FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multifunctional touch free self-powered automatic water level detecting faucet. The present disclosure further relates to a device for automatic water level detection.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] As per some studies, it is found that a normal bucket (20 Liters) has 0.4 to 0.5 liters of over flown water per day. The conventional automatic faucets allow water flow based on users hand movement; but no water level detecting valve available for users. These automatic faucets detect an object in presence within the sensor detection area, and any object that comes in that area enables these conventional automatic faucets to start water flow. But in case of a tap, it is not possible to define such area or zone.

[0004] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved multifunctional touch free self-powered automatic water level detecting faucet.

[0005] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0006] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0007] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0008] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0009] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[00010] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as listed herein below. [00011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a multifunctional touch free self-powered automatic water level detecting faucet.

[00012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a device for automatic water level detection.

SUMMARY

[00013] The present disclosure relates to a device (200) to automatically control the amount of water dispensed through a faucet (19) on which said device (200) is configured, said device comprising: an Infrared motion sensor (2) that detects movement of users’ hand as a trigger action to define a threshold water level up to which water from said faucet (19) is to fill in a receptacle that is positioned below the faucet; a Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) that, within a predefined time period from said trigger action, senses said users’ hand to define the threshold water level up to which water from said faucet (19) is to fill in the receptacle; and a water flow control valve that controls flow of water from said faucet into said receptacle till the defined threshold water level is achieved.

[00014] In an aspect, the device (200) can be configured under said faucet through a jointer (20). In another aspect, the device can include a micro-generator (5) that is attached with the faucet (19) through said jointer (20).

[00015] In another aspect, upon opening of faucet handle, the water starts flowing into micro-generator assembly (3) to enable conversion of dynamic energy into electrical energy and storage of the converted energy in an in-built battery, wherein the Micro generator assembly (3) includes a hydro generator and a battery charging module that is configured such that the in-built battery stores the energy when water flows out from the faucet, and wherein the Micro generator assembly (3) and water flow control valve assembly (4) can be configured such that after generating power at the micro-generator (5), water enters into the water flow control valve assembly (4), said water flow control valve assembly (4) having the water flow control valve. In another aspect, the in-built battery can transfer power to the water flow control valve assembly (4), and to a motion and distance sensor assembly (8), said motion and distance sensor assembly (8) having the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1). In another aspect, the Micro generator assembly (3) can include one or more power output points (11) that transfer power through power connections (16, 17) to the water flow control valve assembly (4) and to the motion and distance sensor assembly (8).

[00016] In another aspect, the user puts ON faucet valve by turning handle (22) of the faucet (19), based on which the faucet starts flow of water such that when the user intends to initiate the trigger action so as to define the threshold water level, the user brings his/her hand close to the Infrared motion sensor (2), through which, the faucet (19) stops the flow of water from flow outlet (10).

[00017] In another aspect, while defining the threshold water level using the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1), users’ hand is to be position in the line of water flow below the faucet (19).

[00018] In another aspect, once the threshold water level is detected by the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor, said sensor produces a notification to enable the water flow control valve to open and water to start flowing in a manner such that once the threshold water level is reached, the water flow control valve automatically closes to stop the flow of water.

[00019] In another aspect, the Infrared motion sensor (2) can include an IR receiver and an IR transmitter pair that is configured to sense presence of users’ hand near to it, based on which the IR transmitter transmits infrared light such that when the users’ hand obstruct the light, it reflect a portion of the infrared light back to the receiver in a manner that once the Infrared motion sensor (2) detects the hand, the water flow control valve stops the flow of water and the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) gets activated to measure the threshold distance.

[00020] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

[00021] Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[00023] FIGs. 1A-1I illustrates exemplary representations and structural representations of the proposed device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00024] FIGs. 2A-2K illustrates exemplary working of the proposed device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[00025] FIGs. 3A to 3C illustrate configuration of the proposed device on a tab positioned in a basin so as to control flow of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[00027] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.

[00028] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[00029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [00030] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[00031] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element. [00032] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

[00033] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[00034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[00035] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[00036] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing. [00037] To overcome the problems mentioned in the background section, the present invention proposes a multifunctional touch free self-powered automatic water level faucet that is controlled by electronic sensors, and can control faucet water flow up to threshold level, without touching faucet.

[00038] In an aspect, the proposed device can include one or more electronic sensors (laser and/or infrared sensors), a micro-generator, and a water flow control valve assembly. In an exemplary implementation, once the water level threshold that is defined by the user and stored/configured by the processor of the proposed device is achieved, the processor activates the flow control valve assembly for water flow to the faucet spout such that the water flow continues till the threshold level is reached. Water flow control valve gets closed once the threshold level is reached, and this device can also be used as a normal automatic touch-less faucet that dispenses water when any object coming near to sensor.

[00039] With reference to exemplary FIGs. 1A-1I that shows the proposed device that is configured with the water faucet, it can be seen that the proposed device 200 can be attached with a water faucet (19) with the help of a jointer (20).

[00040] In an aspect, inlet flow (9) of the inlet screw thread of micro-generator (5) of the proposed device 200 can be attached with water faucet (19) through (say, half inch diameter) jointer (20). After jointing, to use the proposed device 200, a user needs to put ON the faucet valve by turning faucet handle/nob (22), post which the faucet will start water flow such that if the wishes to define a threshold water level, it can, in an exemplary implementation, wave his/her hand near the Infrared motion sensor (2) (refer to FIG. ID), through which, the faucet stops the flow of water from the flow outlet (10) (refer to FIG. IB).

[00041] In an exemplary implementation, the user can get specific predefined time (e.g. 5 seconds) to define the desired water threshold level up to which the user wishes to get the water in storage/pot/tub by putting his hand exactly in the line of water flow. Once the threshold water level is detected by the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1 of FIG. 1C), it will produce a beep sound (exemplary implementation), and water flow control valve will open, and water will start flowing. Once the threshold level is reached, the water flow control valve will close and water will stop flowing.

[00042] In an exemplary implementation, after opening the faucet handle/nob (22), the water can start flowing into the micro-generator assembly (3), which converts dynamic energy into electrical energy and stores the energy in an in-built battery. The Micro generator assembly (3) can include a hydro generator and a battery charging module, wherein the in-built battery (such as a rechargeable Li-ion battery) stores the energy when water flows out from the tap. Micro generator assembly (3) and water flow control valve assembly (4) can, in an exemplary implementation, be attached with each other with the help of Outlet screw thread (6) and Inlet screw thread (7). After generating power at Micro generator (12V 10W DC), water can enter into the water flow control valve assembly (4).

[00043] In an exemplary aspect, the in-built battery can transfer power to the water flow control valve assembly (4) (powered by power input (13)), and to the motion and distance sensor assembly (8) (which is powered by the power input (12)). In an aspect, the Micro generator assembly (3) can include one or more power output points (11) that can transfer power through power connections (16,17) to the water flow control valve assembly (4) and to the motion and distance sensor assembly (8).

[00044] In another aspect, the IR receiver & transmitter pair of the proposed device can be configured to sense the presence of object/hand near to it, based on which the IR transmitter can transmit infrared light such that when an object obstruct the light, it reflect a portion of the infrared light back to the receiver. Once the Infrared motion sensor (2) detects the object/hand, water flow control valve (4) can stop the flow of water and Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) can get activated to measure the threshold distance. After detecting the object at a specific distance, speaker configured inside the motion and distance sensor assembly (8) can generate a sound. Microprocessor inside the motion and distance sensor assembly (8) can accordingly send a signal to the water flow control valve assembly (4) through a sensor connection (wire) (18) (refer to FIG. ID) between sensor output (14) and sensor input (15), and water flow control valve can again open and allow the flow of water from water outlet (21) till threshold level is reached. Once threshold level is reached, the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) can send a signal to the water flow control valve assembly (4) for closing water flow control valve. This process repeats till a new threshold is defined or till the handle/nob (22) of water faucet (19) is manually closed. [00045] In an aspect, the proposed device 200 can have two main modes of operation, first one being threshold based water flow ON/OFF mode, and the second mode being object/motion based water flow ON/OFF mode, wherein, in the second mode, the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) works as motion/object sensor.

[00046] The present disclosure relates to a device (200) to automatically control the amount of water dispensed through a faucet (19) on which said device (200) is configured, said device comprising: an Infrared motion sensor (2) that detects movement of users’ hand as a trigger action to define a threshold water level up to which water from said faucet (19) is to fill in a receptacle that is positioned below the faucet; a Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) that, within a predefined time period from said trigger action, senses said users’ hand to define the threshold water level up to which water from said faucet (19) is to fill in the receptacle; anda water flow control valve that controls flow of water from said faucet into said receptacle till the defined threshold water level is achieved.

[00047] In an aspect, the device (200) can be configured under said faucet through a jointer (20). In another aspect, the device can include a micro-generator (5) that is attached with the faucet (19) through said jointer (20).

[00048] In another aspect, upon opening of faucet handle, the water starts flowing into micro-generator assembly (3) to enable conversion of dynamic energy into electrical energy and storage of the converted energy in an in-built battery, wherein the Micro generator assembly (3) includes a hydro generator and a battery charging module that is configured such that the in-built battery stores the energy when water flows out from the faucet, and wherein the Micro generator assembly (3) and water flow control valve assembly (4) can be configured such that after generating power at the micro-generator (5), water enters into the water flow control valve assembly (4), said water flow control valve assembly (4) having the water flow control valve. In another aspect, the in-built battery can transfer power to the water flow control valve assembly (4), and to a motion and distance sensor assembly (8), said motion and distance sensor assembly (8) having the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1). In another aspect, the Micro generator assembly (3) can include one or more power output points (11) that transfer power through power connections (16, 17) to the water flow control valve assembly (4) and to the motion and distance sensor assembly (8).

[00049] In another aspect, the user puts ON faucet valve by turning handle (22) of the faucet (19), based on which the faucet starts flow of water such that when the user intends to initiate the trigger action so as to define the threshold water level, the user brings his/her hand close to the Infrared motion sensor (2), through which, the faucet (19) stops the flow of water from flow outlet (10). [00050] In another aspect, while defining the threshold water level using the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1), users’ hand is to be position in the line of water flow below the faucet (19).

[00051] In another aspect, once the threshold water level is detected by the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor, said sensor produces a notification to enable the water flow control valve to open and water to start flowing in a manner such that once the threshold water level is reached, the water flow control valve automatically closes to stop the flow of water.

[00052] In another aspect, the Infrared motion sensor (2) can include an IR receiver and an IR transmitter pair that is configured to sense presence of users’ hand near to it, based on which the IR transmitter transmits infrared light such that when the users’ hand obstruct the light, it reflect a portion of the infrared light back to the receiver in a manner that once the Infrared motion sensor (2) detects the hand, the water flow control valve stops the flow of water and the Micro LiDAR Distance Sensor (1) gets activated to measure the threshold distance.

[00053] FIGs. 2A-2K illustrates exemplary working of the proposed device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2G shows detection of hand/object near the infrared motion sensor, post which, in FIG. 2H, the user sets the threshold level up to which he/she would like the water to be filled in the container/storage/bucket, said threshold level is being detected by the micro LiDAR distance sensor, and according to said threshold level, the water is then dispensed through the faucet.

[00054] FIGs. 3A to 3C illustrate configuration of the proposed device on a tab positioned in a basin so as to control flow of water.

[00055] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact with each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.

[00056] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... .and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[00057] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00058] The present invention provides for a multifunctional touch free self-powered automatic water level detecting faucet.

[00059] The present invention provides for a device for automatic water level detection.