Drain System for Bathtub

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/233,829, filed on Aug. 14, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/117,325, filed on Dec. 10, 2020, which claims the benefit and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/948,233, filed Dec. 14, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure relates generally to systems used in a bath or shower environment to improve a user's bathing experience. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to controlling water flow through bathtub exit and overflow drains.

Bathtub fill and drain features are often asynchronous, requiring separate operation of fill and drain features. In addition, bathtub fill and drainage systems are often specific to a particular bathtub design and have specific installation requirements.

It would be advantageous to provide a versatile fill and drainage system for a bathtub that can coordinate, control, and monitor bathtub filling and drainage to ensure a best possible experience by a user.

At least one embodiment of this application relates to a system for controlling a water level in a bathtub, which includes a drain exit assembly coupled to an exit drain of the bathtub, a valve fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly, the valve being operably coupled to a motor, wherein the motor is configured to change an operational state of the valve, a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the valve and in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly. The drain exit assembly is configured to receive water exiting the bathtub and the motor is configured to change the operational state of the valve based on a pressure sensed by the pressure sensor to control a water level within the bathtub.

In various embodiments, the valve is a paddle valve. In other embodiments, the valve is a butterfly valve. In some embodiments, the valve is coupled to an inlet valve body, the inlet valve body coupled to a housing, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed within the housing. The inlet valve body may include an air pocket, wherein the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor associated with the air pocket. In some embodiments, the system further includes a thermistor communicatively coupled to the valve and in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly. In various embodiments, the motor is further configured to change the operational state of the valve based on a temperature measured by the thermistor.

In various embodiments, the system also includes an overflow drain assembly, the overflow drain assembly configured to receive water from an overflow drain of the bathtub. The overflow drain assembly may be configured for coupling to an overflow drain cover. In various embodiments, the overflow drain assembly is fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly downstream of the valve. In some embodiments, the motor is configured change the operational state of the valve based on one or more routines, the one or more routines being set by a user device. In various embodiments, the system may include one or more fluid coupling components, wherein the one or more fluid coupling components are sizable to accommodate at least one of a bathtub size or type. The system may further include an outlet valve body fluidly coupled to the valve, wherein the outlet valve body is configured to receive water flowing from the valve and direct the water away from the bathtub. The outlet valve body may be configured to direct the water in a downward direction relative to the bathtub. In other embodiments, the outlet valve body may be configured to direct the water in a horizontal direction relative to the bathtub. The outlet valve body may include one or more contoured features to facilitate quiet water flow therethrough. In various embodiments, the pressure indicates at least one of the water level or an occupancy of the bathtub.

According to another aspect of this application relates to a method for controlling a water level in a bathtub, wherein the method includes receiving, by a drain exit assembly, water exiting the bathtub, wherein the drain exit assembly is coupled to an exit drain of the bathtub. The method further includes sensing, by a pressure sensor, a pressure associated with an inlet valve body coupled to a valve, wherein the valve is fluidly coupled to the drain exit assembly, and changing, by a motor, an operational state of the valve responsive to the pressure sensor sensing the pressure, wherein the pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the drain exit assembly and operatively coupled to the valve. In various embodiments, the method further includes receiving, by the motor, an input from a user device, wherein the input comprises instructions associated with at least one of setting the water level or a temperature of water within the bathtub.

Yet another aspect of this application relates to a bathtub drain system, wherein the system includes a bathtub configured to receive water and having a first drain and a second drain, and a drain exit assembly fluidly coupled to the first drain, an overflow drain assembly fluidly coupled to the second drain. The drain exit assembly may be to receive water flowing through the first drain and the overflow drain assembly may be configured to receive water flowing through the first drain. The overflow drain assembly is fluidly connected to the drain exit assembly downstream of a valve coupled to the drain exit assembly. The valve is controlled by a motor and fluidly coupled with a pressure sensor, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to sense a pressure associated with a water level in the bathtub. The motor may be configured to change an operational state of the valve responsive to the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a drain system that includes an overflow drain assembly coupled with a mechanical valve that is housed within a modular assembly to electronically control water flow through a bathtub exit drain. The system includes an exit drain assembly installed within the bathtub water outlet, which is coupled to a valve assembly to meter flow of the water exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly includes a valve that may be rotated about an axis at various angles to meter water flow exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly further includes a motor to actuate the valve. Operation of the valve is dependent on input received from sensors coupled to the valve assembly and input from one or more user devices. The one or more sensors are contained within a housing mechanically coupled to the valve assembly.

In some embodiments, the valve assembly of the drain system is fluidly coupled to the overflow drain assembly at the valve assembly outlet such that water outlets from the overflow assembly and the bath exit drain assembly are conjoined. The entire drain system is constructed via pipes, screws, swivel joints, adapters, and other common plumbing implementations that can be modified, interchanged, and/or customized to accommodate a wide variety of bathtub designs.

In other embodiments, the drain system includes one or more temperature sensors to enable temperature monitoring to inform fill and drain features. In some embodiments, the drain system includes one or more component options to adapt the system for installation in a wide variety of environments and/or to a wide variety of bathtub designs.

Referring generally to the figures, a drain system includes an overflow drain assembly coupled with a mechanical valve that is housed within a modular assembly to electronically control water flow through a bathtub exit drain. The system includes an exit drain assembly installed within the bathtub water outlet, which is coupled to a valve assembly to meter flow of the water exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly includes a valve that may be rotated about an axis at various angles to meter water flow exiting the bathtub. The valve assembly further includes a motor to actuate the valve. Operation of the valve is dependent on input received from sensors coupled to the valve assembly and input from one or more user devices. The one or more sensors are contained within a housing mechanically coupled to the valve assembly. The sensors may include pressure sensors and/or thermostatic sensors. The valve assembly is fluidly coupled to the overflow drain assembly at the valve assembly outlet such that water outlets from the overflow assembly and the bath exit drain assembly are conjoined. The entire drain system is constructed via pipes, screws, swivel joints, adapters, and other common plumbing implementations that can be modified, interchanged, and/or customized to accommodate a wide variety of bathtub designs. The drain system can facilitate controlled filling and draining of a bathtub, enable the control of water level and temperature maintenance, and adjust for occupancy.

In some implementations, the system is digitally controlled via one or more user interfaces, computer and/or smart device applications, cloud-based voice command systems, or any other suitable method for receiving input. In various implementations, the one or more user interfaces may be coupled to the system remotely or locally.

In some implementations, the system may be adapted to fit a multitude of bathtub designs that may or may not include an overflow exit drain in addition to a primary bathtub exit drain. For designs requiring an overflow exit drain, the system may be adapted to accommodate various overflow drain opening geometries.

In various implementations, the system can be configured for installation in various types of dwelling or framing conditions surrounding a bathtub. These conditions may include plumbing and drainage implementations above or below flooring, or in front of or behind adjacent structural framework (e.g. walls, studs, etc.).

In various implementations, the system includes adjustable components such as swivel joints, adapter/extension pipes, and outward-facing accessible screw fittings. These adjustable components may be included within the exit drain assembly, the valve assembly, the overflow drain assembly, or any fluidly or mechanically segments to the aforementioned assemblies.

In various implementations, the system includes components that can be interchanged for aesthetic purposes, such as an overflow cover assembly coupled to the overflow drain assembly. In various embodiments, overflow cover assemblies may be different shapes such as flat or tray-shaped, round, or a combination thereof. In various exemplary embodiments, the overflow cover assemblies may include components that facilitate ease of installation and adaptation to a multitude of bathtub designs.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to monitor the water level within a bathtub by measuring the pressure on an air pocket within an air passageway adjacent to a pressure sensor coupled to valve assembly. In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to determine the water level within a bathtub independent of the shape of the bathtub via a pressure measurement by the pressure sensor.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to provide a multitude of various functional capabilities beyond water level determination such as recognizing bathtub occupancy, operating based on preferences input by a user device, and providing digital information for data analytics that may be accessible by a user and/or user device (e.g. water usage, in-bath changes, trends, etc.).

In other exemplary embodiments, the system may have features that preserve the operation of the system over time, including moderating external pressure exposure (e.g. plunging) or pressure resulting from water drainage, to pressure-sensitive components (e.g. pressure sensor). In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include features that enable manual manipulation of components to allow operation without electronic control. In other exemplary embodiments, the system may include implementations for preventing debris within the bathtub from exiting into the system. Such implementations may include a debris strainer and drain exit cover over the bathtub water outlet.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to provide various safety or comfort features to a user of the bathtub attached system. In various embodiments, the valve may have limited runtime wherein the valve is only in an open or closed position for a preset period of time. The system may also be configured to adjust the valve opening such that water exiting the bathtub is not turbulent and produces minimal sound. In other embodiments, the system may be configured to have various calibration settings to ensure accurate filling, draining, and monitoring of a coupled bathtub. In yet other exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to monitor the rate of change of sensed pressure to determine normal or abnormal filling, drainage, or bathtub occupancy. In various exemplary embodiments, a control of the drain system may enable the selective shut down or mode change of a system depending on predefined manufacturer error codes and/or user-device specified rules.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to operate based on preset routines in response to input from a user device. Preset routines may be set by the user device and may include routines to sequentially or cyclically fill and/or drain water from a bathtub coupled to the system. Preset routines may operate based on a user device-determined point in time or according to a preset schedule defined by the user device. In various exemplary embodiments, such routines may include one or more purge cycle routines, whereby the system facilitates scheduled cleaning of the coupled bathtub.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system is configured to accommodate one or more predefined settings determined or set by a user device. The predefined settings may cause an increase or decrease in temperature of bath water, resulting from a system-initiated change in temperature and flow of water into and out of the bathtub. The settings may also cause the system alter the level of water within the bathtub, including filling or draining to preset amounts.

In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include an electronically coupled thermistor to measure and precisely control the temperature of water entering, exiting, or remaining within a bathtub. In various embodiments, the thermistor-containing system may facilitate the determination and setting of water temperature preferences within the bathtub, as defined or input by a user device. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a flow meter device coupled to water flow passageways located between the bathtub exit drain and the mechanical valve. In various embodiments, the device-containing system may monitor the amount and speed of water entering the system via the bathtub exit drain and, consequently, facilitate the determination and setting of desired water flow characteristics (e.g. drainage rates). The system may also be configured to provide digital information, such as to a user device, for the purposes of data analytics (e.g. temperature preferences, decay, trends, etc.). Digital information may be sourced from a thermistor, pressure sensor, flow meter device, or any other measuring implement mechanically or communicably coupled to the system.

In various implementations, the system may be configured to operate with various types of valve designs. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may include a gate or paddle-shaped valve which rotates about an attachment point located on one end of the valve. In alternative exemplary embodiments the system may include a butterfly valve with a central attachment point to facilitate equal pressure on valve surfaces and driving motor components. In various exemplary embodiments, the system may be configured to implement a particular valve design to accommodate requirements of a coupled motor (e.g. size, cost, etc.).

In various exemplary embodiments, components of the system may be configured to increase drain capacity and facilitate smooth and efficient water flow therein. Such configurations may include geometric features within the components to alter direction and velocity of water flow. In various exemplary embodiments, components included within the valve assembly may constructed to include features that reduces debris collection and promote a smooth flow geometry.

Turning now to the accompanying figures, and referring specifically to, a methodfor operation of a drain system is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In operation, the system receives input from a user device (local or remote) that pertains to the filling and/or draining of a bathtub coupled to the system (e.g. a desired water fill level), and subsequently adjusts filling and drain settings to accommodate the received input in operation. The user device may communicate with the system via wired connections (e.g. Ethernet, USB, etc.) or wireless connections (e.g. Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc.). According to one exemplary embodiment, input may be received from a user device (e.g. smart device, coupled user interface) at a controller or receiver.

The system detects and monitors pressure within the bathtub in operation, which can be related to a water level and/or occupancy within the bathtub in operation. The system can then determine if the water level satisfies the received user device input in operation. If the determined water level is satisfies the conditions of the user device input received in operation, the system can turn off or otherwise switch settings and/or modes and await further input from the user device (operation). If the system determines that the water level does not satisfy the user device input that was received in operation, the system can reiterate through operations,, anduntil the user device input conditions are met.

shows a side view of a drain systemadapted to fit a bathtub, according to an exemplary embodiment. The drain systemmay be configured to operate according to method. In, the drain systemis mounted to bathtubto facilitate water flow through a main water exit drain and an overflow drain.show side and side cross-sectional views of the systemadapted to fit a bathtub, illustrating in greater detail the structure and connectivity of the system components. In, systemis shown from an opposite side view (as compared to), illustrating a bathtub filled with waterand a corresponding water level determinationdetermined by a pressure sensor located within systemcomponents beneath the bathtubat a heightrelative to the water.

show exploded views of a drain system, according to exemplary embodiments. Systemreceives water flowing out of a coupled bathtub (such as bathtub) at drain exit assembly. Drainage subsequently flows through elbow drainand through reducing coupler. Coupleris fluidly connected to inlet and outlet valve bodiesand, respectively. Inlet and outlet valve bodiesandhouse a gate (“paddle”) valveand valve seal. Valvecan be controlled to permit or prevent further water flow out of reducing couplerdepending on its position relative to sealwithin valve bodiesand. The paddle valveis controlled by motor, such that the motorcontrols or changes an operational state of the valve(e.g., changes the valveposition). Motorcan be electrically operated or manually overridden. Operation of motormay be dependent on user-device input (e.g., via wired or wireless communication such as Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, etc.) and/or sensed pressure information from a pressure sensor located in mounting block or housing. Pressure sensor mounting block or housingis further coupled to valve bodiesand, in addition to pressure sensor circuit board, seals, sensor sealsand, and O-rings. The pressure sensor housing is coupled to the valve bodiesandsuch that is located near an air passageway within inlet valve body. The air passageway within inlet valve bodyis covered by air passageway coverand fastenerssuch that it contains an air bubble that is pressurized (and measurable by a pressure sensor) depending on the water level within bathtub. In various embodiments, the air bubble pressure may indicate occupancy of the bathtub.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systemmay be configured to provide various safety or comfort features to a user of the bathtub. In various embodiments, the motormay operate the valvesuch that is in an open or closed position for a preset period of time. The systemmay also be configured to adjust the valveopening such that water exiting the bathtubis not turbulent and produces minimal sound.

The outlet valve bodyis fluidly coupled to receive water flow from pipe, which directs water exiting bathtubvia an overflow drain elbow assemblyand a first set of connecting swivel ball fittings (including swivel joint socket, joint gasket, and swivel joint fitting). Water exiting the bathtub via overflow elbow drain assemblyand paddle valveassembly flow out through outlet valve bodyand subsequently through a second set of connecting swivel ball fittings. Water flowing out of systemcan then be connected to any additional downstream plumbing required to conclude water drainage.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systemmay include a flow meter device fluidly coupled between the exit drain of the bathtuband the valve(e.g., to at least one of elbow drain, coupler, or inlet valve body). In various embodiments, the systemmay monitor an amount and/or speed of water entering the systemfrom the exit drain and, consequently, facilitate the determination and setting of desired water flow characteristics (e.g. drainage rates). The systemmay also be configured to provide digital information (e.g., via NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, direct connection), such as to a user device, for the purposes of data analytics (e.g. temperature preferences, decay, trends, etc.). Digital information may be sourced from the thermistor, a pressure sensor in housing, the flow meter device, or any other measuring implement mechanically or communicably coupled to the system.

In various exemplary embodiments, the systemmay be configured to operate based on one or more preset routines in response to input from a user device (e.g., received by the motor). Preset routines may be set by the user device and may include routines to sequentially or cyclically fill and/or drain water from the bathtub. Preset routines may operate based on a user device-determined point in time or according to a preset schedule defined by the user device. In various exemplary embodiments, such routines may include one or more purge cycle routines, whereby the systemfacilitates scheduled cleaning of the coupled bathtub.

The systemcan be configured to accommodate various installation requirements, including facilitating drainage from a bathtubabove or below flooring on which bathtubis located, or in front of or behind surrounding structures near which bathtubis located. Adaptations of systemcan be accomplished through adjusting swivel ball fittings (including swivel joint socket, joint gasket, and swivel joint fitting) and/or using various configurations of outlet valve body.shows a vertical configuration for outlet valve bodyandshows a 90 degree (“horizontal”) configuration for outlet valve body.

show an outlet valve bodyin a vertical configuration, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Locationsandon outlet valve bodyindicate locations of water inlet and outlet, respectively. Outlet valve bodyis coupled to system, such as to inlet valve bodyvia base plate.illustrates a front view of outlet valve bodywherein water enters at locationdownward to location.shows a bottom, end view near location, illustrating a substantially straight water flow path through outlet valve body.

show end views of outlet valve body, illustrating featuresto facilitate coupling of a paddle valveand seal.show cross-sectional views of outlet valve bodytaken along lines-and-of, respectively, which illustrate features to facilitate smooth water flow (feature) and enable connectivity to inlet valve bodyand motor(feature).shows a side cross-sectional view of outlet valve bodytaken along line-of, illustrating additional feature, which encourages smooth water flow through outlet valve body.shows a perspective view of outlet valve bodyopposite the view shown in, illustrating featurewhich enables connectivity to inlet body valve bodyand motor.

show an inlet valve body, according to an exemplary embodiment.andshow perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an inlet valve body, which includes base platefor connectivity to outlet body valve, air passage featuresto facilitate pressure sensing, and inlet featurethrough which water enters the inlet valve body.show alternate cross-sectional views, respectively, of inlet valve bodyto additionally illustrate feature, which facilitates coupling of paddle valveand sealto inlet valve body.

show a paddle valve seal, according to an exemplary embodiment.shows a front view of valve seal, illustrating connectivity featuresandwhich facilitate connectivity to inlet and outlet valve bodiesand(such as to featuresand/or).also shows outer sealing featuresand inner sealing featureswhich facilitate the generation of an effective seal between a paddle valveand inlet and outlet valve bodiesand.show side cross-sectional (along line-) and outer top views of valve seal, further illustrating features,, and.show a top cross-sectional view (along line-) of seal, illustrating connectivity featurewithin featureto enable coupling to and operation of paddle valverelative to seal.shows a top cross-sectional view of sealalong line-.shows a perspective view of seal, illustrating sealing featuresandad connectivity featuresand.

show a paddle valve, according to an exemplary embodiment.shows a perspective view of paddle valveincluding a main valve surfacewhich provides a barrier for water flow from a bathtub exit drain through system. When the paddle valve is closed, outer edgeon valveengages with sealto form a watertight seal, thereby preventing water flow. When the paddle valveis opened, endis rotated away from the direction of water flow about connectivity pointto permit water flow through systemfrom a bathtub exit drain.show side and front views, respectively, of paddle valveto further illustrate features,,, and.show side views of paddle valveto illustrate additional featuresand, which enable the paddle valveto be coupled to seal, inlet and outlet valve bodiesand, and motor. As illustrated in, which shows a cross-sectional view of paddle valvetaken along line-of, the connectivity pointmay be configured to extend along a length of the paddle valve. As shown in, which is an end view of the paddle valve, the main valve surfacemay have a greater thickness as compared to that of the outer edge.

show a swivel joint socket, according to an exemplary embodiment. Swivel joint socketmay be used within systemto facilitate modular connectivity therein.shows a perspective view of swivel joint socket, illustrating a water flow inlet locationand a water flow outlet location.shows an end view of swivel joint, further illustrating relative positions of featuresand.shows a side cross sectional view of swivel joint sockettaken along line-of, illustrating featurepositioned between locationsandto facilitate smooth water flow.

show a reducing coupler, according to an exemplary embodiment.shows a perspective view of reducing coupler, illustrating water inlet locationand water outlet location.show end and side cross-sectional views (taken along line-of), respectively, of reducing couplerto illustrate the relative dimensions of reducing couplerat locationsand.

show exploded perspective and end views, respectively of a swivel ball fittings kit, according to an exemplary embodiment. Swivel ball fittings kitincludes swivel joint socket, swivel joint fitting, and joint gasket. Swivel ball fittings kitmay be implemented within systemto enable adaptation and/or customization of systemto a multitude of installation locations.

show an elbow drain, according to an exemplary embodiment.show side and end views, respectively of elbow drainto illustrate water inlet location, 90 degree bend, and water outlet location.shows a side cross-sectional view of elbow drain(taken along line-of), further illustrating inner featuresto facilitate the coupling of a drain cover assembly.

show side views of systemnear components that facilitate water flow out of a bathtubexit drain, according to various exemplary embodiments.show a side cross-sectional view of system(taken along line-ofand line-of, respectively) installed above flooring near the bathtubexit drain and paddle valve, illustrating alternate configurations of outlet valve body.shows a vertical or linear configuration for outlet valve body, enabling water to flow directly downward after passage through valveand/or pipe.shows a 90 degree or horizontal configuration for outlet valve body, enabling water to flow outward after passage through valveand/or pipe. As shown the outlet valve bodymay include one or more contoured featuresto facilitate quiet water flow through the system.shows a side view of systeminstalled below flooring near a bathtubexit drain, illustrating an alternate configuration for systeminstallation.show side cross-sectional views of systemnear the bathtubexit drain, highlighting a distancebetween elbow drainand inlet valve body. In various embodiments, systemmay have a different distanceto accommodate installation requirements (e.g., size or type of the bathtub, plumbing connecting to the bathtub, etc.).also illustrate an alternate positionfor paddle valve, corresponding to an open valve configuration. Paddle valvemay be in positionafter a rotationcaused by motor.

Notably, the position of the paddle valveas shown inis angled downward in the fully open position. Advantageously, this positioning of the paddle valvedirects water to flow downward into the adjacent drain pipe structure, which the inventors have found significantly increases the speed at which water may drain from the bathtub. According to one exemplary embodiment, water may drain from the tubup to approximately 25% more quickly than if the pipes simply met at a 90 degree angle without the water being directed in manner that allows it to flow downward in the drain pipe. Without being limited to a particular theory, one potential reason for this increased drainage speed may be the reduction in cavitation in the water being drained as a result of controlling the fluid to flow in the desired direction.

shows a side cross-sectional view of system(taken along line-of) near the bathtubexit drain, illustrating the configuration of drain cover assemblyand comprising parts, including drain stopper, drain post, strainer, and attaching screw.show a bath drain strainer body, according to exemplary embodiments.show perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of drain strainer body, illustrating upper surface(to interface with drain post) and round surface(to interface with elbow drain).shows a top view of drain strainer bodyadditionally illustrating featuresto interface with drain cover assembly.shows a side view of drain strainer body.

shows an exploded view of drain cover assembly(including drain stopper, drain post, drain strainer, and connecting screw), according to an exemplary embodiment.show top and side views of drain stopperwhich prevents large debris from entering system. As illustrated in, which is a cross-sectional view of the drain stoppertaken along line-of, the drain stoppermay be dome shaped.show top and side views, respectively of drain post, illustrating central postwhich interfaces with drain stopper, featuresto catch unwanted debris from entering system, and postto couple with drain strainer.show top and side views, respectively, of drain strainer, to illustrate central aperturewhich facilitates coupling to drain post. In additionillustrate outer ring, radial arms, and texture featuresto prevent any remaining debris from entering system.

show systemincluding thermistorcoupled to inlet valve body, according to an exemplary embodiment. Thermistorenables temperature measurements and bath water monitoring to inform systemoperation. As shown in, which is an exploded view of the system, the thermistormay be coupled to the systemvia the inlet valve bodydisposed between the elbow drainand the valve. In various embodiments, the thermistormay be communicably coupled to one or more controllers and/or one or more user devices such that the thermistormay be used to monitor and/or control a temperature of water entering the bathtub. In various embodiments, such temperature control may be based on one or more preset modes, conditions, settings (e.g., set by a controller and/or user device). As shown in, the thermistormay be coupled to the inlet valve bodythrough an opening in the air passage coversuch that an end of the thermistorextends through an elongated portionof the inlet valve body. In various embodiments, the thermistormay facilitate the determination and setting of water temperature preferences within the bathtub, as defined or input by a user device, which may be communicably coupled to the thermistor.