Wireless Metered Faucet Input for Precise Water Volume Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic faucets lack the ability to dispense precise volumes of water accurately and efficiently, relying on manual adjustments or rudimentary sensing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A metered dispense input device that wirelessly communicates with an electronic faucet's control module, allowing users to select and dispense precise volumes of water through a combination of rotatable dials and an activation button, which transmit signals to control the electrically operable valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments or rudimentary sensing mechanisms are used in electronic faucets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of water volume is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The input device is segmented into two independent rotatable dials: a first dial for selecting numerical units (1-10) and a second dial for selecting fluid serving sizes (cups, pints, quarts, gallons). This segmentation allows precise volume measurement through combination of two simple rotary selections rather than requiring a complex single-control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring discrete numerical units and fluid serving size options on the dials. Users simply rotate the dials to select from predetermined combinations (e.g., 2 cups, 3 pints, 1 gallon) rather than manually adjusting continuous controls, enabling precise measurement through pre-established measurement categories.
2Measurement precision
If discrete control mechanisms like dials and buttons are implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dials are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing users to dynamically adjust selections by rotating to desired positions. This dynamic rotary interface is more intuitive and easier to operate than static buttons or switches, while still providing discrete, precise control over numerical units and serving sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service through tactile and auditory feedback mechanisms that automatically confirm dial positions and button presses without requiring user interpretation. The feedback system independently verifies selections and communicates them to the controller, reducing cognitive load and making operation simpler while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is added to existing electronic faucets, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The input device incorporates a wireless transceiver that enables universal communication with electronic faucet control modules. This single wireless interface can transmit various command types (volume selections, operational modes) to different faucet systems, providing multi-functionality and broad adaptability without requiring separate wired connections or complex integration protocols for each faucet model.
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
Enables precise control over water volume and serving size, providing accurate and user-friendly operation with tactile and auditory feedback, enhancing the functionality of electronic faucets.
Implementation Method 1
An anchor extends below the shell, wherein the anchor includes at least one magnet, the at least one magnet of the anchor and the at least one magnet of the shell configured to couple to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a metered dispense input device that wirelessly communicates with a wireless control module of an electronic faucet to allow wireless control of the faucet such that selected volumes of water can be dispensed. The present disclosure further relates to a metered dispense input device that is integrated into an electronic faucet to allow the dispensing of selected volumes of water.