Automated Water Tap

Automate the water taps without changing the already existing infrastructure, using an IR sensor, Solenoid valve, and a 555 timer IC.

BeginnerFull instructions provided2 hours2,096

Things used in this project

Hardware components

IR Sensor Module

Texas Instruments 555 Timers Ultra Low Voltage

Linear Regulator (7805)

Solenoid valve for water flow control

3D Printer

Story

When we are done washing our hands we need to touch the tap once again to close it. This might become a serious problem, especially in public toilets, thus automating the existing infrastructure of taps is essential. Instead of changing the entire tap itself, we have just added a solenoid valve to the mouth of the water tap. Since the tap openings were not compatible we 3D printed a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch(male to female) tap adapter.

The solenoid valve connected to the tap using the 3D printed tap adaptor.

Working mechanism:

This system is based on a 555 timer IC which is being used in the monostable mode.
IR proximity sensor module detects the hand and activates the solenoid valve for 5 seconds, after which it is deactivated again.

Currently, I am powering up my project with a 12v 2A power supply. But we could develop a battery-powered prototype replacing the solenoid valve with bi-stable solenoid valves which consume power only when they are switching.

Working prototype.