Wireless Shower Temperature Control via Segmented Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shower temperature control systems lack the ability to remotely adjust water temperature, especially when the fluid valve is out of reach, posing challenges for caregivers and hairstylists who need to manage water temperature for bathing or washing.
Innovation Solution
A wireless electronic control unit attached to a shower fluid valve, which includes a receiver, actuator, temperature sensor, and transmitter, allowing the showerhead to remotely control water temperature through Bluetooth communication, enabling users to adjust the temperature via buttons on the showerhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid valve is placed within reach for direct temperature adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases and accessibility for caregivers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into two separate components: a control unit attached to the fluid valve and a remote showerhead with control interface. This segmentation allows the control interface to be positioned at an accessible location while the actuation mechanism remains at the valve, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the showerhead control interface and the fluid valve actuator. This intermediary enables remote temperature adjustment without requiring direct physical access to the valve, improving accessibility while maintaining system simplicity through wireless communication.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless remote control system is implemented, then the ease of operation for remote temperature adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection and direct manipulation system is replaced with a wireless electronic control system. The showerhead contains a transmitter that wirelessly communicates with a receiver at the control unit, which then actuates the valve. This substitution enables remote operation while managing electronic complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic temperature adjustment based on user selection. When a temperature option is selected on the showerhead, the system automatically transmits the command and adjusts the valve without requiring manual intervention at the valve location, simplifying the user interaction despite the electronic complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A water temperature control assembly for remotely controlling water temperature in a shower includes a control unit that is attached to a fluid valve in a shower to adjust a temperature of water that is delivered from the fluid valve. A showerhead is provided and the showerhead is fluidly coupled to the fluid valve in the shower for bathing. The showerhead is in wireless electrical communication with the control unit to remotely control the temperature of the water.