AUTOMATIC WATER SHUT-OFF AND TEMPORARY USE SYSTEM FOR DROPPING FAUCETS.

Abstract

The invention is an automatic water shut-off and temporary use system for dripping taps, designed to prevent water loss due to dripping from taps. It separates normal water use from repeated dripping behavior by means of a drip detection sensor (3) that detects dripping from the tap body (1), a user detection sensor (4) that detects user presence or usage request, an electric water shut-off valve (6) that controls the water flow between the water inlet line (7) and the tap supply line (8), and an automatic control unit (5) that evaluates the signals received from these elements; maintains the protection state by cutting off the water supply in case of confirmed dripping; temporarily provides water supply upon user request; and after temporary use, reassesses the dripping situation and cuts off the water again if dripping continues, and returns to normal operation if dripping stops.

Description

1 TARIFF AUTOMATIC WATER SHUT-OFF AND TEMPORARY USE FOR DROPPING FAUCETS. SYSTEM TECHNICAL AREA 5 The invention enables the detection of unwanted water losses in plumbing systems and taps. and is related to systems for controlling them. The invention, in particular, detects dripping behavior occurring in a tap, thus improving the quality of normal water. distinguishing it from its use, in the case of verified dripping, the water supply of the relevant tap. automatic shutdown, providing the user with temporary usage option if needed, and temporary Re-evaluate the dripping condition after use and check the water supply. This relates to automatic water shut-off and control systems. STATE OF THE ART Today, water is used in residential buildings, workplaces, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and similar structures. In plumbing systems, different types and Faucets are used in buildings. These faucets generally supply water from the plumbing system. The pressurized water is turned on and off by the user through a mechanism that allows the water to flow 20 It consists of a tap body that allows the outlet to be made. Depending on the structure of the tap... Turning the water on, off, and adjusting the flow rate; seals, packing, cartridges, via ceramic discs or similar movable and / or sealing elements is being carried out. Prolonged use of faucets can cause wear and tear on these sealing elements. loss of function due to wear, deformation, surface deterioration, calcification, or similar reasons. This can occur due to the tap not being fully closed, the cartridge, or... the entry of foreign substances between the gasket surfaces or formations in the fasteners Mechanical problems can also cause water to come out of the tap in an unwanted way. This can happen. This situation often occurs even when the tap is in the closed position, but the tap is still running at 30°. It is observed as water droplets falling from its outlet at specific time intervals. The dripping that occurs at the tap is a momentary, small loss of water. Despite causing the malfunction, the total water loss will occur if the problem persists for a long time. these amounts can reach significant figures, especially if the malfunction is noticed late by the user. 2 if maintenance or repair cannot be carried out immediately or the faucet has been out of service for a long time In buildings where the building is not in use, unnecessary water consumption due to dripping continues. In current practices, to prevent water loss caused by a dripping faucet... First, the faucet's faulty gasket, cartridge, or other sealing elements need to be replaced. is required. However, in cases where the maintenance process cannot be carried out immediately, user 5 usually by manually closing the shut-off valve located under the sink or faucet. It cuts off the water supply to the tap. When the tap needs to be used again, this interruption occurs. the valve is reopened and closed again after use is complete This is especially true when the malfunction cannot be fixed for a long time. This creates a difficulty. 10 In the current state of technology, there are also devices that detect leaks occurring in water pipes and If a leak is detected, the water is turned off via an electrically controlled valve. There are various systems that automatically cut off the power supply. One of these systems is... water accumulation occurring on the floor or in certain areas of the plumbing system While some are detected, changes in system pressure, flow rate, or water flow are monitored in others. 15 In addition, it automatically adjusts the water flow by detecting the user's presence or hand movement. Contactless tap systems that start and stop the tap are also known. US20110320140A1 was identified in a literature search conducted on the known state of the art. In patent document number [number], unwanted water occurring in a tap or plumbing system... If a flow or leak is detected and the specified conditions are met, water 20 A system for cutting off the power supply via a valve is described. The document in question describes a low-flow continuous stream that occurs when the tap is closed. or detection of dripping, cutting off the water supply to the tap when a leak is detected. shutting off the system via a valve and warning the user about the situation. It is anticipated that if the detected leakage is limited, the user will receive a 25 It can reactivate the shut-off water supply via the bypass function and A system is described that allows the system to be used until the fault is repaired. In another patent, US7306008B2, which is a known state of the art document, water Detecting leaks in the plumbing system and, as a result of the detected leak, cutting off the water supply. a system for cutting off the power via an electrically controlled valve 30 This is explained. In this system, possible pressure changes within the piping are monitored. The leak situation is determined, and when a leak is detected, the water supply is shut off to the user. A warning is given. The document mentions that even a slowly dripping faucet can indicate minor leaks. is considered as such and a manual override by the user can be implemented if necessary. This mechanism enables the water supply to be reactivated. 35 3 However, current systems detect leaks or unwanted water flow and regulate water flow. interruption of the water supply and reactivation of the water supply if necessary. Although various solutions exist, dripping, especially at the faucet outlet, is a common problem. distinguishing its behavior from normal tap usage and tap repair Preventing water loss until it is repaired and ensuring the tap can be used when needed. 5 There are areas for improvement in terms of achieving this together. Specifically, droplet events separated by time over a certain period By evaluating and verifying the drip irrigation malfunction, the drip irrigation result is verified. Simply turning off the water supply to the relevant tap will cause dripping naturally when the water is turned off. Although the fault has been eliminated, the detected fault status is maintained by the system. 10 It is important that the water can be temporarily reused by the user if needed. It carries [water]. In addition, the water supply is turned on after the temporary use is completed. In this situation, the dripping behavior should be observed again and based on the results of this observation. If the problem persists, the water will be shut off again; if the dripping has stopped, the system will return to normal. It needs to be automatically returned to working condition. 15 Therefore, in the known state of the technology, the water that occurs from dripping at the tap... minimizing water loss while completely disabling the tap until the malfunction is fixed. Not requiring; able to distinguish normal water usage from dripping behavior, verified. maintains the drip-free state even after the water is turned off and after temporary use. By reassessing the drip irrigation status, it automatically adjusts the water supply accordingly. An integrated system that can manage and be applied to the existing installation is needed. THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary purpose of the invention is to cure continuous or slow-moving malfunctions that occur even when the tap is in the closed position. The unnecessary water loss caused by periodic dripping can be corrected by the user's connection to the plumbing valve. 25 automatically without the need for constant manual intervention The goal is to develop a water control system that limits water usage. The invention aims to modify the normal use of water from a tap, with specific time intervals between uses. distinguishing it from repetitive dripping behavior with intervals, it is only a true drip. If the malfunction continues for a certain period of time, the water supply to the relevant tap will be cut off. to prevent unnecessary water interruptions during normal use. 30 to provide. Another purpose of the invention is to verify the water supply as a result of drip irrigation malfunction. The dripping naturally stops when the tap is turned off, indicating that the problem has been fixed. 4 failing to evaluate and verify the protection status of the drip irrigation system regarding the malfunction. The goal is to ensure that it is preserved by them. Another purpose of the invention is to repair a malfunctioning faucet whose water supply has been interrupted due to dripping. to prevent it from becoming completely unusable until the issue is resolved and to meet the user's needs. by temporarily and controllably reactivating the water supply, tap 5 The goal is to make it usable. Another purpose of the invention is to provide water after the temporary use in question is complete. Re-evaluate dripping behavior at the tap while the supply is on; If dripping continues, the water supply will be cut off again to maintain protection. to continue, and if dripping has stopped, the system will automatically return to normal 10 The goal is to restore it to working condition. Another purpose of the invention is to detect drip irrigation malfunctions and to provide temporary and temporary solutions. an integrated control system covering the entire process from post-use to reassessment. by implementing it within its structure, it reduces user intervention and saves water. to increase. 15 Another aim of the invention is to bring about a comprehensive change in existing faucet and sink designs. a modular structure that can be retrofitted to the water supply line without requiring any prior installation This allows the system to be used in existing installations as well. The structural and characteristic features and all the advantages of the invention are given in the figures below. Thanks to the detailed explanation written with references to the figures, it is clearer than ever. 20 This will be understood, and therefore the evaluation will also take these forms and detailed explanations into account. It must be done by taking it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The best way to utilize the advantages of the existing invention, together with its structure and additional elements. For it to be understood, it must be considered together with the figures explained below. Figure 1 shows the automatic water shut-off and temporary use system for taps, sinks, which is the subject of the invention. sensing elements, control unit, electric water shut-off valve and power supply together with 30 This is a general perspective view. Figure 2 shows the side view of the system, including the tap and sink, and the electrical components. showing the connection of the water shut-off valve between the water inlet and tap supply lines. This is an assembly view. Figure 3 shows the drip detection sensor, user detection sensor, and automatic control unit. Functional connections between the electric water shut-off valve, warning indicator and power supply 5 It is a block diagram that illustrates this. Figure 4 shows the user detection sensor when the system is in drip protection mode. As a result of being detected, the electric water shut-off valve is temporarily opened. This is a perspective view of the operating condition in which the tap is usable. REFERENCE NUMBERS 1. Faucet body 2. Washbasin 3. Drip detection sensor 15 4. User detection sensor 5. Automatic control unit 6. Electric water shut-off valve 7. Water inlet line 8. Tap supply line 20 9. Warning indicator 10. Power supply The drawings do not necessarily need to be scaled and are necessary for understanding the invention. Details that are not present may have been overlooked. Furthermore, at least to a large extent, 25 Elements that are identical or at least have substantially identical functions are numbered the same. It is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention solves the problem of water dripping even when the tap is in the closed position. to automatically limit loss and allow the user to continue using the drip irrigation system until the problem is resolved. It has been developed to allow the tap to be used in a controlled manner when needed. This relates to the automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system. 6 The system in question consists of a tap body (1), a sink associated with the tap body (1). (2), drip detection sensor (3) that detects dripping from the tap, User detection sensor (4) which detects the presence of the user or the request for use, detection Automatic control unit (5) which evaluates the signals from its sensors, to the tap body (1) electric water shut-off valve (6) which enables control of the incoming water, water inlet line (7), 5 The tap supply line (8) provides the user with an alert that informs them about the operating status of the system. It includes the indicator (9) and the power supply (10) that provides electrical energy to the system. In the installation of the system, the electric water shut-off valve (6), the water inlet line (7) and the tap The supply line (8) is connected in series between the outlet of the electric water shut-off valve (6). The tap is connected to the tap body (1) via the tap supply line (8) and thus 10 The tap related to turning the electric water shut-off valve (6) to the open or closed position. Water reaching the body (1) is checked. Thus, when dripping is detected, the structure is checked. Instead of cutting off the entire water supply, only the specific tap where the dripping is occurring should be shut off. Water supply can be controlled. The drip detection sensor (3) detects 15 water droplets leaving the tap body (1). It is located in an area where it can be detected. Drip detection sensor (3), tap It may be located under the outlet or in the path of the drip, as well as on the sink (2), around the drain, in the overflow channel, in a sensing part connected to the faucet, or in a drip It can also be positioned in another area, allowing its behavior to be monitored. The drip detection sensor (3) detects the water droplets that occur as physical events. It detects and transmits a signal to the automatic control unit (5). This detection is based on the water level. sensor surface wetting, mechanical effect caused by the droplet, optical transmission, electrical It is possible to determine changes in conductivity, capacitance, or the presence of a water droplet. This can be achieved through an equivalent sensing principle that provides this. In normal operating condition of the system, the electric water shut-off valve (6) is in the open position 25 and water from the water inlet line (7) flows through the tap supply line (8) to the tap It reaches the body (1). Thus, the user opens the tap body (1) normally and By turning it off, they can use the water. During normal use, a continuous or high-frequency flow of water from the tap body (1) This can happen. Even if the drip detection sensor (3) detects the water in question, 30 The automatic control unit (5) evaluates the temporal behavior of the received signals and determines the normal water flow that occurs during use and continues after the tap is closed It distinguishes the dripping behavior from each other. 7 In this context, the automatic control unit (5) detects continuous problems that occur during normal operation. or high-frequency detection signals with short time intervals as normal usage. in evaluating; separated by perceptual gaps and occurring repeatedly It interprets the incoming drip signals as a possible drip malfunction. A single... 5 formed by a drop, a brief contact with water or water remaining on the sink (2) In order to avoid the perception being directly considered a fault, the dripping behavior is specific. It is monitored throughout the verification period. The verification in question involves repeated drop signals separated by sensing gaps. If it continues throughout the period, the automatic control unit (5) will detect the dripping fault. This confirms that the electric water shut-off valve (6) only requires a single water contact. or prevents unnecessary shutdown due to normal use. Upon verification of the dripping fault, the automatic control unit (5) switches off the electric water supply. The water shut-off valve (6) is closed. By closing the electric water shut-off valve (6), the water shut-off valve is closed. The water flow from the inlet line (7) to the tap supply line (8) is cut off and to the tap body (1) new water supply is prevented. 15 As a result of closing the electric shut-off valve (6), dripping on the tap body (1) It can naturally come to an end. However, this type of cessation of dripping, The dripping malfunction was eliminated by the automatic control unit (5). It is not being evaluated. Automatic control unit (5), due to verified drip failure. as a protective state and electric water shut-off valve (6) 20 No new drip signal is received from the drip detection sensor (3) after it has been switched off Even in this case, it maintains the aforementioned protection status. This eliminates dripping as a natural consequence of the water being turned off. The repair of the actual fault in the faucet and the protection status are two different things. As long as it continues, the electric water shut-off valve (6) remains continuously open in normal use conditions 25 It does not automatically return to its original position. A warning indicator is included in the system so that the user can understand the protection status. (9) is located. The warning indicator (9) confirms that the dripping malfunction has been confirmed and the electric water visually inform the user that the shut-off valve (6) is in the closed position It can report different operating conditions of the system continuously or intermittently. 30 Warning indicator (9) It can be expressed through various forms of representation. Within the scope of the invention, the faucet's operation during the time it takes to fix a dripping malfunction is considered. user detection sensor (4) to prevent it from becoming completely unusable 8 It is located. The user detection sensor (4) detects the user's hand, approach, touch. or by sensing the usage request, the automatic control unit (5) expresses the user request It transmits a signal. While the system is in protection mode, the user detection sensor (4) detects the user or use Upon sensing the demand, the automatic control unit (5) temporarily shuts off the electric water shut-off valve (6). This opens the tap. Thus, water coming from the water inlet line (7) is reconnected to the tap. to the supply line (8) and from there to the tap body (1), the user can find the faulty tap The faucet can be used if needed before it needs repair. The electric water shut-off valve (6) is temporarily kept open for a specified period of time. throughout, for the duration that the user is detected by the user detection sensor (4) or 10 This can continue until it is determined that the tap usage has ended. Thus... A controlled, temporary use is provided without completely lifting the protection status. After the temporary use ends, the automatic control unit (5) cuts off the electric water supply. Instead of switching the valve (6) directly to the continuously closed position, a valve (6) is open It applies an observation period. During this observation period, 15 minutes are recorded from the drip detection sensor. (3) The received signals are re-evaluated. Repeated droplets separated by sensing gaps during the observation period. automatic detection of signals and occurrence of drip irrigation failure criteria. The control unit (5) detects that the dripping problem persists and cuts off the water supply. This closes the valve (6) again and maintains the protection status. 20 In this way, after providing the user with a temporary solution, unnecessary water is removed from the faulty tap. This prevents further losses. In contrast, during the observation period in which the electric water shut-off valve (6) was open If the repetitive drip behavior corresponding to the drip failure is not detected Automatic control unit (5) determines that the dripping condition has been eliminated and protection 25 It removes this condition and returns the system to its normal operating state. In this case The electric water shut-off valve (6) is left in the open position and the tap body (1) is in normal position. It continues to be used in this way. Thus, the system includes drip detection, verification of drip malfunctions, and identification of the relevant tap. interruption of supply, verified fault condition after water cut-off maintenance 30 controlled temporary access is provided upon user request, and temporary access is offered. Subsequently, the drip behavior reassessment processes follow one another. This is carried out within the control loop. 9 The verification period used to verify a drip fault is the electrical water cut-off time. the period of use during which the valve (6) is temporarily kept open and the application after temporary use The observation period can be set as a fixed period or adjusted according to the usage conditions. It can also be of a qualitative nature. Electric water shut-off valve (6) can open and close the water flow by means of an electrical command. solenoid valve, motorized ball valve, servo-controlled valve or equivalent flow control It can be implemented in the form of an element. The user sensing sensor (4) is infrared. with at least one of the following sensing principles: proximity, capacitive proximity, touch, or ultrasonic sensing. It can be a functioning sensor. The electrical energy required for the operation of the system is provided by the power supply (10). 10 Power supply (10) mains adapter, battery, rechargeable battery or suitable thereof It can consist of combinations of these. The system described in this invention is designed to be integrated with newly manufactured faucet or sink systems. It is a modular structure that can be retrofitted to an existing water system, as well as being applicable in other ways. It can also be done in this way. In this way, the existing faucet body (1) and sink (2) 15 Electric water shut-off valve (6), automatic control unit (5), largely unchanged drip detection sensor (3), user detection sensor (4), warning indicator (9) and power The source (10) can be added to the relevant installation. The scope of protection in this application is defined in the claims section and is explicitly stated above. The examples given cannot be limited to those described; a person skilled in the technique can demonstrate the invention in 20 the innovation introduced can be created by using similar structures and / or this It is clear that this structure can be applied to other areas with similar purposes using the same technique. Therefore, such structures foster innovation and, in particular, surpassing the known state of technology. It is also obvious that it will lack this criterion.

Claims

REQUESTS 1. The invention aims to prevent water loss caused by dripping from taps. a faucet body (1), sink (2) associated with the aforementioned faucet body (1), faucet Drip detection sensor (3) which detects dripping from the body (1), User detection sensor (4) which detects user presence or usage request, mentioned 5 Automatic control unit (5) which evaluates the signals from the sensors, water inlet line (7) an electric water shut-off valve (6) connected in series between the tap supply line (8) It is an automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system, the feature of which is; • Temporal behavior of signals received from the drip detection sensor (3) by evaluating 10 continuous or high-frequency occurrences during normal use. water flow from repeated droplet signals separated by sensing gaps separating and verifying the repeated drop signals in question over a specified period If it continues throughout, it confirms a drip irrigation malfunction. • upon confirmation of dripping malfunction, close the electric water shut-off valve (6) cutting off the water supply to the tap body (1) and the valve (6) 15 As a result of the shutdown, a new drip signal is received from the drip detection sensor (3). Even if not removed, it maintains the protection status against drip irrigation failure. • while the protection status in question continues, the user detection sensor (4) Electric water shut-off upon detecting user presence or usage request. By temporarily opening the valve (6), the tap body (1) can be used. enabling, • after temporary use, the electric water shut-off valve (6) is in the open position by applying the observation period, the signals received from the drip detection sensor (3) re-evaluating; in response to drip irrigation failure during the said observation period. If the incoming repeated dripping signals are detected again, the water supply will be cut off. 25 By closing the valve (6) again, it maintains the protection status, repeated drip signals If not detected, the protection status is removed and the water supply is cut off. by leaving valve (6) in the open position and returning the system to normal operation It is characterized by having an automatic control unit (5).

2. An automatic water shut-off and temporary use system in accordance with Claim 1, featuring: tap 30 water droplets formed from its body (1) are wetted, impacted, optically transmitted, electrically transmitted. drip detection via at least one of two means: change in conductivity or change in capacitance. It contains a sensing sensor (3). 11 3. An automatic water shut-off and temporary use system conforming to Request 1 or 2, and its features include: In the path of the water droplets falling from the tap body (1), sink (2) a detection on the surface, around the drain, in the overflow channel or attached to the faucet body (1) It includes a drip detection sensor (3) located in the region.

4. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. 5 Its feature is that it detects user presence or usage request via infrared proximity, capacitive proximity, a user who detects through at least one of the following methods: touch or ultrasonic sensing It contains a sensing sensor (4).

5. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. and its feature is; while the protection status continues, the user detection sensor (4) user 10 If a signal is received regarding its presence or a request for its use, for a specified period of time, The tap remains open as long as a user is detected or until tap usage has ended. It includes an electric water shut-off valve (6) which is kept in position.

6. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. Its feature is that after temporary use, the electric water shut-off valve (6) is in the open position for 15 determines the applied observation period as fixed or adjustable, and the observation in question throughout the period, to evaluate the signals received from the drip detection sensor (3) It includes a structured automatic control unit (5).

7. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. and its feature is that the drip failure is confirmed and the electric water shut-off valve (6) is closed 20 visually informs the user of the current situation and allows the system to operate in different ways. Warning indicator (9) which can display their status in continuous or discrete display formats. It includes.

8. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. Its characteristic feature is that it is moved between open and closed positions via electrical command. It has one of the following structures: solenoid valve, motorized ball valve, or servo-controlled valve. It includes an electric water shut-off valve (6).

9. An automatic water shut-off and temporary usage system suitable for any of the previous requests. and features include: automatic control unit (5), drip detection sensor (3), user detection 30 Power supply including at least one of the following: mains adapter, battery or rechargeable battery (10) It includes. 12 10. Automatic water shut-off and temporary use in accordance with any of the previous requests. It is a system and its feature is; electric water shut-off valve (6) water inlet line (7) and tap supply connected between line (8) and drip detection sensor (3), user the detection sensor (4) and the automatic control unit (5) to the existing tap and sink installation It includes a modular structure designed to allow for its implementation. 5

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