activation eliminates continuous standby power consumption while ensuring operational readiness when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own water flow to generate power when charging voltage is insufficient, creating a self-regulating mechanism that automatically supplements power generation based on actual needs without requiring external intervention or continuous power supply.
4Device complexity
If power is generated using only water supplied to a water tank, then system simplicity is maintained, but generating capacity is insufficient for stable bidet operation
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is designed to utilize water flow from multiple sources: both the water tank and direct water supply. This multi-functionality allows the system to generate sufficient power under various operating conditions while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically detects when charging voltage is insufficient and activates power generation using available water flow. This self-service mechanism ensures stable operation by dynamically adjusting power generation based on actual voltage needs without requiring complex manual intervention.
5Ease of operation
If a flux control valve driven by a motor is used to control water injecting pressure, then precise control is achieved, but power consumption increases which is unacceptable for generating type bidet
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven flux control valve is replaced with a latch valve that uses mechanical latching mechanisms. The valve can be opened and held in position using minimal power, eliminating the need for continuous motor operation while maintaining precise water pressure control capability.
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 bidet achieves stable operation with sufficient power generation, reduced standby power consumption, and improved installation aesthetics, enabling use in various settings, including those without water tanks, by efficiently managing power and valve operations.
Implementation Method 1
a generator generating power by the water introduced into the water inlet
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a self-generating bidet that can perform power-generation using water supplied to the bidet or a water tank. The self-generating bidet, injecting water through a nozzle part, includes a water inlet into which water is introduced; a generator generating power through the water introduced by the water inlet; a charging unit storing electricity generated from the generator; and a nozzle passage part provided between the generator and the nozzle part to supply the water passing through the generator to the nozzle part. The self-generating bidet further includes a controller controlling the generator to be driven by opening a passage of the nozzle passage part in order to allow the water to be discharged through the nozzle part when a voltage of the charging unit is lower than a predetermined reference voltage.