Programmable Sink Valve System

Abstract

A programmable sink valve system for controlling water flow into a sink is provided. The programmable sink valve system includes a housing including a main inlet and a main outlet, wherein the main inlet is connected to a water source; a valve assembly including a valve, wherein the valve assembly includes a valve inlet connected to the main inlet and a valve outlet connected to the main outlet; a flow sensor positioned on one of the valve assembly and the main outlet to monitor flow data; a controller connected to the valve of the valve assembly and the flow sensor; a timer configured to provide time data to the controller; and a memory. The controller receives the flow data from the flow sensor, receives the time data from the timer, and actuates the valve of the valve assembly in response to the flow data or the time data.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present subject matter relates generally to a sink valve which can be programmed to control water flow parameters based on various criteria and settings. More specifically, it relates to a sink valve that attaches to the discharge spigot of a faucet, or is integrated into the faucet assembly, that controls the flow of water with a timer, thermometer, and/or flow regulator, to stop and start the flow of water at user-defined intervals and settings.

One of the more challenging rites-of-passage for parents is teaching their children the proper techniques for brushing their teeth and washing their hands. Dentists recommend brushing each area of the mouth a specific amount of time to ensure complete cleaning, and children (as well as many adults) often rush through the task, causing them to neglect areas of the mouth or to do an incomplete job. Additionally, health professionals recommend washing hands for a specific amount of time to ensure complete cleaning after various unsanitary activities, such as using the toilet, or blowing your nose.

Another challenge for parents is ensuring that their children do not brush or wash their hands with extremely hot water. Because these often become unsupervised tasks for children as they grow, it is easy for an accident to occur when the child turns the wrong valve.

Additionally, children are often unaware of the amount of water necessary to brush or wash hands, which leads them to completely open the water valve and letting it run the entire time they brush their teeth. Sometimes a child will turn a faucet on with too high of a flow thereby creating a mess on the basin, and often a wet child. This can also become a safety issue if the water splashes on the floor in front of the sink.

Another important concern for consumers is the conservation of water and other natural resources. During tasks such as hand washing, brushing teeth, and cleaning, it is common to allow the water to run for the entire duration of the task, because operating the valves would mean touching them with soapy or dirty hands. This practice is wasteful, as water simply continues to flow without purpose. In many communities, the price of water is very high for consumers, so allowing gallons of water per day to flow down the drain means higher utility bills. For users who live in rural or remote locations that depend on well water and septic tank systems, overuse of water places unnecessary wear and tear on their well pumps, septic pumps, and filtration systems, leading to costly repairs, and can lead to low water conditions, along with lower water quality, in shallow or low yielding wells.

Accordingly, a need exists for a programmable sink valve that automatically controls the duration, timing, flow rate, and temperature of the water coming out of the sink.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet the needs described above and others, the present disclosure provides a programmable sink valve system that automatically controls the water flow into the sink, including the duration of time that water is flowing from the spigot, the timing of the water flow, the flow rate of the water flow, and the temperature of water. During use, a user can adjust the settings of the programmable sink valve system in order to control these aspects using control buttons and parameters stored within a control panel of the system.

The programmable sink valve assembly includes a housing with a main inlet that connects to the spigot of the sink and a main outlet through which water flow exits the assembly. Within the housing, piping connects the main inlet to the main outlet and includes a valve assembly therein to modify water flow out of the main outlet. Sensors such as a thermometric sensor and/or a flow sensor are positioned on the valve assembly and/or piping for measuring a temperature and a flow rate of the water, respectively.

The programmable sink valve assembly also includes a controller on a control panel integrated into the housing. The controller is connected to the valve assembly, the sensors, and a display on an exterior of the housing. Control buttons are provided adjacent to the display, through which the user adjusts the settings of the programmable sink valve system. The control panel/controller may be battery or solar powered. The valve assembly may be operated by a servo, motor, push-rod, or other electro-mechanical means. The controller operates the valve assembly based on data provided from the sensors and selections provided by user input through the control buttons.

The controller allows the user to program operation of the valve including, but not limited to, the flow rate, on-off intervals of the water flow based on timed intervals, a maximum water flow, and a maximum water temperature, and automatic shut-off the flow of water if the temperature of the output flow exceeds a maximum temperature or a minimum temperature.

For example, the flowrate of water exiting the programmable sink valve system is controlled by adjusting the valve of the valve assembly. The faucet of the sink is turned on so that water flows into the programmable sink valve system, and the flowrate of water exiting the programmable sink valve system is controlled by the valve assembly. The valve assembly may include a ball valve, a globe valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a compression plate on a soft plastic, rubber or silicone hose, a progressive orifice sizing plate, or any other suitable valve or flow constriction device.

When one or more of the user-defined parameters is met or exceeded, the control module engages the electro-mechanical valve assembly, instantly turning the flow of water on or off, or adjusting the valve to meet the defined parameter for water flow. As an example, the user can set the Programmable Sink Valve The control panel can also be set to sound a beep at specific intervals, instructing the user to switch to brushing a different area of the mouth.

The programmable sink valve system includes a display and control buttons on an exterior of the housing through which the user can adjust the parameters for use. The control panel may store specific parameters for individual tasks, such as handwashing, teeth brushing (kids), teeth brushing (adults), and cleaning. For example, when the user is ready to wash hands, the user can select the handwashing mode via the display screen and control buttons. The control panel within the programmable sink valve system then actuates the valve to allow water flow at a specified flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute for a specified duration of 30 seconds. When the user selects teeth brushing (kids), the control panel actuates the valve to allow water flow at 0.25 gallons per minute for 30 seconds to wet the toothbrush, to shut off water flow for three minutes while the user brushes their teeth, and then to restore the flow of water at normal domestic flow such as 0.6 gallons per minute rate for 90 seconds to rinse the user's teeth and the toothbrush.

The programmable sink valve system may also be programmed to adjust to custom parameters for each member of the family through user profiles. For example, a first adult in the household may prefer 10 seconds of water flow to wet the brush and 60 seconds of water flow to rinse, while another adult may include an additional interval and a second rinse for flossing.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the user could program the parameters using the integrated control panel, a USB or Bluetooth connection to a mobile device or tablet, or any other similar connection that provides access to the settings of the control module.

In some embodiments, the programmable sink valve assembly includes first and second main inlets for hot and cold water inputs, respectively. The programmable sink valve assembly may include a mixing valve upstream of the valve assembly in order to sufficiently mix the different temperature water prior to exiting the programmable sink valve assembly. The user may, for example, provide settings to discharge water at a high temperature for wetting his toothbrush and at a lower temperature for rinsing.

In one embodiment, the programmable sink valve assembly attaches to the discharge spigot of any suitable faucet through a threaded adapter that mates with the existing threaded element in the spigot, a rubber boot that fits over and seals to the spigot, or by any other suitable means that provides a waterproof seal with the spigot. In other embodiments, the programmable sink valve assembly is a component of a sink system and includes a spigot extending outwardly therefrom.

In one embodiment of the present application, a programmable sink valve system for controlling water flow into a sink is provided. The programmable sink valve system includes a housing including a main inlet and a main outlet, wherein the main inlet is connected to a water source; a valve assembly including a valve, wherein the valve assembly includes a valve inlet connected to the main inlet and a valve outlet connected to the main outlet; a flow sensor positioned on one of the valve assembly and the main outlet to monitor flow data; a controller connected to the valve of the valve assembly and the flow sensor; a timer configured to provide time data to the controller; and a memory. The controller receives the flow data from the flow sensor, receives the time data from the timer, and actuates the valve of the valve assembly in response to the flow data or the time data.

An object of the invention is to provide a solution for easily controlling operation of a spigot or faucet during use.

Another object of the invention is to minimize water waste by limiting water flow during sink use.

An advantage of the invention is that it adjusts water flow use to preferences of specific uses as well as specific users.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary programmable sink valve assembly attached to a sink.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the programmable sink valve system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the programmable sink valve system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further exemplary programmable sink valve system within a sink.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the programmable sink valve system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the programmable sink valve system of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the programmable sink valve system of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an example of a programmable sink valve system 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the programmable sink valve system 100 is configured to attach onto a spigot or faucet 52 above a sink basin 54 of a sink 50. The programmable sink valve system 100 automatically controls the water flow into the sink basin 54, including the duration of time that water is flowing, the timing of the water flow, the flow rate of the water flow, and the temperature of water. During use, a user can adjust the settings of the programmable sink valve system 100 in order to control these aspects using control buttons and parameters stored within a control panel of the system.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the programmable sink valve system 100 includes a housing 102 with a main inlet 104 that connects to the spigot 52 of the sink 50 and a main outlet 106 through which water flow exits the assembly 100 into the sink basin 54. The housing 102 is made of plastic, aluminum, or any other suitable material, and is of suitable dimensions to accommodate the internal elements of the programmable sink valve system. The housing 102 is shown as rectangular or cuboidal, although any shape or size may be used as preferred. In the present embodiment, the threaded inlet 104 and the outlet 106 are centered on the top and bottom of the housing 102, but it is contemplated that the threaded inlet 104 and the outlet 106 can be located in any suitable location on the housing 102.

Within the housing 102, piping 108 connects the main inlet 104 to the main outlet 106 and includes a valve assembly 110 therein to modify water flow out of the main outlet 106. Sensors such as a thermometric sensor 112 and/or a flow sensor 114 are positioned on the valve assembly 110 and/or piping 108 for measuring a temperature and a flow rate of the water, respectively. The thermometric sensor 112 can be placed on the piping 108a between the main inlet 104 and the valve assembly 110 or can be integrated with the valve assembly 110 in other contemplated embodiments. The flow sensor 114 is located on the outlet piping 108b, although it could be integrated with the valve assembly 110 in other possible embodiments.

During use, the faucet 52 of the sink 50 is opened so that water flows into the programmable sink valve system 100, and the flowrate of water exiting the programmable sink valve system 100 is controlled by the valve assembly 110. The valve assembly 110 may include a ball valve, a globe valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, a compression plate on a soft plastic, rubber or silicone hose, a progressive orifice sizing plate, or any other suitable valve or flow constriction device. The valve assembly 110 may be operated by a servo, motor, push-rod, or other electro-mechanical means.

The programmable sink valve assembly 100 also includes a controller 116 on a control panel 118 integrated into the housing 102 as shown in FIG. 3. The controller 116 is connected to the valve assembly 110, the sensors 112, 114, and a display 120 and one or more control buttons 124 located on an exterior of the housing 102 wirelessly or through wired connections such as via wire 126. The controller 116 may be connected to a database or other date storage 128 on the control panel 118 that stores parameter settings and default modes. The control panel 118 may include a timer 130 for monitoring the duration of water flow. The control panel 118 also includes a memory 132 that is in communication with the controller 116 and that stores program instructions for carrying out the functions described herein. The memory 132 can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). The control panel 118/controller 116 may be battery or solar powered. A USB connection port 134 on the exterior of the housing 110 connects directly to the control panel 118, allowing the user to program the system 100 from a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.

The controller 116 allows the user to program operation of the valve 110 including, but not limited to, the flow rate, on-off intervals of the water flow based on timed intervals, a maximum water flow, and a maximum water temperature, and automatic shut-off the flow of water if the temperature of the output flow exceeds a maximum temperature or a minimum temperature. The user adjusts the settings of the programmable sink valve system 100 through the control buttons 124, through a touch screen display 120, and/or wirelessly through a mobile device or other control. Additionally, the controller 116 may receive temperature data from the thermometric sensor 112 indicating that the temperature of the water exceeds a maximum temperature per the selected setting or sequence. In response, the controller 116 may actuate the valve of the valve assembly 110 to move the valve from an open position to a closed position.

The data storage 128 on the control panel 118 may store specific parameters for individual tasks, such as handwashing, teeth brushing (kids), teeth brushing (adults), and cleaning. For example, when the user is ready to wash hands, the user can select the handwashing mode via the display screen 120 and control buttons 124. The controller 116 within the programmable sink valve system 100 then actuates the valve 110 to allow water flow at a specified flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute for a specified duration of 30 seconds. When the user selects teeth brushing (kids), the controller 116 actuates the valve 110 to allow water flow at 0.25 gallons per minute for 30 seconds to wet the toothbrush, to shut off water flow for three minutes while the user brushes their teeth, and then to restore the flow of water at normal domestic flow such as 0.6 gallons per minute rate for 90 seconds to rinse the user's teeth and the toothbrush.

The controller 116 operates the valve assembly 110 based on data provided from the sensors 112, 114 and selections provided by user input through the control buttons 124. More specifically, the controller 116 actuates the valve of the valve assembly 110 based on flow rate data received from the flow rate sensor 114. For example, when the handwashing mode is selected, the controller 116 actuates the valve assembly 110 to move the valve from a closed position to an open position to provide a flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minute. Once the controller 116 receives flow rate data from the flow sensor 114 indicating that the desired flow rate has been obtained, the controller 116 stops actuating the valve 110 and starts the timer 132. After the timer 132 indicates that the flow rate of 0.5 gallons per minutes has been maintained for 30 seconds, the controller 116 actuates the valve assembly 110 to move the valve from the open position to the closed position.

When one or more of the user-defined parameters is met or exceeded, the control panel 118 engages the electro-mechanical valve assembly 110, instantly turning the flow of water on or off, or adjusting the valve to meet the defined parameter for water flow. The control panel 118 can also be set sound an audible alarm at specific intervals, for example, instructing the user to move the toothbrush and switch to brushing a different area of the mouth.

The programmable sink valve system 100 may also be programmed to adjust to custom parameters for each member of the family through user profiles. For example, a first adult in the household may prefer 10 seconds of water flow to wet the brush and 60 seconds of water flow to rinse, while another adult may include an additional interval and a second rinse for flossing.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the user could program the parameters using the integrated control panel 118, a universal serial bus (USB) connection 134, or a Bluetooth connection to a mobile device or tablet, or any other similar connection that provides access to the settings of the control module.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate a further embodiment of the programmable sink valve system 200 that is integrated with into a faucet assembly 62 above a sink basin 64 in a commonly-installed sink configuration 60. The housing 202 is secured on a top surface 65 of the sink 60, although the housing 202 may be positioned at any point on the sink 60 upstream of the spigot or faucet 62. The internal components of the programmable sink valve system 200 in the further embodiment are identical to the components shown for the first embodiment of the programmable sink valve system 100 described in reference to FIGS. 1-3 with the following exceptions.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 202 includes first and second main inlets 206a, 206b for hot and cold water inputs, respectively. The first and second inlets 206a, 206b are connected to a mixing valve 207 that adjusts the hot and cold input flows to reach a desired water temperature of a combined flow. Piping 208 is secured to an outlet of the mixing valve 207 to direct water to the valve assembly 210, which is connected to the spigot 62.

In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 212 is provided on the mixing valve 207 to monitor the temperature of the combined flow. The user may, for example, provide settings to discharge water at a high temperature for wetting his toothbrush and at a lower temperature for rinsing. The controller 216 actuates the valve of the valve assembly 210 for each step of the sequence once the desired temperatures are obtained within the mixing valve.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Claims

1. A programmable sink valve system for controlling water flow into a sink, the programmable sink valve system comprising: a housing including a main inlet and a main outlet, wherein the main inlet is connected to a water source;a valve assembly including a valve, wherein the valve assembly includes a valve inlet connected to the main inlet and a valve outlet connected to the main outlet;a flow sensor positioned on one of the valve assembly and the main outlet to monitor flow data;a controller connected to the valve of the valve assembly and the flow sensor;a timer configured to provide time data to the controller; anda memory configured to store program instructions which, when executed by the controller, causes the controller to: receive the flow data from the flow sensor;receive the time data from the timer; andactuate the valve of the valve assembly in response to the flow data or the time data.

2. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising a data storage in communication with the controller, wherein the data storage stores program settings, and wherein the controller is configured to actuate the valve of the valve assembly based on the program settings.

3. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, wherein the step of actuating the valve comprises moving the valve between a closed position and an open position.

4. The programmable sink valve system of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to open the valve to obtain a desired flow rate, and wherein the controller is configured to stop opening the valve one the desired flow rate is obtained.

5. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising a thermometric sensor positioned on one of the valve assembly and the main outlet to monitor temperature data.

6. The programmable sink valve system of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to receive the temperature data from the thermometric sensor and to close the valve when the temperature data indicates that the water has reached a maximum temperature.

7. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising a display on an exterior of the housing.

8. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising one or more control buttons on the exterior of the housing.

9. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising piping positioned between the main inlet and the valve inlet.

10. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, further comprising piping positioned between the main outlet and the valve outlet.

11. The programmable sink valve system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes first and second main inlets, wherein the first main inlet is connected to a cold water source and the second main inlet is connected to a hot water source.

12. A programmable sink valve system for controlling water flow into a sink, the programmable sink valve system comprising: a housing including a main inlet and a main outlet, wherein the main inlet is connected to a water source;a valve assembly including a valve, wherein the valve assembly includes a valve inlet connected to the main inlet and a valve outlet connected to the main outlet;a flow sensor positioned on one of the valve assembly and the main outlet to monitor flow data;a timer to monitor time data;a data storage for storing parameters associated with one or more modes of operation; anda controller connected to the valve of the valve assembly, the flow sensor, the timer, and the data storage;a memory configured to store program instructions which, when executed by the controller, causes the controller to: receive the flow data from the flow sensor;receive user input to select a mode of operation from the one or more modes of operation; andactuate the valve of the valve assembly in response to the flow data and the parameters associated the selected mode of operation.

13. The programmable sink valve system of claim 12, wherein the one or more modes of operation include one or more of handwashing, teeth brushing (adult), teeth brushing (child), or cleaning.

14. The programmable sink valve system of claim 12, further comprising a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the water.

15. The programmable sink valve system of claim 14, wherein the parameters including one or more of a duration of time, a flow rate, and a water temperature.