Capacitive user interface for a faucet and method of forming

• US 9,243,756 B2
• Filed: 02/04/2013
• Issued: 01/26/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 04/20/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Delta Faucet Company (Masco Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Delta Faucet Company (Masco Corporation)
• Inventors: Davidson, Kyle R., De Vries, Adam M.
• Primary Examiner(s): JELLETT, MATTHEW WILLIAM
• Application Number:
  US13/758,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20130146160A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,086 Days
• Field of Search: 137/801, 251/129.04, 462/3, 200/310, 200/600, 174/257
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/0404 Constructional or functional features of the spout
• CPC Class Codes: E03C 1/055 Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
• CPC Class Codes: F17D 3/00 Arrangements for supervising or controlling working operations
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1393 characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 13/00 Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing or adjusting assemblages of electric components
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8158 With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49117 Conductor or circuit manufacturing

Abstract

An electronic user interface for use with a water delivery device, such as a faucet. The user interface illustratively includes a plurality of bonded layers thermally formed into a multi-dimensional shape. The layers may include a conductive layer, a graphics layer, and a protective layer. A structural support may be molded to a rear of the conductive layer.

Claims

1. An electronic user interface for a faucet comprising:

a thermally formed assembly of layers including a conductive layer, a graphics layer, and a protective layer, wherein;

the conductive layer includes a plurality of conductive sensors supported by a polymeric film;

the graphics layer includes a plurality of visual indicia supported by a polymeric film, the visual indicia aligned above the conductive sensors; and

the protective layer includes a polymeric film positioned above the graphics layer;

wherein the plurality of conductive sensors includes a first user input configured to control a first characteristic of water through the faucet, and a second user input configured to control a second characteristic of water through the faucet, the first user input comprising a first touch sensor to control a flow rate of water, and the second user input comprising a second touch sensor to control a temperature of water;

the first touch sensor including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts defining a plurality of segments extending between opposing lower and upper ends, wherein touching a segment of the first touch sensor proximate the lower end selects a lower flow rate of water, and touching a segment of the first touch sensor proximate the upper end selects a higher flow rate of water;

the second touch sensor including a plurality of electrically conductive contacts defining a plurality of segments extending between opposing lower and upper ends, wherein touching a segment of the second touch sensor proximate the lower end selects a lower temperature of water, and touching a segment of the second touch sensor proximate the upper end selects a higher temperature of water; and

a structural support formed of a polymer and molded to the rear of the conductive layer, wherein the structural support is configured to couple the electronic user interface in a faucet spout.

2. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the visual indicia includes at least one of a letter, a number, and a color.

3. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the conductive layer includes a light source, and the visual indicia are supported by a rear surface of the graphics layer for back illumination by the light source.

4. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the layers are thermally formed into a three dimensional shape, wherein the shape is curved in multiple directions.

7. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the structural support is formed of a thermoplastic.

8. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the structural support comprises a back pocket configured to accept a printed circuit assembly that is plugged into a ribbon cable of the conductive layer.

9. The electronic user interface of claim 1, wherein the structural support comprises a tab and a hook to couple the electronic user interface to the faucet spout.

5. An electronic user interface for a faucet comprising:

a thermally formed assembly of layers including a conductive layer, a graphics layer, and a protective layer, wherein;

the conductive layer includes a plurality of conductive sensors supported by a polymeric film;

the graphics layer includes a plurality of visual indicia supported by a polymeric film, the visual indicia aligned above the conductive sensors; and

the protective layer includes a polymeric film positioned above the graphics layer;

wherein the plurality of conductive sensors includes a first user input configured to control a first characteristic of water through the faucet, and a second user input configured to control a second characteristic of water through the faucet; and

a structural support formed of a polymer and molded to the rear of the conductive layer, wherein the structural support is configured to couple the electronic user interface in a faucet spout;

wherein the first user input comprises a first touch slider to control a flow rate of water, and the second user input comprises a second touch slider to control a temperature of water.

6. An electronic user interface for a faucet comprising:

a delivery spout including an outlet for supplying water;

a thermally formed assembly of layers including a conductive layer, a graphics layer, and a protective layer, wherein;

the conductive layer includes a plurality of conductive sensors supported by a polymeric film, wherein the plurality of conductive sensors includes a first user input configured to control a first characteristic of water through the outlet of the delivery spout, and a second user input configured to control a second characteristic of water through the delivery spout;

the graphics layer includes a plurality of visual indicia supported by a polymeric film;

the protective layer includes a polymeric film positioned above the graphics layer, wherein the layers are thermally formed into a three dimensional shape, wherein the shape is curved in multiple directions; and

a structural support formed of a polymer and molded to the rear of the conductive layer, the structural support being coupled to the delivery spout;

wherein the first user input comprises a first touch slider to control a flow rate of water, and the second user input comprises a second touch slider to control a temperature of water.