Figure 1: Valve Assembly Depiction & Dimensions​
Figure 2: Thermostat Depiction & Dimensions​
Currently, there are limited products in the consumer market, with thermostatic mixing valves being the only viable option for most consumers. A short list of competing products (mainly commercial) are shown below for comparison on their features. A survey was distributed to assess the value and usability of the Smart Water Faucet. The survey asks the respondents to quantify value in water temperature preference, best application, smart faucet benefits, and personal value in the product. The survey provided great insight into what features should be included, where effort should be directed, and potential improvements to be made in the product. The survey and it's results can be found in the survey tab.
Comparable Products
Features | Smart Water Faucet | BathSelect Trio | Fontana | Thermostatic Mixing Valve |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Automatic Temperature Control | Yes | No, requires additional parts. | Limited | Yes |
LCD Display | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Temperature Feedback | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Self-Powered | Yes (Valve Enclosure Only) | No | No | No |
Touchless Operation | TBD | Yes | Yes, Optional. | No |
Requires Professional Installation | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Overtemp Protection | Yes, with warning. | Yes, with warning. | Yes, mechanical. | Yes, mechanical. |
Leak Detection | Yes | No | No | No |
Water Consumption Data | Yes | No | No | No |
Power Requirements | 12VDC / 110VAC | 6VDC / 220VAC | 6VDC / 110-220VAC | None |
Primary Application | Universal | Commercial | Commercial | Universal |
Experience comfort and convenience..
..with the faucet that provides automatic temperature regulation and monitors every drop.
A sink faucet is a common plumbing fixture which offers straightforward operation by allowing the user to manipulate the final water temperature with the adjustment of one or two valves. These valves vary in complexity and operation, but they all function by selectively reducing the available water pressure in each line. While this is a simplistic and straightforward design, the control mechanism is limited and cannot continuously counteract fluctuations in water temperature, something that varies based on several factors such as unpurged cold water, thermal losses from water lines, and availability of preheated water. These factors cause a constant need for user intervention, often multiple times during the first few minutes of use.​​​
Valve Enclosure
Thermostat
Our project addresses this issue by offering a valve assembly that can dynamically mix water to the users preferred temperature regardless of varying external factors. This product will not encroach on home decor and styling choices, because it does not directly replace the assembly, but rather connects to the water lines below the sink. The product will feature two distinct units, an enclosed valve regulator (Figure 1), and a wireless thermostat (Figure 2). ​​​​​​The valve regulator will be self powered via an internal turbine generator, which offers minimal maintenance and no need to directly interface with high voltage AC. The thermostat plugs into the nearest outlet , which removes the need to have unsightly wires or clutter on the countertop, while also giving the user full control over the final water temperature.
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