HK1104075B - System and method for improved installation and control of concealed plumbing flush valves - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a radio frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical systems that physically link buttons or handles to flush valves or hard wired electronic control systems that physically link sensors/electronic switches to valve actuators within sanitary equipment.The new system features two modules: a user interface module (UIM) for positioning at or near sanitary fixtures (such as flush toilets or urinals), and a valve interface module (VIM) for flushing valve actuators or valves connected to the water supply pipeline of the sanitary fixtures.UIM typically has the function of providing RF valve control signals to VIM, and VIM has the following functions: receiving, analyzing, and responding to RF valve control signals, and sending signals to valve actuators to initiate flushing cycles, or initiating valve control processes to control valves in the water supply pipeline to start or stop water flow to the appliance.The system can be deployed as a single UIM/VIM pair, or as multiple UIM/VIM pairs within multiple appliance devices.In each case, each UIM/VIM pair communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both learning mode and active mode.

Description

System and method for improved installation and control of concealed plumbing flush valves

Technical Field

The present invention provides a Radio Frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces either a mechanical system that physically links a button or handle to a flush valve or a hard-wired electronic control system that physically links a sensor/electronic switch to a valve actuator within a plumbing fixture. The new system is characterized by two modules: a User Interface Module (UIM) for positioning at or adjacent a plumbing fixture (e.g., a toilet or urinal), and a Valve Interface Module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve actuator or valve in a water supply line of the plumbing fixture. The UIM typically has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM, and the VIM has the functions of: receives, analyzes and responds to the RF valve control signal and sends a signal to the valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or to initiate a valve control process to control a valve in the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the appliance. The system may be deployed as a single UIM/VIM pair, or as multiple UIM/VIM pairs within a multi-fixture apparatus. In each case, each UIM/VIM pair communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both learning and active modes.

Background

In the business/institutional health industry, there are many problems associated with typical toilet and urinal installations in business buildings.

Toilet or urinal installations will typically require time consuming and complicated manual installation. In particular, the installation of concealed plumbing fixtures having mechanical buttons, handles, electronics, tubing and wiring requires that each of these components must be precisely positioned and routed through the wall, resulting in time consuming and expensive installation work.

For example, installation of concealed flush valves using mechanical buttons or handles requires that the alignment of the mechanical linkage and the distance from the valve to the front of the exposed wall must be precise, resulting in many errors in installing these devices. Furthermore, the electronics must be positioned at a specific location relative to the appliance.

Furthermore, errors that occur during installation require post-installation repairs or repairs due to vandalism or component failure, which are often difficult and costly to implement, as finished wall, floor and countertop surfaces may have to be removed, disassembled or replaced to gain access and ultimately resolve the problem.

Another problem with standard exposed commercial plumbing fixtures is that in the case of a toilet, most of the mechanical and electrical actuators are positioned behind the toilet fixture. This arrangement of the assembly requires that the user must approach the toilet bowl to flush the appliance, which is uncomfortable.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method for improving a plumbing fixture that addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings. More specifically, there is a need for a plumbing fixture control system that can be easily and quickly installed without requiring complex wiring or through-wall wiring of electronics. Furthermore, there is a need for a sanitary system that can be more easily repaired in the event of a component failure or damage.

Disclosure of Invention

The above problems are solved by providing a system with separate user interface modules and valve interface modules that are linked in a wireless manner such that the sanitary fixture does not require wiring between the user side of the sanitary fixture and the wall back side.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system comprising: a User Interface Module (UIM) for mounting proximate to a plumbing fixture, the UIM module having a UIM high frequency transmitter and a UIM low frequency receiver for communicating in an active mode and a learning mode; a Valve Interface Module (VIM) having a valve interface for operative connection with a valve, the VIM for controlling fluid flow through the valve, the VIM comprising a VIM high frequency receiver and a VIM low frequency transmitter for communicating with the UIM; wherein the UIM high frequency transmitter, UIM low frequency receiver, VIM high frequency receiver, and VIM low frequency transmitter enable linking of digital identities between the UIM and VIM in a learning mode and are used to provide operational control of the valve in an active mode.

In other embodiments, the VIM includes a VIM processor for interpreting the high frequency master signal from the UIM in the learning mode and for responding to the high frequency master signal by activating the VIM low frequency transmitter to transmit the VIM digital identity. The VIM processor preferably will also interpret a high frequency valve control signal from the UIM in the active mode and respond to the high frequency valve control signal to control fluid flow through the valve. In another embodiment, the UIM comprises a UIM processor operably connected to the UIM high frequency transmitter to command the UIM high frequency transmitter to transmit the high frequency master signal in the learning mode and the high frequency valve control signal in the active mode.

In another embodiment, the UIM includes an activation system operably connected to the UIM processor, the activation system being responsive to user input to cause the UIM high frequency transmitter to transmit the high frequency valve control signal in the active mode. The activation system may be active or passive, and may be touch or non-touch.

In one embodiment, the VIM initiates a flush cycle of the valve.

In another embodiment, the UIM comprises an audio or video output system operably connected to the UIM processor for providing an audio or video output to the user during the learning mode to signal the linking digital identity and/or for providing an audio or video output to the user during the active mode.

In another embodiment, the system comprises a learning mode activation device for operatively communicating with the UIM to activate the UIM into a learning mode.

In another embodiment, the system provides an electronic controller for operable connection between at least one VIM and at least one respective valve, the electronic controller for receiving a flush signal from each VIM and for allowing or denying each flush signal to be sent to each respective valve based on a predetermined algorithm.

In a more specific embodiment, the present invention also provides a plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system comprising: a User Interface Module (UIM) for mounting adjacent a plumbing fixture, the UIM module having: a UIM high frequency transmitter and a UIM low frequency receiver for communicating in an active mode and a learning mode; a UIM processor operatively connected to the UIM high frequency transmitter to command the UIM high frequency transmitter to transmit a high frequency master signal in a learning mode and a high frequency valve control signal in an active mode; an activation system operatively connected to the UIM processor, the activation system being responsive to user input to cause the UIM high frequency transmitter to transmit the high frequency valve control signal in the active mode; a Valve Interface Module (VIM) for operative connection with a valve to control fluid flow through the valve, and for communicating with the UIM in a learning mode to link digital identities between the UIM and VIM, and for providing operative control of the valve in an active mode, the VIM having: a valve interface for operative connection with a valve; a VIM high frequency receiver and a VIM low frequency transmitter for communicating with the UIM; a VIM processor for interpreting the high frequency master signal from the UIM in a learning mode and for responding to the high frequency master signal by activating the VIM low frequency transmitter to transmit a VIM digital identity, and for interpreting the high frequency valve control signal from the UIM in an active mode and responding to the high frequency valve control signal to control fluid flow through the valve.

The present invention also provides a method of linking a User Interface Module (UIM) and a Valve Interface Module (VIM) in a plumbing fixture and providing operational control of a plumbing fixture, the UIM having a UIM high frequency transmitter and a UIM low frequency receiver, and the VIM having a VIM high frequency receiver and a VIM low frequency transmitter, the method comprising the steps of: in the learning mode: transmitting the high frequency master signal from the UIM to the VIM; activating the VIM in response to the high frequency master signal; transmitting the unique digital identity from the VIM to the UIM at a low frequency and recording the unique digital identity in the UIM; and in the active mode: transmitting a high frequency valve control signal encoded with a unique digital identity from the UIM to the VIM; and activating a valve control process in the VIM in response to the valve control signal.

In one embodiment, at least two valve interface modules are linked to a single user interface module.

Drawings

The invention is described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of an exemplary plumbing fixture installation according to the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of an alternative installation according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a user interface module;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a valve interface module;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a typical multiple appliance installation;

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a typical multiple appliance installation showing typical ranges of high frequency signals and low frequency signals;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart detailing an installation process according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart detailing an active mode process in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart detailing the command process within the valve interface module according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, an improved system and method for installation of a concealed plumbing flush valve is described.

More specifically, the present invention provides a Radio Frequency (RF) valve control system that replaces mechanical devices that physically link a button or handle to a flush valve and electronic valve control systems that are connected to a valve actuator by a cable. The system is characterized by two modules: a User Interface Module (UIM) positioned on a user side of a plumbing fixture (e.g., a toilet, faucet, or urinal), and a Valve Interface Module (VIM) operatively connected to a flush valve (or faucet) of an individual plumbing fixture. The UIM typically has the function of providing an RF valve control signal to the VIM, and the VIM has the function of receiving, analyzing and responding to the RF valve control signal, and initiating a flush cycle, or initiating a valve control process, in order to control a valve in the water supply line to start or stop water flow to the fixture. The system may be deployed as a single UIM/VIM pair, or as multiple UIM/VIM pairs within a multi-fixture installation. In each case, as will be explained in greater detail below, each UIM/VIM pair communicates with its respective UIM or VIM in both learning and active modes.

In the exemplary installation shown in FIG. 1A, User Interface Module (UIM)10 is mounted at each plumbing fixture 30, and flush valve 27 is mounted in operative communication with water supply line 31 of the fixture, and Valve Interface Module (VIM)20 is operatively connected to flush valve 27. The VIM 20 may include an actuator for initiating a flush cycle, or in one embodiment, an integrated valve attached to the water supply line 31. In many installations, especially commercial installations, the UIM is mounted on the fixture or user side 32 of a wall 33, and the VIM is mounted behind the wall 33, possibly in the service area or in a plumbing recess 34.

Typically, during installation, when the UIM and VIM are in the learning mode, the installer will establish an active and specific communication link between a specific UIM/VIM pair. After the active communication link is established, the UIM/VIM will operate in an active mode. In the active mode, as will be described in greater detail below, a user approaches the plumbing fixture and initiates the valve control process in an active or passive manner.

Fig. 1B illustrates another installation in which another electronic controller 100 is installed between a plurality of VIMs (shown in fig. 1B as VIM 1 and VIM 2) and their respective valves (valve 1 and valve 2). The installation is intended to be performed in an institutional environment where a system-wide water flow control of the plumbing fixture may be required. The installation is particularly intended for use in prisons where coordinated action by prisoners can cause damage to the sanitation system.

In this installation, the electronic controller 100 receives a flush signal from each of the configured VIMs and will either allow or deny the flush signal to be sent to the respective valve according to a predetermined control algorithm. For example, where the electronic controller 100 receives multiple flush signals from a predetermined number of VIMs within a specified time, the controller may prevent the flush signals from being transmitted to the respective valves to prevent system overload.

User interface module 10

Referring to fig. 2, UIM 10 generally comprises: six subsystems; a high frequency RF transmitter 11 for transmitting a high frequency RF valve control signal to the valve interface module 20; a low frequency RF receiver 12 for receiving a low frequency RF signal from an associated valve module 20 during a learn mode; an activation system 13 for initiating a valve control process; a microcontroller 15 for controlling the UIM subsystem; an optional audio or video component 16 for providing feedback to the user or installer; and a power supply 14 that supplies power to the UIM 10 subsystem.

For purposes of this description, low frequency radio waves are radio waves that emit in a range of about 5-10 feet and are directional, and high frequency radio waves are radio waves that range up to 300+ feet and are omnidirectional.

Furthermore, the activation system may be active or passive. That is, in one embodiment of the UIM, the valve control process is actively initiated by a user-directed action (e.g., touching a button (touch activation)) or by the user specifically approaching a proximity sensor (non-touch activation). In another embodiment of the UIM, the valve control process is passively initiated by a user sensor that detects substantial movement of a user to or from the area detected by the sensor.

Valve interface module 20

As illustrated in fig. 3, the valve interface module 20 preferably includes six components: a high frequency RF receiver 21 for receiving a high frequency RF signal from the high frequency RF transmitter 11 of the UIM 10; a low frequency RF transmitter 22 for transmitting a low frequency RF signal to the associated UIM 10 during RF identity training (as will be described below); a valve actuator interface 23 for interfacing with a flush valve actuator to initiate a flush cycle or interfacing with a valve to open and close a valve in the water supply line 31; a power supply for supplying power to all valve module 20 subsystems; and an optional audio or video component 26 for providing feedback to the installer or user.

General operation

In a typical public restroom, several appliances 30 may be arranged in close proximity as shown in FIG. 4. To allow independent valve control of each appliance 30, each user interface module 10 is associated with only one appliance 30 and is capable of sending a specific valve control signal to its respective valve interface module 20 such that only the respective appliance 30 is controlled. Thus, the valve interface module 20 must explicitly confirm that the valve control signal was initiated by the corresponding user interface module 10 and not respond to valve control signals periodically initiated by other user interface modules 10 of other closely spaced appliances 30. To allow this degree of specificity, a digital identity is assigned to each UIM/VIM pair during installation during the learning mode.

Learning mode

For example, and referring to fig. 5, separate implements 30a, 30b, and 30c may be installed within a toilet along with the respective valve interface modules 20a, 20b, and 20 c. Preferably, each valve interface module is provided with a unique factory installed digital identity to minimize the risk of adjacent VIMs having the same digital ID. However, it is contemplated that the VIM may enable the digital identity to be set manually. After properly connecting the VIM to the flush valve, the installer will then initiate the RF identity training process for the single UIM/VIM pair by selecting the user interface module (e.g., 10a) and holding the user interface module 10a in close proximity to its corresponding valve interface module 20a, preferably against the wall 33 as shown in fig. 5. The installer will activate the learn mode by appropriate action (e.g., pressing or pressing and holding a UIM button, activation by a separate key or by another mode changing action), which will cause the high frequency RF transmitter 11 of UIM 10a to generate a high frequency RF master signal.

This high frequency signal will be transmitted to all valve interface modules 20 within transmission range 90 of transmitting user interface module 10 a. Thus, in the case illustrated in fig. 5, all valve modules 20a, 20b and 20c will receive a high frequency RF main signal at their high frequency RF receivers 21. Each VIM will respond to the RF master signal by generating a low frequency RF signal from its low frequency RF transmitter 22, by transmitting its unique digital identity.

As defined above, the low frequency RF transmissions 95a, 95b, and 95c have a limited range and direction, so the only low frequency signal received by the low frequency receiver of the user interface module 10a will be the low frequency signal (i.e., signal 95a) of the corresponding valve interface module 20 a. The UIM will then record within the UIM the digital identity of the corresponding VIM. After the digital identity has been successfully recorded within the UIM, the learning mode has been completed.

In one embodiment, when identity learning is complete, audio/video component 16 of user interface module 10 (if present) will emit an audible or visual signal to indicate that user interface module 10 has learned the identity of valve interface module 20. If desired, the installer will then fully secure or attach the UIM in its proper position with respect to the appliance. The identity training process will then be repeated for the remaining appliances 30b and 30 c. For clarity, the identity training process described above is shown generally in fig. 6.

Active mode

After installation, the UIM and VIM will operate in the active mode. The switching between the learning mode and the active mode may be done automatically upon completion of the learning mode, or may be activated manually.

Referring to fig. 7, during active mode, triggering the activation system of the UIM will cause the high frequency RF transmitter 11 to generate a high frequency RF valve control signal. In one embodiment, an audio or visual signal may be simultaneously generated by the user interface module 10 to inform the user that the valve control process has been initiated.

The high frequency RF signals are encoded with the specific digital identity of their respective VIMs and will be received by the high frequency RF receiver 21 of the valve interface module 20 (and other VIMs within range). A VIM having a digital identity encoded by the high frequency RF signal will respond to the high frequency RF signal and initiate a valve control process or flush cycle. In various embodiments, the valve control process will be determined by the specific water/user requirements of a particular appliance.

Post-installation service

At any time after installation, if field repair or replacement is required, the above-described learning procedure may be repeated to pair any user interface module 10 with any desired valve interface module 20. Reactivation of the learn mode within the UIM will erase any previously learned valve interface module 20 digital identities, thereby allowing a new pairing of the user interface 10 with the valve module 20.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The procedures and methods for activation and deactivation of the learn mode should preferably be protected from unauthorized or inadvertent tampering by the public. These steps may include, for example, hidden or coded sequence buttons, keys, or systems that isolate the electronic device.

In the example of an isolated electronic device, such an activation device may be a low frequency transmitter that may transmit a low frequency activation and/or deactivation RF signal to an individual user interface module, or may be a high frequency RF transmitter that emits a primary signal to cause the valve interface module to emit its low frequency digital identity for learning by the user interface module.

As mentioned above, the high frequency valve control signal of the UIM differs from the high frequency master signal in that the valve control signal issues a unique digital identity. Referring to fig. 8, when the high frequency RF receiver 22 within the valve module receives a high frequency RF signal, the valve interface module 20 will determine whether the signal contains a digital identity.

In other embodiments, additional functionality may be introduced to the system by encoding additional information within the RF signal. In a preferred embodiment, the high frequency RF or low frequency signal will contain the following information:

prefix-digit ID-command-suffix

In this case, the respective high or low frequency receiver will receive the signal and interpret the signal based on the encoding format. For example, the VIM microcontroller will examine the digital ID of the signal and determine if it corresponds to an acceptable ID (that is, the VIM ID or it represents a master ID). In either case, if the ID is accepted, a specific command (e.g., flush valve, transmit VIM digital ID, activate audio/video module, or any other function) may be executed.

In other embodiments, a palm device may be provided having both HF and LF transmitters/receivers that enable the palm device to operate either the user interface module or the valve interface module. For example, a palm device may be used to flush all VIMs within range by transmitting a HF master signal (with a flush command). Alternatively, an HF master signal with a transmit digital ID command may be sent. Further, an LF master signal with a command to activate the nearest user module may also be sent.

The power source 14, 24 may be a battery or an AC power source.

Claims (20)

1. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system comprising:

a user interface module mounted adjacent the plumbing fixture, the user interface module having a user interface module high frequency transmitter and a user interface module low frequency receiver for communicating in an active mode and a learning mode;

a valve interface module having a valve interface for operatively connecting with a valve, the valve interface module for controlling fluid flow through the valve, the valve interface module comprising a valve interface module high frequency receiver and a valve interface module low frequency transmitter for communicating with the user interface module;

wherein the user interface module high frequency transmitter, the user interface module low frequency receiver, the valve interface module high frequency receiver, and the valve interface module low frequency transmitter enable linking of digital identities between the user interface module and the valve interface module in the learning mode and are used to provide operational control of the valve in the active mode.

2. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the valve interface module includes a valve interface module processor for interpreting a high frequency master signal from the user interface module in the learn mode and for responding to the high frequency master signal by activating the valve interface module low frequency transmitter to transmit the valve interface module digital identity.

3. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the valve interface module includes a valve interface module processor that interprets a high frequency valve control signal from the user interface module in the active mode and responds to the high frequency valve control signal to control fluid flow through the valve.

4. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as in any one of claims 1-3 wherein the user interface module includes a user interface module processor operatively connected to the user interface module high frequency transmitter for controlling the user interface module high frequency transmitter to transmit a high frequency primary signal in the learn mode and a high frequency valve control signal in the active mode.

5. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as recited in claim 4 wherein the user interface module includes an activation system operatively connected to the user interface module processor, the activation system being responsive to user input to cause the user interface module high frequency transmitter to transmit the high frequency valve control signal in the active mode.

6. The plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system of claim 5, wherein the activation system is an active activation system.

7. The plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system of claim 5, wherein the activation system is a passive activation system.

8. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as in claim 6 wherein the active activation system is a touchless activation system.

9. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as in claim 6 wherein the active activation system is a touch activation system.

10. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the valve interface module initiates a flush cycle of the valve.

11. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as recited in claim 4 wherein the user interface module includes an audio or video output system operatively connected to the user interface module processor for providing an audio or video output to a user during the learn mode to signal a linked digital identity.

12. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as recited in claim 4 wherein the user interface module includes an audio or video output system operatively connected to the user interface module processor for providing an audio or video output to a user during the active mode.

13. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as in any one of claims 1-3 further including a learning mode activation device for operative communication with a user interface module to activate the user interface module to the learning mode.

14. The plumbing fixture installation and valve control system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user interface module high frequency transmitter transmits a high frequency signal encoded with a prefix, a numeric ID, a command, and a suffix.

15. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as in any one of claims 1-3 further comprising an electronic controller operably connected between at least one valve interface module and at least one respective valve for receiving a flush signal from each valve interface module and for allowing or denying each flush signal to be sent to each respective valve based on a predetermined algorithm.

16. A plumbing fixture installation and valve control system as recited in claim 2 wherein the valve interface module processor is further in the active mode for interpreting a high frequency valve control signal from the user interface module and controlling fluid flow through the valve in response to the high frequency valve control signal;

the user interface module includes: a user interface module processor operatively connected to the user interface module high frequency transmitter for controlling the user interface module high frequency transmitter to transmit a high frequency primary signal in the learn mode and a high frequency valve control signal in the active mode; an activation system operatively connected to the user interface module processor, the activation system responsive to user input to cause the user interface module high frequency transmitter to transmit the high frequency valve control signal in the active mode.

17. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as recited in claim 16 wherein the user interface module further includes an audio or video output system operatively connected to the user interface module processor for providing an audio or video output to a user during the learn mode to signal a linking digital identity.

18. A plumbing fixture mounting and valve control system as in any one of claims 16 to 17 wherein the user interface module includes an audio or video output system operatively connected to the user interface module processor for providing an audio or video output to a user during the active mode to signal operation.

19. A method of linking a user interface module with a valve interface module and providing operational control of a plumbing fixture in a plumbing fixture, the user interface module having a user interface module high frequency transmitter and a user interface module low frequency receiver, and the valve interface module having a valve interface module high frequency receiver and a valve interface module low frequency transmitter, the method comprising the steps of:

in the learning mode:

transmitting a high frequency main signal from the user interface module to the valve interface module;

activating the valve interface module in response to the high frequency main signal;

transmitting a unique digital identity from the valve interface module to the user interface module at a low frequency and recording the unique digital identity in the user interface module; and

in the active mode:

transmitting a high frequency valve control signal encoded with the unique digital identity from the user interface module to the valve interface module; and

activating a valve control process in the valve interface module in response to the valve control signal.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein at least two valve interface modules are linked to a single user interface module.