In the current era of rapid technological development, smart bathroom products are gradually entering people's lives, bringing a lot of convenience to daily life. Among them, the induction faucet, as a typical representative of smart bathrooms, is deeply favored by consumers due to its advantages such as no need for manual contact, prevention of cross-infection, and water conservation. And among the core technologies of induction faucets, radar sensors are emerging, injecting new vitality into the development of induction faucets with their unique performance.
I. Analysis of the Working Principle of Radar Sensors
A radar sensor is a precision device that uses radio waves for detection and ranging, and its working process is based on several key steps. First is the signal transmission link. The radar system will emit high-frequency electromagnetic waves, generally in the microwave frequency band, and these electromagnetic waves propagate into the surrounding space at a specific frequency. When the emitted electromagnetic waves encounter an obstacle, such as a human hand, a signal reflection phenomenon will occur, and the electromagnetic waves will be reflected back from the surface of the obstacle. Immediately afterwards, the radar sensor quickly receives the signal reflected back from the obstacle and conducts an in-depth analysis of the characteristics of these reflected signals. Finally, through the data processing stage, by comparing key parameters such as the time difference and frequency change between the transmitted signal and the received signal, the radar sensor can accurately calculate important information such as the distance, speed, and angle of the target object. This calculation method based on the time difference and the Doppler effect endows the radar sensor with strong environmental adaptability, enabling it to work stably and efficiently under complex environmental conditions such as at night, in strong light, and in a humid environment.
II. Advantages of Radar Sensors Compared with Traditional Infrared Sensors
In the field of induction faucets, traditional infrared sensors once dominated. However, with the continuous improvement of user needs and the continuous advancement of technology, the limitations of infrared sensors have gradually become apparent, and radar sensors have stood out with their significant advantages.
Infrared sensors have poor penetrability. When there is an object blocking in front of the induction device, the detection function is extremely likely to fail, resulting in poor detection stability. For example, in frequently used places such as public restrooms, if sundries accidentally block the infrared induction device, the faucet may not be able to sense normally, affecting the user experience. In sharp contrast, the electromagnetic waves emitted by radar sensors have strong penetrability and can easily penetrate various non-metallic materials such as ceramics and wood. Even if there is a certain degree of obstruction in front, it can still work normally, with reliable and stable performance.
From the perspective of product appearance and structural design, since the detection end of the infrared induction device needs to be exposed to ensure the detection effect, it is necessary to open holes on the surface of the product. In this way, not only does it affect the overall aesthetics of the product, but it may also pose a potential threat to the integrity and sealing performance of the product structure. After long-term use, problems such as water ingress and dust accumulation may occur. In contrast, radar sensors do not need to open holes on the surface of the product and can be cleverly integrated inside the faucet, ensuring the integrity of the product surface, making the appearance design of the faucet more concise and smooth, and at the same time improving the durability, waterproof and dustproof performance of the product.
In addition, in complex usage environments, infrared sensors are easily interfered by various factors. For example, the drainage port area of the washbasin is mostly made of metal materials such as aluminum, chrome-plated metal, and stainless steel. These materials have a high reflection characteristic of infrared rays, which is likely to cause misjudgment of the infrared sensor and lead to misoperation of the faucet. Moreover, the infrared sensor placed at the water outlet end is also easily contaminated by water scale, resulting in a decrease in its sensitivity or even complete failure, and it is not sensitive to dark surfaces and rough surfaces. In comparison, radar sensors are based on microwave induction and are not affected by these factors. They can always maintain accurate induction, greatly improving the accuracy and stability of the water supply of the faucet, and bringing users a better usage experience.
III. Working Modes and Application Examples of Radar Sensors in Tap Induction
In practical applications, radar sensors mainly adopt the Doppler microwave induction mode in the tap induction system. Take an advanced water supply control system integrated at the water outlet end of the faucet as an example. Its induction radar is cleverly integrated at the water outlet end of the faucet, and the microwave emission direction is designed to be downward and deflected towards the direction of the user. The transmitted and received microwaves are Doppler microwaves. When the user's hand approaches below the water outlet end, the induction radar can keenly capture the moving Doppler microwave signal, and then wake up the micro-control unit connected to it, making it enter the induction operation mode. The micro-control unit quickly confirms the position of the hand. When it determines that the hand is 100 - 200mm below the faucet and there is continuous movement, it will output a signal to open the solenoid valve, and the faucet will start to discharge water normally. During the water discharge process, the micro-control unit will continuously monitor the movement of the hand. As long as it detects continuous movement of the hand, it will maintain the water supply state. Once the user's hand leaves below the water outlet end, the reflection of the Doppler microwave signal immediately disappears. The micro-control unit responds quickly, outputs a signal to close the solenoid valve, the faucet stops discharging water, and the system then enters the sleep state, quietly waiting for the user's hand to approach next time.
In the bathrooms of some high-end hotels, these induction faucets equipped with radar sensors have been widely used. When users wash their hands, they do not need to deliberately stretch their hands to a specific position. They only need to naturally approach below the faucet, and the faucet can instantly sense and discharge water. The water flow is moderate, and the water temperature is constant. The entire water usage process is smooth and convenient, fully demonstrating the high efficiency and intelligence of the application of radar sensors in tap induction, bringing a comfortable and hygienic water usage experience to hotel guests, and at the same time enhancing the intelligent image and service quality of the hotel.
IV. Future Development Trends of Radar Sensors Assisting Induction Faucets
With the continuous innovation and breakthrough of technology, the application prospects of radar sensors in the field of induction faucets are extremely broad. On the one hand, in terms of energy conservation and water conservation, radar sensors will play a greater role. Through deep integration with the intelligent control system, it can intelligently adjust the water flow size and water discharge time according to the user's water usage habits and real-time needs. For example, when it detects that the user's handwashing movement amplitude is small, it automatically reduces the water flow; after the user leaves, it can close the faucet more quickly and accurately, avoiding unnecessary water resource waste and further improving the energy conservation and water conservation performance of the induction faucet.
On the other hand, in terms of enhancing the user's personalized experience, radar sensors will also have great potential. In the future, it may be able to accurately identify the characteristics of different users such as height and body shape, and automatically adjust the water outlet angle and height to meet the personalized water usage needs of different people. At the same time, combined with the Internet of Things technology, the induction faucet can also be interconnected with the smart home system. Users can remotely control the on/off of the faucet, adjust parameters such as water temperature through the mobile phone APP, and achieve a more convenient and intelligent home life experience.
With its unique working principle and significant advantages, radar sensors are leading the induction faucet industry into a new development stage. It not only brings users a more convenient, hygienic, and intelligent water usage experience but also lays a solid foundation for the continuous innovative development of induction faucets in terms of energy conservation and water conservation, personalized customization, etc., and is expected to shine more brightly in the future smart bathroom field.
