INTERCHANGABLE FAUCET DESIGN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An interchangeable touchless faucet system for use with interchangeable spouts and related methods of replacing interchangeable faucets. The interchangeable faucet design generally includes coupling variations of a spout, which may be readily attached and detached to a sensor puck. Fluid is delivered through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed into a basin, sink, tub, etc. when a sensor integrated with the sensor puck is activated by a user, such as by waving one's hand near the sensor.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310664684.4, filed Jun. 6, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of kitchen fixtures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to flexible faucet interchangeability.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to electrically-operated faucets which are activated by detecting the presence of an object in front of the faucet proximate a position under the faucet spout, and more particularly, to improved interchangeable faucet spouts having all or the majority of components likely to need replacement or maintenance over the life of the device contained in easy access modules which may be quickly and easily accessed without necessitating the removal of the device from its installed location. Generally, the body, spout and/or neck of the faucet, the valve means for the regulation of the flow rate and mixing process of hot and cold water, encompass the ornamental features of the faucet. The body or spout may be shaped and worked or treated externally, and, together with the handle or handles of the regulation means (under manual activation), defines the decorative appearance and functionality of the faucet.

While faucet spout assemblies are widely used in households, industry, scientific laboratories, hospitals, etc., over the recent past, electronic faucets have become increasingly common in the restrooms of public and commercial buildings. Such electronic faucets are actuated by the user placing his or her hand or hands in proximity to a sensor which is located to detect when the user's hands are in a position proximate the spout of the faucet. The electronic faucet initiates the flow of water when the user's hand or hands are detected by the sensor and typically stops the flow of water several seconds after the user's hand or hands are no longer detected proximate the spout of the faucet, thereby allowing use of the faucet without requiring the user to make physical contact with the faucet. Such electronic faucets effectively prevent the spread of germs by eliminating the need for users to make physical contact with the faucet.

The early development of electronically operated faucets relied upon the use of bulky sensors which made it necessary to place the components outside of the faucet itself. Some improvements in optical components resulted in the adaptation of infrared sensors for the same use, with the infrared sensors being located in the faucet itself. Many electrically operated faucets have been implemented by placing at least some of the components outside the faucet, with only the infrared sensors (the infrared light source, typically an infrared light-emitting diode (“LED”), and the reflected infrared light detector, typically an infrared light-detecting photodiode) generally being located in the faucet assembly. Thus, providing flexibility of at least somewhat modular construction, but such implementations may be disadvantageous in that it is not of one-piece construction and that it is more complex and time-consuming to install than a one-piece faucet is. While those skilled in the art have recognized the benefits of modular construction in some ways, it has generally not been in the modularity of construction that would make electrically operated faucets easier to maintain, replace or interchange components, such as spouts.

To change the decorative appearance or components of a faucet, it is usually necessary to change the body and the handle which constitute essentially the entire faucet. Thus, if users wish to change the decorative appearance or functionality of their own faucets, they must acquire an entire alternative faucet assembly and thus, pay the purchase price thereof and remove/replace the majority of the faucet assembly.

Thus, it is apparent that a new type of faucet design is desirable to provide consumers with more readably interchangeable options in design, ornamentation, and functionality without involving the cost or labor of a new faucet.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure provide an interchangeable faucet design (i.e., system) for use with interchangeable spouts and related methods of replacing interchangeable faucets. The interchangeable faucet design generally includes coupling variations of a spout, which may be readily attached and detached (e.g., selectively coupled), to a sensor “puck.” The sensor puck can be configured to receive, at least a portion of the base of the faucet spout, such that a liquid seal is formed. Incorporated therethrough may be one or more passageways to carry fluid through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed (e.g., released, sprayed, output) to the environment, for example, into a basin, sink, tub, etc. when a sensor integrated with the sensor puck is activated.

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure provide an interchangeable faucet design (i.e., system) for use with interchangeable spouts. The interchangeable faucet design generally includes coupling variations of a spout, which may be readily attached and detached (e.g., selectively coupled), to a sensor “puck.” The sensor puck can be configured to include a protruding spout adapter configured to be inserted or otherwise coupled into at least a portion of a base of a faucet spout, such that a liquid seal is formed. Incorporated therethrough may be one or more passageways to carry fluid through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed (e.g., released, sprayed, output) to the environment, for example, into a basin, sink, tub, etc. when a sensor integrated with the sensor puck is activated.

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure provide a method for interchanging faucet spouts utilizing a single sensor puck, including coupling the sensor puck into a wall, sink assembly, or countertop, wherein the sensor puck is configured for receiving or accepting at least a portion of a base of an interchangeable faucet spout forming a liquid seal. Incorporating therethrough may be one or more passageways to carry fluid through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed (e.g., released, sprayed, output) to the environment, for example, into a basin, sink, tub, etc. upon activating a sensor integrated with the sensor puck. Detaching the interchangeable faucet from the sensor puck and attaching one of an alternative interchangeable faucet spout.

The summary above is not intended to describe each illustrated example or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Subject matter hereof may be more thoroughly understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various examples in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of example faucet assemblies, for example, in a public restroom.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a sensor puck coupled to a countertop.

FIG. 3 illustrates a wall mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a deck mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 5 illustrates a comparison between a variety of faucet assembly designs that may be coupled with a sensor puck.

FIG. 6 illustrated a perspective view of example faucets in a restroom.

FIG. 7 illustrated a block diagram of a controller for a faucet assembly.

FIG. 8 illustrates a single, lower height wall mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates a single, medium height wall mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates a single, higher height wall mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates a single, lower height deck mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 12 illustrates a single, medium height deck mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 13 illustrates a single, higher height deck mounted faucet assembly.

FIG. 14 illustrates multiple, lower height deck mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 15 illustrates multiple, medium height deck mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 16 illustrates multiple, higher height deck mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 17 illustrates multiple, lower height faucet assemblies, including deck and wall mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 18 illustrates multiple, medium height faucet assemblies, including deck and wall mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 19 illustrates multiple, higher height faucet assemblies, including deck and wall mounted faucet assemblies.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative sensor puck coupled with a spout.

FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of a method for interchanging faucet spouts utilizing a single sensor puck.

While various examples are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular examples described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain examples in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, an interchangeable faucet design (i.e., system) for use with interchangeable spouts is shown according to representative examples of the present disclosure. The interchangeable faucet design can include variations of a sensor “puck” configured to integrate with a plurality of interchangeable and versatile spouts (e.g., removably coupled, selectively coupled, etc.). One or more passageways may be incorporated into the sensor puck to carry fluid through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed (e.g., released, sprayed, output) to the environment, for example, into a basin, sink, tub, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example faucet configuration 100 that may include one or more faucet assemblies 102 as described in detail below. The faucet configuration 100 may include a sink module or basins 104. In some examples, one or more sink modules 104 may be integrated with countertop 106 (i.e., deck mounted); contained within or implemented into a continuous base (e.g., acting as a ground support); extended outwardly from a wall 106; or integrated with a standalone structure. Sink module 104 may be configured to receive a material (e.g., water, liquid, waste, food, soap, etc.) from faucet 110. The faucet assemblies 102 may be positioned proximate to, and on top of, or otherwise positioned near the sink module 102, such that the dispensed material, i.e., water, is received into the sink module 104. By way of example, faucet 110 may be actuated between an “on” position and an “off” position such that faucet assemblies 102 may selectively dispense water. Faucet 110 may be actuated between the “on” and “off” positions by interfacing with a touchless sensor that may be located within a sensor puck 112, or manually via one or more handles coupled to the faucet 110. The sensor puck 112 may be configured to selectively receive or operably couple to a variety of spout configurations, described in detail herein. Each faucet assembly 102 may be connected to a water supply (not shown), through a solenoid valve and interconnecting plumbing, although the interconnecting plumbing is not essential to the operation and interchangeability of the faucet assemblies 102. For example, the plumbing can include one or more connections to hot and cold water sources underneath the countertop. The sources can be fluidly coupled to one or more valves, such as solenoid valves, diverters, filters, mixing valves, or any of a variety of features situated underneath the deck and/or within the faucet assemblies themselves. One or more components can further be combined into a single valve cartridge or manifold that provides fluid to individual faucets or a plurality of faucets.

FIG. 2 depicts a representative example of an integrated sensor puck 112 that may be integrated as a portion 204, such as base portion mounted to the countertop 106, of the faucet assembly 102. Sensor puck 112 may alternatively be integrated into the sink assembly 104, countertop 106, or wall 108 by way of rotatably twisting/screwing, glued in, suctioned, retained or otherwise coupled. The plumbing/piping associated with the water supply may be coupled to the sensor puck 112, which enables the flow of fluid to be received and expelled through the spout adapter 220, through a spout 114 (e.g., through one of a plurality of spout designs as described herein) and into a sink module. In this example, the spout 114 is received within the spout adapter 220 by force fit, snap fit, corresponding threading on within the adapter 220 and on an outer surface of spout 114, or any of a variety of coupling mechanisms. The sensor puck 112 may be integrated into the countertop (i.e., deck mounted), as similarly depicted in FIG. 1 or alternatively may be integrated with a wall, such that the spout 114 protrudes from the wall (i.e., wall mounted). Spouts of varying shapes, sizes, and designs may be readably attached and detached from the sensor puck 112, such as rotatably secured, clipped into, or otherwise coupled, which creates a fluid seal.

Sensor puck 112 may include one or more integrated sensors 222. Sensor/sensors 222 may be configured to provide a signal (or signals) to a communication interface to operate or actuate various components of the faucet assembly 102, which is described in greater detail below.

Sensor puck 112 may be constructed of metals or metallic materials (e.g., aluminum or steal), although alternative materials (e.g., plastic, ceramic, carbon fiber, etc. . . . ) are contemplated. The sensor puck 112 may be of circular or oval shape. While depicted as circular, other shapes and sizes of the sensor puck 112 are contemplated, such that the combination of the sensor puck 112 and the corresponding, interchangeable spout may be aesthetically pleasing to a user (e.g., combining circular sensor pucks with circular shaped spouts, circular sensor pucks with rectangular spouts, or any other variation that leads to aesthetically pleasing results).

With additional reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, one or more sensors 222 may be positioned within a sensor puck 112. A sensor 222 may be configured to provide a signal (or signals) to a communication interface to operate or actuate various components of the faucet assembly, as described herein. By way of example, the sensor 222 may include a touchless sensor system having a sensor range (e.g., generally within the internal environment of the corresponding sink module). In some examples, the user may place or wave a portion of their body (e.g., a hand 340) near the sensor 222 within the sensor range to actuate various components of faucet assembly, such as activating and/or deactivating the flow of fluid. Sensor 222 can utilize touchless sensing techniques including, for example, infrared proximity, ambient light, ultrasonic proximity, capacitive proximity, laser, visual and the like, or combinations thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a top surface of sensor puck 112 may include a tapered shape 324 in which the sensor 222 is positioned. The sensor puck 112 may be tapered about the entire circumference of the sensor puck 112, or alternatively, the sensor puck 112 may have tapered section 324 only in a perimeter area proximate the sensor 222. The tapered section 324 of the sensor puck 112 and the positioning of the sensor 222 therein enables a field of view 226 for the sensor 222 to be activated easily in any orientation (e.g., whether wall mounted or deck mounted, positioned higher or lower relative to the sink assembly, etc.) and provides a more targeted field of view, i.e., towards the hands of a user. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a wall mounted faucet assembly 314 is depicted. While integrated into the wall 308 (i.e., in fluid communication and operable with the corresponding fluid lines, valves, etc.), the orientation of the sensor 222 exhibits a descending angle, with a field of view, at least, covering the internal structure of the sink module, which targets the incoming hands 340 of the user. In comparison to FIG. 4, a deck mounted faucet assembly 315 is depicted. While integrated into the countertop 306 (i.e., in fluid communication and operable with the corresponding fluid lines, valves, etc.), the orientation of the sensor 222 exhibits an ascending angle, with a field of view still maintaining coverage of, at least, the internal structure of the sink module 304, which targets the incoming hands 340 of the user.

FIG. 5 depicts various interchangeable examples of spouts (e.g., deck mounted spouts) that may be readably interchangeable that may utilize the same sensor puck(s). The sensor puck 112 may be configured to have a modular framework to receive a variety of spout shapes, sizes and designs. The variety of spouts each configured to be attached and detached to the same sensor puck 112 (i.e., for increased versatility), for example, via the spout aperture 420. The spout aperture 420 configured to readily receive at least a portion of the base of the facet spout 414, such that a liquid seal is achieved.

The framework of the faucet assembly, particularly the interaction between the sensor puck 112 and the variety of interchangeable spouts 410, provide flexibility for users to choose or interchange between, selecting from various faucet heights, spray reaches and CMFs (i.e., color, model, and finish) without requiring complete replacement or installation of other, generally more integrated, components of the faucet/sink/waterlines/etc. The versatility and interchangeability between spout designs, shapes and sizes with the same sensor puck 112 provides a user the flexibility to choose and alter between numerous spout heights, spray reaches and CMFs of the corresponding faucet assembly.

By way of example, interchangeable faucet spouts 414 may be readably configured to couple to the sensor puck 112. Such faucet spout designs 409-411 are illustrated as examples. Spout designs may include a gooseneck design 409 (e.g., design A), a flat/alternative gooseneck design 410 (e.g., design B) and a rectangular design 411 (e.g., design C), referred to as deck mounted faucets. Each design may be constructed in a variety of sizes each with a height H (e.g., H1, H2, H3) and either a radius R (e.g., R1, R2, R3) of curvature (i.e., for circular shaped spouts, such the gooseneck designs 409 and 410) or a width W (e.g., W1, W2, W3) for rectangular designs. H3 may be greater than H2, which may be greater than H1. R3/W3 may be greater than R2/W2, which may be greater than R1/W1. Each design shape and size may be interchangeable with the same, single sensor puck 112. While spout designs 409-411 may be depicted, alternative designs, shapes and sizes are contemplated, such as those configured to be wall mounted. It should be understood, while similar heights, radiuses and widths have been depicted between the spout designs, the corresponding dimensions between each design may not necessarily be equivalent.

When considering spout designs that are wall mounted, similar designs and shapes are contemplated, as illustrated herein. Each wall mounted design may be constructed in a variety of sizes each with a width W protruding from the wall, via the sensor puck 112. For example, as similarly depicted for the deck mounted designs, the width W (or radius R, compared to curved deck mounted designs) may determine the spray reach into the sink assembly. Differing from the deck mounted designs, the height H of the faucet assembly/spout 414 will be determined based on where the sensor puck 112 is coupled to the wall. The slight difference between the designs may, to some extent, limit the versatility of wall mounted designs because the height of the faucet assembly is limited to the height of the sensor puck 412. However, wall mounted spout design may consume less countertop consumption. Each design, shape, and size may be interchangeable with the same sensor puck 112. It is to be understood, alternative designs, shapes and sizes are contemplated, such as those configured to be wall mounted. It should be understood, while similar heights, radiuses and widths have been depicted between the spout designs, the corresponding dimensions between each design may not necessarily be equivalent.

FIG. 6, similarly illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrates a perspective view of an example faucet configuration. The components that assist in proper functionality of a faucet assembly 502, such as the power supply, miscellaneous valves (e.g., a mixer valve), solenoid assembl(ies), etc. may be positioned underneath the countertop 506. These components may be combined and otherwise enclosed within an enclosure 550. The enclosure 550 may be positioned directly under each faucet assembly 502 for easy access and for ease of maintenance to the components below the faucet assembly 502.

FIG. 7 illustrates the variety of components that may be included within or comprise the enclosure 550 or otherwise below the faucet assembly 502, which assist with proper functionality of the faucet assembly 502. A controller 540 (control module, remote control, control interface, etc.) may be integrated with the faucet assembly 502 of FIG. 7 as well as other faucet assemblies, as described herein. Controller 540 is communicatively coupled to the sensors, and may be configured to control and/or touchlessly actuate one or more faucet assemblies, sensors, fluid flow, etc. upon a signal generated by the sensor. Controller 540 may include a wireless communication device 542, a power supply 544 processing logic 546, and a memory 548. In general, controller 540 may communicate with one or more solenoid assembl (ies) of faucet assembly 502. Controller 540 may transmit, via control communication 542, instructions to solenoid assembl (ies) to open or close a material passageway and/or to activate or deactivate the faucet when a motion is detected by the sensors of the faucet assemblies 502. Solenoid assembl (ies) may receive sensor signals and relay the signals to actuate the material passageway into an “open” or a “closed” position, to activate or deactivate the faucet assembly 502, thus activating and deactivating the flow of material through the faucet assembly 502.

A power supply 544 may power the controller 540. Power supply 544 can include disposable batteries (e.g., alkaline, lithium, zinc-air, etc.) or rechargeable batteries (lithium ion, nickel-cadmium, etc.), or may plug into an outlet to receive either AC or DC current. In some examples, controller 540 may be wirelessly powered, e.g., via inductive charging. For example, controller 540 may be mounted to a wall, behind which a wireless charger (e.g., copper coil, magnetic loop antenna, etc.) is positioned. The wireless charger may then interface with power supply 544 to wirelessly charge controller 540.

Processing logic 546 may be configured to send signals to, and receive signals from, control communication 542. Processing logic 546 may be operably coupled to memory 548, where instructions for how to respond to sensor signals is stored. Memory 548 may be a non-transitory memory that includes programming instructions stored thereon. In some examples, the instructions are added to memory 548 during manufacturing, and are therefore inaccessible to the intended user of faucet assembly 502. For example, memory 548 may store instructions for how solenoid assembly 528 is to be controlled to open or close the hot and/or cold material passageways. In some examples, memory 548 stores instructions for the volume and temperature of material flow through the faucet assembly 502 when the sensors are triggered for activation. Memory 548 may be structured such that a user is unable to change how solenoid assembl (ies) respond to receiving the instruction from controller 540. In some examples, memory 548 may be structured such that a user is able to change how solenoid assembl (ies) 528 respond to receiving the instruction from controller 540.

FIGS. 8-19 illustrate a variety of representative of faucet assemblies/instillations. As depicted, one or more faucet assemblies/faucet spouts of varying designs, sizes, shapes may be integrated into a countertop 506 or wall 508 in a variety of different configurations and locations. The faucet assembly may comprise a variety of combinations of spouts 514 and 515 which may utilize the same sensor puck 112 (and integrating additional sensor pucks 112 when installations utilize additional spouts 514 and 515) based on the preferences and requirements of the user.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a single wall mounted faucet assembly with a sensor puck 112 and faucet spout 515 combination at varying spray heights, as similarly described with reference to FIG. 3, relative to the sink assembly 504 (e.g., FIG. 8 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a low height H1, FIG. 9 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a medium height H2, FIG. 10 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a higher height H3). Each spout 515 with a width W (W1, W2, W3) to position the spray reach into the sink assembly 504 at a distance based on the preference of the user.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a single deck mounted faucet assembly with a sensor puck 112 and faucet spout 515 combination at varying spray heights, as similarly described with reference to FIG. 4, relative to the sink assembly 504 (e.g., FIG. 11 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a low height H1, FIG. 12 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a medium height H2, FIG. 13 illustrates the faucet assembly positioned at a higher height H3). Each spout 514 with a radius R or a width W to position the spray reach into the sink assembly 504 at a distance based on the preference of the user.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate multiple deck mounted faucet assemblies with corresponding sensor pucks 112 and faucet spout 515 combinations at varying spray heights, as similarly described with reference to FIG. 4, relative to the sink assembly 504 (e.g., FIG. 14 illustrates the faucet assemblies 515 positioned at low heights (e.g., H1), FIG. 15 illustrates the faucet assemblies positioned at medium heights (e.g., H2), FIG. 16 illustrates the faucet assemblies positioned at higher heights (e.g., H3)). Each spout 515 with a radius R (i.e., for curved faucet spouts) or width W (i.e., for rectangular faucet spouts) is positioned such that the spray reaches into the sink assembly 504 at a distance based on the preference of the user. It is to be understood that while two deck mounted faucet assemblies are depicted, additional faucet assemblies can be included or multiple wall/deck mounted faucet assemblies can be incorporated at similar or alternative heights H and radiuses R/widths W.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate multiple deck mounted faucet assemblies with corresponding sensor pucks 112 and faucet spout 514 and 515 combinations at varying spray heights, as similarly described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, relative to the sink assembly 504 (e.g., FIG. 17 illustrates the faucet assemblies positioned at low heights (e.g., H1), FIG. 18 illustrates the faucet assemblies positioned at medium heights (e.g., H2), FIG. 19 illustrates the faucet assemblies positioned at higher heights (e.g., H3)). Each spout 514 and 515 with a radius R (i.e., for curved faucet spouts) or width W (i.e., for rectangular faucet spouts) to position the spray reach into the sink assembly 504 at a distance based on the preference of the user. It is to be understood that a deck mounted faucet assembly and a wall mounted faucet assembly is depicted, additional faucet assemblies can be included or multiple wall/deck mounted faucet assemblies can be incorporated at similar or alternative heights H and radiuses R/widths W.

Representative installations utilizing the present examples may include one or more sensor pucks configured for a single deck mount or a single wall mount, one or more deck mounts or one or more wall mounts. Each spout may utilize the same or alternative shapes and designs. For example, a gooseneck spout with a low height and radius (e.g., H1 and R1) may be utilized with a rectangular shaped spout with a greater height and width (e.g., H3 and W3), or any combination therebetween of spouts, sensor pucks, and mounting locations. The easily interchangeable configuration between a sensor puck and the variation of faucet spouts provide a wide variety of esthetic configurations, and moreover, provides adaptability for every space and preferences in which a faucet (or multiple faucets) wish to be installed.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of an example faucet assembly with an alternative example of a sensor puck 612. Sensor puck 612 may be integrated as a portion of the faucet assembly such that the plumbing/piping (e.g., hot water lines 641 and cold water lines 642) may be coupled to the sensor puck 612, which enables the flow of fluid, which may be received and expelled through the protruding spout adapter 620. The protruding spout adapter 620 may be configured to accept interchangeable faucet spouts (e.g., spout 614), as described herein. The spout 614 may be coupled to the protruding spout adapter 620, thus forming a liquid seal, in which flow of material may proceed through and into a sink module (not shown). The sensor puck 612, and thus the faucet assembly 602, may be integrated into a countertop (i.e., deck mounted), as similarly depicted in FIG. 1.

Sensor puck 612 may be integrated into the sink assembly, countertop 606 or wall 608 by way of rotatably twisting/screwing, glued in, suctioned, fastened, retained or otherwise coupled. The sensor puck 612 may be similarly configured, but may be integrated such that the spout, and this the sensor puck 612, protrudes from the wall (i.e., wall mounted). Spouts of varying designs, shapes and sizes may be readably attached and detached from the protruding spout adapter 620 and thus, the sensor puck 612. The sensor puck 612 may be constructed of metal or metallic material (e.g., aluminum or steal), although alternative materials (e.g., plastic) are contemplated (include materials as described earlier). The sensor puck 612 may be of circular or oval shape. While depicted as circular, other shapes and sizes of the sensor puck 612 are contemplated, such that the combination of the sensor pucks 612 and the corresponding, interchangeable spouts are aesthetically pleasing to a user (e.g., combining circular sensor pucks with circular shaped spouts, circular sensor pucks with rectangular spouts, or any other aesthetically pleasing variation).

One or more sensors 622 may be positioned within the sensor puck 612. The sensor 622 may be configured to provide a signal (or signals) to a communication interface, such as a controller, to operate or actuate various components of the faucet assembly 602, as described herein. By way of example, the sensor 622 may include a touchless sensor system having a sensor range (e.g., generally within the internal environment of the corresponding sink module). In some examples, the user may place or wave a portion of their body (e.g., a hand) near the sensor 622 within the sensor range to actuate various components of faucet assembly, such as activating and/or deactivating the flow of fluid through the faucet assembly 602. Sensor 622 can utilize touchless sensing techniques including, for example, infrared proximity, ambient light, ultrasonic proximity, capacitive proximity, laser, visual and the like.

The sensor 622 can be positioned along the edge or side of the sensor puck 612 (e.g., along the curvature) such that the targeted field of view extends outwardly towards the sink assembly and, ultimately, toward the user. The curved nature of the sensor puck 612 and the positioning of the sensor 622 therein enables a field of view for the sensor 222 to be activated easily in any orientation (e.g., whether wall mounted or deck mounted, positioned higher or lower relative to the sink assembly, etc.) and provides a more targeted field of view, i.e., towards the hands of a user. As illustrated, a deck mounted faucet assembly 602 is depicted. While integrated into the countertop 606 (i.e., in fluid communication and operable with the corresponding fluid lines, valves, etc.), the orientation of the sensor 622 exhibits a wide spanning angle, with a field of view covering, at least, the internal structure of the sink module, which targets the incoming hands of the user.

FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of a method for interchanging faucet spouts. At block 702, a sensor puck may be coupled into a wall, sink assembly, or countertop, wherein the sensor puck is configured for receiving at least a portion of a base of an interchangeable faucet spout forming a liquid seal via a spout adapter or spout aperture. At block 704, one or more passageways to carry fluid through the sensor puck and through one of the interchangeable spouts from a mixer valve coupled to hot and cold waterlines, where the fluid is dispensed (e.g., released, sprayed, output) to an environment, for example, into a basin, sink, tub, etc. At block 706, a sensor integrated with the sensor puck can be activated to dispense fluid through the sensor puck and the coupled interchangeable faucet and deactivated to stop dispensing fluid. At block 708, the interchangeable faucet can be readily detached from the sensor puck via a spout adapter or spout aperture. At block 710, one of an alternative interchangeable faucet spout can be attached to the sensor puck to form a liquid seal.

It should be understood that the individual operations used in the methods of the present teachings may be performed in any order and/or simultaneously, as long as the teaching remains operable. Furthermore, it should be understood that the apparatus and methods of the present teachings can include any number, or all, of the described examples, as long as the teaching remains operable.

Various examples of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These examples are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the examples that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional examples. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed examples, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of this disclosure.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual example described above. The examples described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the examples are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various examples can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual examples, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one example can be implemented in other examples even when not described in such examples unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112 (f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Claims

1. A touchless faucet assembly comprising: a base including one or more sensors, the base being configured to be mounted to a surface; anda spout removably coupled to the base, wherein the spout is configured to deliver a fluid therefrom, and to be interchanged with another spout.

2. The interchangeable faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a puck having the one or more sensors are embedded within.

3. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect a user input and generate a signal therefrom, the assembly further comprising: a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, the controller being configured to control a state of the faucet based on the signal generated by the one or more sensors.

4. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a valve assembly to shift the faucet assembly between an “on” state in which fluid is delivered from the spout, and an “off” state in which no fluid is delivered from the spout.

5. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly comprises a solenoid valve.

6. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors detect movement of a user by infrared proximity, ambient light, ultrasonic proximity, capacitive proximity, laser, visual, or combinations thereof.

7. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the base, wherein the protrusion is configured to removably couple to an interior portion of a first end of the spout, and wherein the protrusion includes structure defining a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to an interior conduit of the spout.

8. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a vertical wall, and wherein a first section of the spout coupled to the base extends substantially perpendicular to the wall.

9. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is configured to be mounted to a horizontal countertop, wherein a first section of the spout coupled to the base extends substantially perpendicular to the countertop, a second section of the spout extends substantially parallel to the countertop, and a third section coupled to the second section includes a free end of the second section defining a fluid outlet.

10. The touchless faucet assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second spout configured to be removably coupled to the base, the second spout having at least one of a different height, reach, CMF, or shape than the spout.

11. A sensor puck assembly for mounting a faucet spout thereto, the sensor puck assembly comprising: a base configured to be mounted to a surface, the base being configured to receive and removably couple the faucet spout thereto;one or more sensors coupled to the base configured to detect a user input; anda controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, the controller being configured to control a state of the faucet upon a signal generated by the one or more sensors.

12. The sensor puck assembly of claim 11, wherein a top surface of the base includes structure defining an aperture, the aperture being configured to receive and removably couple a first end of the faucet spout within, wherein a second outlet end of the faucet spout are fluidly coupled when the first end is coupled to the base.

13. The sensor puck assembly of claim 12, wherein the top surface of the base is tapered.

14. The sensor puck assembly of claim 11, wherein the base includes a protrusion extending outwardly from a top surface of the base, wherein the protrusion is configured to removably couple to an interior portion of a first end of the faucet spout, and wherein the protrusion includes structure defining a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to an interior conduit of the spout.

15. The sensor puck assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a valve assembly to shift the faucet assembly between an “on” state in which fluid is delivered from the spout, and an “off” state in which no fluid is delivered from the spout.

16. The sensor puck assembly of claim 11, wherein the controller is positioned remotely from the base.

17. The sensor puck assembly of claim 11, wherein the one or more sensors detect movement of a user by infrared proximity, ambient light, ultrasonic proximity, capacitive proximity, laser, visual, or combinations thereof.

18. An interchangeable touchless faucet system, the system comprising: a base including one or more sensors, the base being configured to be mounted to a surface; anda plurality of spouts, each spout being removably coupleable to the base, wherein each spout is configured to deliver a fluid therefrom, wherein at least one spout of the plurality of spouts is at least one of a different height, reach, CMF, or shape than other spouts of the plurality of spouts.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein a top surface of the base includes structure defining an aperture, the aperture being configured to receive and removably couple a first end of the faucet spout within, wherein a second outlet end of the faucet spout are fluidly coupled when the first end is coupled to the base.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the base includes a protrusion extending outwardly from a top surface of the base, wherein the protrusion is configured to removably couple to an interior portion of a first end of the faucet spout, and wherein the protrusion includes structure defining a fluid conduit fluidly coupled to an interior conduit of the spout.