Abstract:
A water control module is provided that monitors water temperature in plumbing, such as shower plumbing, and receives certain input commands from a user. The water control module may, in one example, control shower water flow temperature to preferential temperature values. Control of shower water flow temperature is accomplished by receiving user input of desired water temperature on a user interface, sensing current water temperature in the plumbing, and processing the user inputs and sensed water temperature values to control water delivery temperature. In another example, the water control module may provide a display screen with numerical and/or graphical features to inform the user of desired and/or measured temperature values.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/343,961, filed Dec. 28, 2001, entitled “MULTIFUNCTIONAL WATER CONTROL MODULE” and which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    People the world over take daily showers to attend to personal hygiene. Shower technology has advanced in the prior art to include many variations of mechanical shower valves that permit manual adjustment of a shower&#39;s water temperature. Nonetheless, due to fluctuating water temperatures, these persons also spend considerable time adjusting the valves to maintain the desired temperatures. Not only is this a cumbersome chore, the fluctuating water temperature can cause damage to human skin if temperatures rise sufficiently. Likewise, a quick drop in temperature may create a very uncomfortable sensation and can shock the nervous system.  
           [0003]    In bathtubs, the prior art provides floating thermometers that may be monitored to assure desired temperatures; however such devices only monitor the in-tub water and do not monitor water from the faucet.  
           [0004]    It is therefore quite difficult to ensure correct water temperatures in modern bathing. Often, the process is trial and error, resulting in wasted time, water and energy to heat the wasted water.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0005]    A multi-functional water control module is provided that monitors running water temperature in real time. The water control module may, for example, be used to control shower water flow temperature to preferential desired temperatures. Also, the water control module may have a display screen to provide visual and user control of the module.  
           [0006]    In one aspect, the water control module connects with a shower head to provide temperature, massage and filter selections, to facilitate user control over temperature and water spray characteristics. The water control module may connect with house water flow by several techniques; it may for example attach to a showerhead or to a water conduit (e.g., hose). The water control module may further be integral with shower delivery plumbing, or it may be a separate add-on to existing plumbing.  
           [0007]    In another aspect, the water control module includes: a user interface for receiving user inputs of desired water temperature; a temperature sensor for sensing water temperature;  
           [0008]    a microprocessor, connected with the temperature sensor and responsive to the inputs to user interface to control water delivery temperature; and, a valve responsive to the microprocessor for delivering water to the user.  
           [0009]    One advantage of the water control module is that the module substantially eliminates a person&#39;s concern over water temperature fluctuations. In one aspect, the module may be adjusted by a single human hand, to control both temperature and spray characteristics (e.g., massage rhythms).  
           [0010]    In yet another aspect, the water control module provides filtering of water flow. By way of example, the water control module may remove at least some of the chlorine and metallic substances in water, or other substances causing the water to have an unwanted smell.  
           [0011]    In another aspect, the water control module incorporates a timer to remind the user of one or more time-sensitive functions, or to implement those functions after a set time period, e.g., a bath time period, a time period for a particular massage water flow, a time period for a particular temperature flow, etc.  
           [0012]    In another aspect, the water control module is configured to provide information about water being delivered to a user. The water control module of this aspect includes: a user interface for receiving user inputs regarding a desired water temperature; a temperature sensor for measuring water temperature; a microprocessor, connected with the temperature sensor and responsive to the inputs to user interface to alert the user as to whether the temperature of water delivered to the user corresponds to the desired water temperature; and, a display screen for displaying information regarding the desired water temperature and the measured water temperature.  
           [0013]    Thus, the water control module combines unique comfort and safety features within a single modular unit. In one aspect, the water control module is multi-functional to provide user selection of optimum shower temperatures, bath time, body message and water quality (i.e., filtering). By way of example, a single movement of a human hand may control water temperature and massage features as well as quality, rhythm and water volume. The water control module thus has particular application for children, the elderly and disabled; the module may be used beneficially in hospitals, medical facilities and physical therapy locations, as well as in beauty and fitness settings, hotels, resorts and sporting clubs, and even health-conscious corporations. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1A shows one water control module with a conventional shower head; FIG. 1B is a close-up view of the water control module of FIG. 1;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a filter access closure on water plumbing; FIG. 2B shows another water control module with the conventional shower head of FIG. 1A; FIG. 2C shows the direction of attachment of the water control module of FIG. 2B to the shower head; FIG. 2D is a back perspective view of the water control module of FIG. 2B;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of another water control module;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 shows another water control module, integrated with a conventional shower head and shower hose;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 shows another water control module, integrated with a shower hose and faucet;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of a switching unit;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 7 shows a process for controlling water delivery through water plumbing by another water control module; and  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 8 shows a process for timing water delivery at a specified temperature through water plumbing by another water control module. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 1A and 1B and show a water control module  10 . Water control module  10  integrates with water plumbing  12  (e.g., a shower head  13 ) associated with a bath or shower to control water delivery and/or provide information about the water delivered (e.g., water temperature) to a user by, for example, shower head  13 . As described herein, module  10  provides for certain beneficial uses in delivering water in a shower or bath. A user interface  14  provides a number of input buttons  16  for controlling the operation of water control module  10 . For example, input buttons  16  may include: a magnitude button  18  for incrementally adjusting either the temperature of water delivered by shower head  13  or a timer on water control module  10 , upwards or downwards; a power button  20  for turning the water control module  10  on and off; an alarm button  22  for selecting the initiation of an audio alarm when a water temperature sensed by water control module  10  is above or below a particular setting, or an elapsed time is reached, the water temperature and timer values selected with magnitude button  18 ; and a mode button  24  for selecting various operating modes of water control module  10 .  
         [0023]    A user of water control module  10  may select a specific water temperature and timer value by viewing a display screen  26  (e.g., a LCD display). Water control module  10  may also illustrate temperature graphically, such as by graphic elements  28  (e.g., hot, warm and cold face icons) on display screen  26 , or by separate LEDs  30 , or audibly, such as by a microphone (not shown). As shown in FIGS.  2 A- 2 D, water control module  10  is preferably fixed with water plumbing  12  so that a user may remove or alternatively attach module  10  when desired.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 2A through 2D shows an exemplary embodiment for integrating water control module  10  with water plumbing  12 . As shown in FIG. 2B, shower head  13  has a rotatable knob  31  for selecting certain water flow characteristics. For example, rotatable knob  31  may be used to select water flow volume and/or water flow spray characteristics (e.g., constant stream primarily from a perimeter area of the shower head, constant stream primarily from inside of the perimeter area of the shower head, massage stream, pulsating stream, etc.).  
         [0025]    In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, water control module  10  couples with a temperature sensor (e.g., sensor  32 ) that contacts water flow through water plumbing  12 . For example, sensor  32  may be integral with shower head  13 ; when water control module  10  attaches with shower head  13 , sensor  32  provides temperature control data to module  10  so that module  10  may control water flow temperature according to the teachings herein. Water control module  10  is preferably battery powered, with a batter access port  34  as shown in FIG. 2D. Also, an electrically conductive contact plate  36  creates an electrically communicative connection between sensor  32  integral with shower head  13  and water control module  10 . Water control module  10  may also be attached with shower head  13  by various methods, such as mechanical fasteners, magnets, or other mechanisms, as those of skill in the art appreciate.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2A shows one embodiment where a filter  36  is integrated into shower head  13 , or some portion of water plumbing  13 , to filter unwanted substances (e.g., chlorine, metallic substances, and other odor-causing substances) in water flowing through shower head  13 . Filter  36  may be accessed through compartment door  38  for periodic replacement thereof, or for removal if no filtering is desired.  
         [0027]    Mode button  24  of FIG. 1B may effect certain functions on water control module  10 . Mode button  24 , for example, may select: (1) a locking mode to lock the current user settings (e.g., desired water temperature) on water control module  10 ; (2) a water temperature mode for selecting a desired water temperature manually with magnitude button  18  or from pre-set water temperature ranges; (3) a water flow spray characteristic; or (4) a timer mode to set a timer (e.g., count up or down) for timing the duration of water flow, the duration of water flow at a desired temperature and/or the duration of water flow at a particular spray characteristic.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 3 shows a block schematic  50  illustrating electromechanical operation of one water control module  10 ′. A microprocessor  52  controls water control module  10 ′ in response to user selections at a user interface  14 ′ (e.g., input buttons  16 , FIG. 1). A temperature sensor  32 ′ provides temperature data to microprocessor  52  through an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter  56 ; temperature sensor  32 ′ monitors temperature of water  58  upstream of water control module  10 ′ (e.g., from house water being delivered to shower head  12 ). Based on selections at user interface  14 ′ and/or temperature sensor  32 ′ readings, microprocessor  52  sends display data to display screen  26 ′ for viewing by a user. Microprocessor  52  then controls water flow motor valve  60  to deliver water  62  to the user. Water flow motor valve  60  may include a user knob  64  (i.e., a mechanical knob), similar to knob  31 , FIG. 2B, controllable by the user to regulate the volume of water flow output of, for example, shower head  13 .  
         [0029]    In operation, therefore, a user selection of temperature for water flow  62  is monitored by microprocessor  52  via sensor  32 ′. Water flow  61  is permitted to flow through water flow motor valve  60  only at the correct temperature. In one embodiment, microprocessor  52  controls mixing of hot and cold water  58  of intermediate water flow  61  via water mixer  70 . Water flow  61  may transfer between sensor  32 ′ and water flow motor valve  60  via a mechanical conduit  63 . Microprocessor  52  further informs the user of temperature by display screen  26 ′, or by one or more outputs  72 , e.g., LEDs  30  and speakers of FIG. 1. A battery  71 , such as in battery access port  34 , FIG. 2D, may power water control module  10 ′.  
         [0030]    Those skilled in the art appreciate that certain modifications may be made to water control modules  10 ,  10 ′ without departing from the scope of the systems and methods described herein. For example, the location of sensors  32 ,  32 ′ is a matter of design choice; and sensors  32 ,  32 ′ may be integrated directly with water control modules  10 ,  10 ′. Further, A/D converter  56  may be internal to microprocessor  52 . Other electrical components and drivers may replace components of water control module  10 ′ as a matter of design choice to provide like functionality. In one embodiment, water control module  10 ′ does not perform mixing via mixer  70  but instead only monitors temperature via sensor  32 ′ and informs the user of temperature by display screen  26 ′ and outputs  72 . In another configuration, microprocessor  52  operates to shutter water flow  61  through water flow motor valve  60  depending upon set temperature; that is, if a user selects “98 degrees” temperature and if water flow  61  is not 98 degrees, microprocessor  52  may shutter valve  60  so that water  62  stops and remains in water plumbing  12  of, for example, a house.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 also illustrates filtering of water flow  61  to remove substances (e.g., chlorine, metallic substances) of water  58 . Such a filter may for example integrate in combination with a mixer  70 , as a matter of design choice. Control of water control module  10 ′ to implement filter  70  may be electronic, through microprocessor  52 , or via manual manipulation; filter  70  may also occur all the time, without selection, as a matter of design choice. Filter  70  may utilize carbon elements, as those of skill in the art appreciate.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 shows one water control module  100  that may include features of modules  10 ,  10 ′, of FIGS. 1 and 3, respectively. Water control module  100  has an output end  106  for coupling with a conventional shower head  102  and an input end  108  for coupling with a conventional shower hose  104  or similar plumbing, such that module  100  is positioned between shower head  102  and shower hose  104 . Alternatively, both module output end  106  and input end  108  may couple to shower hose  104 , as a matter of design choice. Preferably, output end  106  and input end  108  are threadingly connected (i.e., screwed together) with shower head  102  and shower hose  104 , respectively. In this way, water control module  100  can provide temperature sensing and water delivery controls as described herein for modules  10 ,  10 ′.  
         [0033]    In a similar fashion to water control module  100 , FIG. 5 shows another water control module  110  that may include features of modules  10 ,  10 ′ and  100 , of FIGS. 1, 3 and  4 , respectively. Water control module  110  has an output end  116  for coupling with a conventional shower hose  112  and an input end  118  for coupling with a conventional shower valve or faucet output  114  or similar plumbing, such that module  100  is positioned between shower hose  112  and faucet output  114 . Preferably, output end  116  and input end  118  are threadingly connected with shower hose  112  and faucet output  114 , respectively. In this way, water control module  110  can provide temperature sensing and water delivery controls as described herein for modules  10 ,  10 ′ and  100 .  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 shows one circuit  200  that may be implemented in water control modules  10 ,  10 ′,  100  and  110 . Circuit  200  may, for example, couple with block schematic  50 , FIG. 3, so as to provide activation/deactivation of water control modules  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  110 . A power-on sensor  202  couples with a switch  201  that is closed by moisture at water control module  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  110 . Switch  201  may be made from metal contact plates at a rear of water control module  10 ,  10 ′,  100 ,  110  and near a temperature sensor  32 ″ (e.g., a thermister), in one example. When switch  201  closes, sensor  32 ″ may be engaged to begin temperature sensing with other system functions  204  (e.g., the display or audio indicators that inform the user of measured temperature, etc.). Those skilled in the art appreciate that power-on sensor  202  may be formed by microprocessor  52  operating in “sleep mode” (i.e., when moisture bridges switch  201 , microprocessor  52  wakes up and begins other system functions  204 ).  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 7 shows a process  200  for controlling water delivery through water plumbing  12  by water control module  10 ,  10 ′, according to certain user selections made on the module. Process  200  for example includes certain software functions and/or routines controlling a water control module, such as water temperature sensing, timing of water delivery through water plumbing and/or mixing hot and cold water for delivery through water plumbing, to facilitate each described step. At step  202 , a user makes certain selections on user interface  14 ′, FIG. 3, such as by initiating input on magnitude button  18 , FIG. 1, to select a desired temperature value or temperature range (e.g., selected from a pre-programmed range) for water delivery through water plumbing  12 . User interface  14 ′, at step  204 , generates a command signal based on the user input and communicates the signal to microprocessor  52 ; microprocessor  52  then, at step  206 , queries temperature sensor  32 ′ for a temperature measurement of water  58 . At step  208 , temperature sensor  32 ′ measures the temperature of water  58 , generates a signal indicative of the measured temperature value, and communicates the signal to microprocessor  52 . At step  210 , microprocessor  52  compares the temperature value (T 1 ) of water  58  received from sensor  32 ′ to the value or range of values (T 2 ) selected on user interface  14 ′. Optionally, at step  212 , the temperature value (T 1 ) sensed by sensor  32 ′ and the temperature value or range of values (T 2 ) selected on user interface  14 ′ are displayed on display screen  26 ′, and if (T 1 ) is not equal to, or approximately equal to (T 2 ), or alternatively, if (T 1 ) is greater than (T 2 ), then, at step  214 , display screen  26 ′, or one or more outputs  72 , e.g., LEDs  30  and speakers of FIG. 1, will alert the user as to this condition. At step  216 , a determination is made by microprocessor  52  as to whether (T 1 ) is equal to, or approximately equal to (T 2 ), or alternatively, if (T 1 i) is less than (T 1 ); if yes, then at step  218 , water flow motor valve  60  is opened to allow the flow of water  62  to the user (e.g., through shower head  13 ); if no, then at step  220 , water flow motor valve  60  is closed to maintain water  62  within water plumbing  12 . Optionally, at step  222 , hot and cold water flow  61  enters water mixer  70 , in thermal communication with temperature sensor  32 ′ and mechanical conduit  63 , so that water is uninterrupted in flow to the user, where water  61  is mixed in proportions directed by microprocessor  52  until (T 1 ) is equal to, or approximately equal to (T 2 ), or alternatively, (T 1 ) is less than (T 2 ); at which point, process  200  returns to step  218 .  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8 shows a process  300  for timing water delivery at a specified temperature through water plumbing  12  by water control module  10 ,  10 ′, according to certain user selections made on the module. Process  300  for example includes certain software functions and/or routines controlling a water control module, such as water temperature sensing, timing of water delivery through water plumbing and/or mixing hot and cold water for delivery through water plumbing, to facilitate each described step. At step  302 , a user makes selections on user interface  14 ′, FIG. 3, such as by initiating input on magnitude button  18 , FIG. 1, to select (a) a desired temperature value or temperature range (e.g., selected from a pre-programmed range) for water delivery through water plumbing  12 , and/or (b) a desired time of bathing at the desired temperature value or temperature range. User interface  14 ′, at step  304 , generates a command signal based on the user input and communicates the signal to microprocessor  52 ; microprocessor  52  then, at step  306 , queries temperature sensor  32 ′ for a temperature measurement of water  58 . At step  308 , temperature sensor  32 ′ measures the temperature of water  58 , generates a signal indicative of the measured temperature value, and communicates the signal to microprocessor  52 . At step  310 , microprocessor  52  compares the temperature value (T 1 ) of water  58  received from sensor  32 ′ to the value or range of values (T 2 ) selected on user interface  14 ′. If (T 1 ) is equal to, or approximately equal to (T 2 ), or alternatively, if (T 1 ) is greater than (T 2 ), then, at step  312 , microprocessor  52  will begin timing deliver of water  62 . At step  314 , upon the time of water delivery reaching the desired time of bathing inputted on user interface  14 ′, microprocessor will generate a signal and communicate the signal to display screen  26 ′, or one or more outputs  72 , e.g., LEDs  30  and speakers of FIG. 1, to notify the user of the completion of the bathing period. Optionally, at step  316 , because of the completion of the bathing period, microprocessor  52  may further generate a signal and communicate the signal to water flow motor valve  60  to close the valve  60  to maintain water  62  within water plumbing  12 .  
         [0037]    Since certain changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein