TWI841412B - Water supply system that detects faucet failure status by water flow rate - Google Patents

Abstract

A water supply system that uses water flow to detect faucet fault status. A water flow sensor is used to monitor the water flow status of the inductive faucet, and then analyze whether the inductive faucet is faulty. If there is a fault, the fault information is sent back through the telecommunications network, so that the management personnel can know which set of inductive faucets is faulty, the cause of the inductive faucet fault, and contact maintenance personnel for repair.

Description

Water supply system that uses water flow rate to detect faucet failure status

The present invention relates to a water supply device, and in particular to a water supply system that detects faucet failure status by water flow rate.

In large public places such as stations and airports, toilets mostly use sensor faucets. Since sensor faucets are contactless, they can reduce the chance of people touching them and provide purposes such as hand washing and cleaning.

However, most sensor faucets cannot respond immediately when they fail, resulting in a lot of water waste. In addition, the structure of the sensor faucet is relatively complex, and maintenance personnel need to not only remove the faucet body, but also check which part of the component is faulty.

In addition, when the sensor faucet fails, the management staff needs to find someone who can repair it. However, the sensor faucet is precise and has a product warranty. If a non-original repairman is found, not only will the original manufacturer refuse to repair it, but the repairman is more likely to not know where the fault is, causing permanent damage to the sensor faucet.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a water supply system that detects the fault status of faucets by water flow rate, uses a water flow sensor to monitor the water flow status of the inductive faucet, and then analyzes whether the inductive faucet is faulty. If there is a fault, the fault information is returned by the telecommunications network, so that the management personnel know which set of inductive faucets is faulty, the cause of the inductive faucet fault, and contact the maintenance personnel for repair of the water supply system.

Therefore, the present invention comprises: an inductive faucet, a plurality of water flow sensors and a processing unit; the inductive faucet provides tap water for users to wash; the inductive faucet comprises an infrared sensor, an electromagnetic valve for water supply or water stop function, and a fault display unit; the water flow sensor is arranged at one end of the electromagnetic valve of the inductive faucet and the water outlet of the inductive faucet, and is used to detect the water flow rate and water outlet time generated by the inductive faucet, and transmits the water flow rate and water outlet time to the processing unit for analysis; the processing unit The water outflow and water outflow time are analyzed, and the processing unit is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valve in the inductive faucet. When the water outflow is normal and the electromagnetic valve operates normally, the inductive faucet is judged to be operating normally; when the water outflow does not meet the set water outflow, or the water outflow time exceeds the preset time, the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet has a sensed situation, but the inductive faucet does not discharge water, then the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet is faulty, and the processing unit generates a signal to the fault display unit, and the fault display unit generates a fault to remind the management personnel.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit is further connected to a wireless transmission device. When the processing unit detects that the inductive faucet has a fault, in addition to generating a signal to the fault display unit, a fault notification message is also generated to the management personnel through the wireless transmission device.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the wireless transmission device uploads the fault notification message to a cloud server, and the cloud server is connected to a background management module, which is used to display the installation area of the faulty inductive faucet, the number of the inductive faucet, and the cause of the fault of the inductive faucet.

In the aforementioned embodiment, the background management module is a smart mobile device.

Through the above description, the specific effects of the water supply system of the present invention that uses water flow to detect faucet fault status are roughly as follows:

1. The processing unit uses water flow detection technology to detect the water flow status of the induction faucet. In this way, it can detect whether the water flow time is normal, whether there is abnormal water flow, whether there is water flow when it should be, or whether the user's hand has left but the water continues to flow, and the fault situation will be displayed through the fault display unit.

2. The present invention can further integrate wireless transmission devices and use telecommunication networks (WIFI, Bluetooth) to transmit fault information. Management personnel can use smart mobile devices or personal mobile assistants to help manage the status of toilet sensor faucets, which can reduce human management costs.

3. Based on the above, when a faucet fails, the backend management module can be used to find maintenance personnel and maintenance units to repair and maintain the induction faucet, thereby quickly resolving the induction faucet failure problem and being covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.

1: Induction faucet

11: Infrared sensor

12: Solenoid valve

13: Fault display unit

2: Water flow sensor

21: Impeller

3: Processing unit

4: Wireless transmission device

5: Cloud Server

6:Backend management module

Figure 1: Structural system diagram of the present invention.

Figure 2: Structural diagram of water flow sensor.

Figure 3: Diagram of the present invention for determining the normal operation of the induction faucet.

Figure 4: Operation diagram of the present invention for determining whether a sensor-type faucet is clogged.

Figure 5: Operation diagram of the present invention for determining water leakage from an inductive faucet.

Figure 6: Operation diagram of the present invention for determining that the induction faucet is not producing water.

Figure 7: Operation diagram of the present invention for determining whether the induction faucet is not shutting off the water.

As shown in FIG1 , the water supply system of the present invention uses water flow to detect faucet fault status, including: an inductive faucet 1, a water flow sensor 2, a processing unit 3, a wireless transmission device 4, a cloud server 5 and a background management module 6.

As shown in FIG1 , the inductive faucet 1 provides tap water for users to wash; the inductive faucet 1 includes an infrared sensor 11, an electromagnetic valve 12 for water supply or water stop function, and a fault display unit 13.

As shown in FIG1 , the water flow sensor 2 is arranged at one end of the electromagnetic valve 12 of the inductive faucet 1 and the water outlet of the inductive faucet 1, and is used to detect the water flow rate and water outlet time generated by the inductive faucet 1, and transmit the aforementioned water flow rate and water outlet time to the processing unit 3 for analysis. As shown in FIG2 , specifically, the sensing principle of the water flow sensor 2 used in this case is that water flows into the water flow sensor 2, so that the impeller 21 in the water flow sensor 2 rotates, and the data such as the number of rotations of the impeller 21 are handed over to the processing unit 3 for processing and calculation. The above is only one of the application methods of the water flow sensor 2, but the application method of the water flow sensor 2 in this case is not limited to this.

As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the processing unit 3 analyzes the data transmitted by the water flow sensor 2, and the processing unit 3 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valve 12 in the inductive faucet 1; when the water flow rate is normal and the electromagnetic valve 12 operates normally, the inductive faucet 1 is judged to be operating normally; when the water flow rate does not meet the set water flow rate, or the water flow time exceeds the preset time, the infrared sensor 11 of the inductive faucet 1 has a sensing situation, but the inductive faucet 1 does not flow water, then the processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 is faulty, and the processing unit 3 generates a signal to the fault display unit 13, and the fault display unit 13 generates a fault reminder to the management personnel.

As shown in Figure 1, when the processing unit 3 determines that the induction faucet 1 is faulty, in addition to generating a signal to the fault display unit 13, it also generates a fault notification message to the management personnel through the wireless transmission device 4.

As shown in FIG1 , the wireless transmission device 4 uploads the fault notification message to a cloud server 5, and the cloud server 5 is connected to a background management module 6, and the background management module 6 is used to display the installation area of the sensor faucet 1 where the fault occurs, the number of the sensor faucet 1, and the cause of the fault of the sensor faucet 1.

In the implementation of the present invention, the background management module 6 is a smart mobile device or a personal mobile assistant device, based on which the management personnel can obtain the status of the inductive faucet 1 remotely, which can reduce the human management cost.

The above is the introduction of the system of the present invention. The following will introduce the effects and advantages that can be obtained by the present invention.

1. According to different induction faucets 1, set the length of time for the user to complete hand washing. At the same time, the processing unit 3 is connected to the solenoid valve 12 to confirm whether it is actually opened or closed. In addition, the water flow sensor 2 is used to obtain whether the water flow volume and water flow time are normal.

2. The aforementioned water outflow, such as detecting whether the water outflow is blocked, leaking, or flowing, etc.

3. As shown in Figure 3, when the water outflow meets the set water outflow setting value, and the infrared sensor 11 detects that the user has finished washing hands, and closes the electromagnetic valve 12, and no water flows out, it is judged that the induction faucet 1 is operating normally. In this state, the processing unit 3 does not operate.

4. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the water outflow does not meet the water output, for example, 1 liter of water is to be discharged per minute, but the water flow sensor 2 side of the electromagnetic valve 12 detects that the water inflow is only 0.3 liters per minute, and the water flow sensor 2 set at the water outlet also only detects that the water output is 0.3 liters per minute, then the processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 may be blocked or other faults may occur. The processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 is faulty, and the fault display unit 13 displays the fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device 4 uploads the fault message to the cloud server 5, and the cloud server 5 sends the location of the faulty inductive faucet 1 and the information about the blockage fault of the inductive faucet 1 to the background management module 6, so that the management personnel can also manage the inductive faucet 1 remotely.

5. As shown in FIG5 , when the infrared sensor 11 of the inductive faucet 1 does not detect that there is a user using it, but the processing unit 3 has water outflow and water outflow time according to the water flow sensor 2, and the electromagnetic valve 12 is opened, in this state, the processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 has a water leakage fault, and the fault display unit 13 displays a fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device 4 uploads the fault message to the cloud server 5, and the cloud server 5 sends the position of the faulty inductive faucet 1 and the information of the water leakage fault problem of the electromagnetic valve 12 generated by the inductive faucet 1 to the background management module 6. In order to avoid the problem of possible misjudgment of the processing unit 3, a self-detection process is included. When the situation shown in Figure 4 occurs, the processing unit 3 is connected to the infrared sensor 11 of the inductive faucet 1 and the sensing distance of the infrared sensor 11 is shortened. When the sensing distance of the infrared sensor 11 has reached the shortest distance, the processing unit 3 determines that the electromagnetic valve 12 is indeed faulty, and uploads the fault information to the background management module 6 to notify the management personnel for maintenance.

6. As shown in FIG6 , when the infrared sensor 11 of the inductive faucet 1 detects that a user is using the faucet, but the processing unit 3 does not generate water flow and water flow time according to the water flow sensor 2, and the electromagnetic valve 12 is not opened, in this state, the processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 has a water failure, and the fault display unit 13 displays a fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device 4 uploads the fault message to the cloud server 5, and the cloud server 5 sends the position of the faulty inductive faucet 1 and the fault problem information of the inductive faucet 1 generating the electromagnetic valve 12 not discharging water to the background management module 6. In order to avoid the problem of possible misjudgment of the processing unit 3, a self-detection process is included. When the situation shown in Figure 5 occurs, the processing unit is connected to the electromagnetic valve 12 of the induction faucet 1 and generates a signal to open the electromagnetic valve 12. When the electromagnetic valve 12 is opened multiple times but no water outflow is detected, the processing unit 3 determines that the electromagnetic valve 12 is indeed faulty and uploads the fault information to the background management module 6 to notify the management personnel for maintenance.

7. As shown in FIG. 7 , when the infrared sensor 11 of the inductive faucet 1 detects that a user has finished washing hands, the processing unit 3 continuously generates water flow and water flow time according to the water flow sensor 2, and the electromagnetic valve 12 is opened. In this state, the processing unit 3 determines that the inductive faucet 1 has a water failure, and the fault display unit 13 displays a fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device 4 uploads the fault message to the cloud server 5, and the cloud server 5 sends the position of the faulty inductive faucet 1 and the fault problem information of the electromagnetic valve 12 generated by the inductive faucet 1 to the background management module 6. In order to avoid the problem of possible misjudgment of the processing unit 3, a self-detection process is included. When the situation shown in Figure 7 occurs, the processing unit 3 is connected to the electromagnetic valve 12 of the induction faucet 1 and generates a signal to close the electromagnetic valve 12. When the electromagnetic valve 12 is closed multiple times but the tap water continues to flow out, the processing unit 3 determines that the electromagnetic valve 12 is indeed faulty, and uploads the fault information to the background management module 6 to notify the management personnel for maintenance.

In summary, the water supply system provided by this invention has never been seen in any books or periodicals or used publicly, and it truly meets the requirements for invention patent application. We sincerely request the Bureau to review and approve the patent as soon as possible. We would be very grateful.

It should be noted that the above is a specific implementation example of the present invention and the technical principle used. If the changes made according to the concept of the present invention still do not exceed the spirit covered by the instructions and drawings, they should be stated within the scope of the present invention.

1: Induction faucet

11: Infrared sensor

12: Solenoid valve

13: Fault display unit

2: Water flow sensor

3: Processing unit

4: Wireless transmission device

5: Cloud Server

6:Backend management module

Claims (10)

A water supply system for detecting faucet fault status by water flow rate, comprising: an inductive faucet, a plurality of water flow sensors and a processing unit; the inductive faucet provides tap water for users to wash; the inductive faucet comprises an infrared sensor, an electromagnetic valve for water supply or water stop function, and a fault display unit; the water flow sensor is arranged at one end of the electromagnetic valve of the inductive faucet and the water outlet of the inductive faucet, and is used to detect the water flow rate and water flow time generated by the inductive faucet, and transmit the water flow rate and water flow time to the processing unit for processing. The processing unit analyzes the water outflow and the water outflow time, and the processing unit is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valve in the inductive faucet. When the water outflow is normal and the electromagnetic valve operates normally, the inductive faucet is judged to be operating normally; when the water outflow does not meet the set water outflow, or the water outflow time exceeds the preset time, the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet has a sensing condition, but the inductive faucet does not discharge water, then the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet is faulty, and the processing unit generates a signal to the fault display unit, and the fault display unit generates a fault to remind the management personnel. As described in claim 1, a water supply system for detecting faucet failure status by water flow rate, wherein the water flow sensor senses water flowing into the water flow sensor, causing an impeller in the water flow sensor to rotate, and data such as the number of revolutions of the impeller are sent to the processing unit for processing and calculation. As described in claim 1, the water supply system uses the water flow rate to detect the faucet fault state, wherein the processing unit is further connected to a wireless transmission device. When the processing unit detects that the inductive faucet has a fault, in addition to generating a signal to the fault display unit, a fault notification message is generated to the management personnel through the wireless transmission device. As described in claim 3, a water supply system for detecting faucet fault status by water flow rate, wherein the wireless transmission device uploads the fault notification message to a cloud server, and the cloud server is connected to a background management module, and the background management module is used to display the installation area of the sensor faucet that has a fault, the number of the sensor faucet, and the cause of the sensor faucet fault. As described in claim 4, the water supply system uses the water flow rate to detect the faucet fault state, wherein the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet does not detect that there is a user using it, but the processing unit detects the water flow rate and water flow time according to the water flow sensor, and the electromagnetic valve is opened. In this state, the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet has a water leakage fault, and the fault display unit displays the fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device uploads the fault message to the cloud server, and the cloud server sends the location of the faulty inductive faucet and the information of the electromagnetic valve water leakage fault problem generated by the inductive faucet to the background management module. As described in claim 5, the water supply system uses the water flow rate to detect the faucet fault state, wherein the problem of the processing unit judging the error further includes a self-detection process. When the electromagnetic valve has a water leakage fault, the processing unit is connected to the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet and shortens the sensing distance of the infrared sensor. When the sensing distance of the infrared sensor has reached the shortest distance, the processing unit determines that the electromagnetic valve is indeed faulty. As described in claim 4, the water supply system detects the fault status of the faucet by the water flow rate, wherein the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet detects that a user is using it, and the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet has a water failure according to the fact that the water flow sensor does not produce water flow and water flow time, and the electromagnetic valve is not opened, and the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet has a water failure, and the fault display unit displays a fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device uploads the fault message to the cloud server, and the cloud server sends the position of the inductive faucet where the fault occurs, and the information about the electromagnetic valve failure problem of the inductive faucet to the background management module. As described in claim 7, the water supply system uses the water flow rate to detect the faucet failure state, wherein the processing unit further includes a self-detection process. When the electromagnetic valve fails to discharge water, the processing unit is connected to the electromagnetic valve of the induction faucet and generates a signal to open the electromagnetic valve. When the electromagnetic valve opening signal is transmitted multiple times but no water outflow is detected, the processing unit determines that the electromagnetic valve is indeed faulty and uploads the fault information to the background management module. As described in claim 4, the water supply system uses water flow rate to detect the faucet fault state, wherein after the infrared sensor of the inductive faucet detects that a user has finished washing hands, the processing unit continues to generate water flow rate and water flow time according to the water flow sensor, and the electromagnetic valve is opened. In this state, the processing unit determines that the inductive faucet has a water failure, and the fault display unit displays a fault prompt, and the wireless transmission device uploads the fault message to the cloud server, and the cloud server sends the position of the inductive faucet where the fault occurs and the electromagnetic valve fault problem information of the inductive faucet to the background management module. As described in claim 9, the water supply system uses the water flow rate to detect the faucet failure state, wherein the processing unit further includes a self-detection process, the processing unit is connected to the solenoid valve of the inductive faucet, and generates a signal for closing the solenoid valve. When the solenoid valve closing signal is transmitted multiple times, but the tap water continues to flow out, the processing unit determines that the solenoid valve is indeed faulty, and uploads the fault information to the background management module.

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