The Design of a Volume Control System for the Quooker tap

Abstract

This report presents the process of designing a volume unit as an addition to the current product system, which will allow the user to control boiling, chilled and carbonated water volumes. This assignment tackles both the user interaction that takes place around the tap over the counter, as well as the functionality and technology implemented below the counter to control the water volumes. One of the drivers of this project is backwards compatibility, making the designed system suitable for all existing taps and reservoirs.

Discover
Research is conducted internally at Quooker B.V. to identify the system characteristics when it comes to Quooker reservoirs, as well as the user interface and usability of the taps and accessories. Externally, competitors and other field applications are considered as inspiration for the design of the project. A set of use cases is obtained through exploration and user interviews, which serve as guideline for the design. Interestingly, users don’t frequently measure water volumes as they rather fill their pots by feeling based on the relative water level in the container. As for technology, after careful literature and desktop research, flow sensors, weight scales, pumps, timers and pressure sensors are considered.

Define
Based on the user needs and wishes, as well as Quooker system limitations, a list of requirements is created to steer the direction of the design process. These criteria include amongst others; usability, performance, aesthetic and cost price requirements. Some important aspects that are considered are limescale, flow rate, mental strain and the properties of special feature water, such as temperature, pressure and water consistency.

Develop
The next step is to explore different design directions. Several options are considered for both the user interaction and flow measurement, as well as possible placements within the current system to establish compatibility. These options are evaluated by users and R&D engineers and the final concepts were chosen; an external knob for over-the-counter user interaction alongside a turbine flow sensor at the inlet of the water system. These concepts are developed and tested within and outside of Quooker B.V. and iterations are made to improve the design.

Deliver
Finally, the part assemblies are laid out and design decisions are presented, as well as where the two units are placed in the system and how they are connected with each other. A cost estimation and preliminary manufacturing plan are presented to prove the feasibility of the design and future recommendations are made to assist Quooker B.V. with the further development of the product.