Leak detector

Abstract

A system may include a water leak detector including a housing. The housing includes a sensor configured to detect presence of moisture and one or more dry contacts configured to change state in response to the sensor detecting presence of moisture. In response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to modify an operational state of an appliance connected in electrical communication with the leak detector.

Description

LEAK DETECTORCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,719 filed January 22, 2024, its entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to detectors. More particularly, this disclosure relates to leak detectors.BACKGROUND

[0003] There are a variety of detectors capable of detecting presence of an unwanted condition such as a presence of smoke, fire, water leaks, or the like.SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, a leak detection system includes a leak detector. In some embodiments, the leak detector includes a housing including a sensor configured to detect presence of moisture; a cable sensor configured to detect presence of moisture; and one or more dry contacts configured to change state in response to one of the sensor or the cable sensor detecting presence of moisture. In some embodiments, in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to modify an operational state of an appliance connected in electrical communication with the leak detector.

[0005] In some embodiments, the leak detector includes a network input / output. In some embodiments, the network input / output is configured to connect the leak detector with a computing device in electrical communication via a network.

[0006] In some embodiments, in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to output an alarm message to the computing device via the network.

[0007] In some embodiments, the leak detector further includes an ambient condition sensor within the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the leak detector is configured to be connected in electrical communication with a 24 V power source.

[0009] In some embodiments, the 24 V power source is part of the appliance.

[0010] In some embodiments, the leak detector includes an output device.

[0011] In some embodiments, the output device includes one or more of a light emitting diode, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0012] In some embodiments, the appliance includes one or more of a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; or combinations thereof.

[0013] In some embodiments, a leak detector includes a housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a sensor configured to detect presence of moisture and one or more dry contacts configured to change state in response to the sensor detecting presence of moisture. In some embodiments, in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to modify an operational state of an appliance connected in electrical communication with the leak detector.

[0014] In some embodiments, the leak detector includes a network input / output. In some embodiments, the network input / output is configured to connect the leak detector with a computing device in electrical communication via a network.

[0015] In some embodiments, in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to output an alarm message to the computing device via the network.

[0016] In some embodiments, the leak detector further includes an ambient condition sensor within the housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the leak detector is configured to be connected in electrical communication with a 24 V power source.

[0018] In some embodiments, the 24 V power source is part of the appliance.

[0019] In some embodiments, the leak detector includes an output device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the output device includes one or more of a light emitting diode, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0021] In some embodiments, the appliance includes one or more of a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; or combinations thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, a method includes receiving, from a sensor of a leak detector, an indication of a detection of moisture. In some embodiments, the method includes outputting, by the leak detector, an alarm from an output device. In some embodiments, the method includes determining, by the leak detector, a severity of the indication of the detection of moisture. In some embodiments, in response to determining, by the leak detector, the severity indicates a major detection of moisture, the method includes automatically changing state of one or more dry contacts of the leak detector.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method includes outputting, by the leak detector, an indication of the detection of moisture to a server device via a network.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this disclosure and that illustrate embodiments in which the systems and methods described in this Specification can be practiced.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection system, according to some embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the leak detector, according to some embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for a method, according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 12 shows a wiring diagram for the leak detector of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

[0037] Like reference numbers represent the same or similar parts throughout.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Appliances utilizing water have a natural risk of leaking and causing water damage to property. For example, a water heater can develop a leak that is not necessarily noticed by a home owner until damage from the water leak has already occurred. Improved approaches of detecting and alerting a home owner to a leak are desired.

[0039] A leak detector can be used to determine presence of moisture such as, but not limited to, water or the like. Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a leak detector that can cause control of one or more additional appliances such as, but not limited to, a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; combinations thereof; or the like.

[0040] In some embodiments, the leak detector can be designed to detect a leak from an appliance; a fluid conduit; combination thereof; or the like. In some embodiments, the leak detector can be configured to generate an audible alarm to alert an occupant in a building in which the leak detector is installed. In some embodiments, the leak detector can be configured to send an alarm to a controller such as, but not limited to, a controller of one of the devices in the building, a thermostat, a remote computing system, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0041] In some embodiments, the leak detector can include a water sensor, a cable sensor configured to extend a range of the water sensing capabilities, and one or more dry contacts configured to cause an action on a connected device. In some embodiments, as used herein, the connected device can be connected in electrical communication via one or more wires. In some embodiments, the one or more dry contacts can include one or more relays or switches.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a leak detection system 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the leak detection system 100 can be configured to detect presence of moisture from, for example, a water leak or the like. In some embodiments, the leak can be caused by an appliance 102 in a building. Examples of the appliance 102 include, for example, a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; combinations thereof; or the like.

[0043] The leak detection system 100 includes a leak detector 104. The leak detector 104 includes a sensor 106, an output device 108, and a cable sensor 110. In some embodiments, the cable sensor 110 can be optional. The leak detector 104 can include a network input / output 112 via which the leak detector 104 can be in electronic communication with a computing device 114 via a network 116. In some embodiments, the computing device 114 can be a thermostat or other controller within a building in which the leak detector 104 is installed. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can be in electronic communication with a server device 118 via the network 116. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can be in electronic communication with a mobile device 120 via the network 116.

[0044] In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 is connected to a power source 122. In some embodiments, the power source 122 is an alternating current (AC) power source. In some embodiments, the power source 122 is an AC power source for the building in which the leak detector 104 is located. In some embodiments, the power source 122 is a 24 volt (24V) power supply.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sensor 106 can be exposed from a housing of the leak detector 104. As a result, when disposed on a floor or other surface that may collect water or moisture, the sensor 106 can detect its presence. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 includes more than one of the sensor 106. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 includes two of the sensor 106. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 includes three of the sensor 106.

[0046] In some embodiments, the output device 108 is configured to generate an alert to a building occupant in response to detection of moisture by the leak detector 104. In some embodiments, the output device 108 can include a visual output device such as, but not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED) or the like. In some embodiments, the outputdevice 108 can include an audible output device such as, but not limited to, a speaker configured to generate an audible alert to the building occupant. In some embodiments, the output device 108 can include both a visual output device (e.g., LED) and an audible output device (e.g., speaker), and thus can generate both a visual and an audible alert in response to a detection of moisture by the leak detector. In some embodiments, the LED can be a colored LED in which different colors of light can represent different statuses of the leak detector 104. In some embodiments, different states such as solid, blinking, certain blinking patterns, or the like, can also represent different statuses. In some embodiments, the audible alert can be used for alerts other than the alarm condition as well.

[0047] In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can be connected to the cable sensor 110. In some embodiments, the cable sensor 110 includes a cable sensor that is capable of sensing moisture along a length of the cable sensor. In some embodiments, the cable sensor 110 can extend a sensing area of the leak detector 104 beyond a footprint of the leak detector 104 by itself. In some embodiments, more than one of the cable sensor 110 can be connected to the leak detector 104. In some embodiments, it may be possible to include more than one of the cable sensor 110 connected in series to cover an overall sensing length equal to a length of the series of the cable sensor 110.

[0048] In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can additionally include one or more additional ambient condition sensors 124. For example, in some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, combination thereof, or the like. In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 may be configured to output trend information regarding the state of the one or more additional ambient condition sensors 124 via the network 116 even when there are no alarm conditions in which moisture is detected by the leak detector 104.

[0049] The leak detector 104 includes one or more dry contacts 126. In some embodiments, the one or more dry contacts 126 can be wired directly to the appliance 102 or a controller 128 of the appliance 102. In some embodiments, the one or more dry contacts 126 can include a normally open dry contact, a normally closed dry contact, or suitable combination thereof. Examples of wiring diagrams utilizing the one or more dry contacts 126 are shown and described in additional detail in accordance with FIGS. 4-10 below. It is to be appreciated that these are examples, and that other wiring configurations and applications may be utilized in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0050] In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can include one or more inputs 130. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs 130 can include a button. As used herein, “button” is not intended to require a specific shape or size. In some embodiments, the one or more inputs 130 can be used to control one or more actions of the leak detector 104. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more inputs 130 can be used to turn on the leak detector 104, to turn off the leak detector 104, to enter a pairing mode (e.g., for short range communication such as, but not limited to, Bluetooth or the like), to initiate a test, to silence an alarm, to cause a reset of the leak detector 104, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the leak detector 104, according to some embodiments. The leak detector 104 includes a housing 150. In some embodiments, the housing 150 can include a cable 152 extending from the housing 150. In some embodiments, the cable 152 can include one or more wires disposed therein. For example, the cable 152 can include one or more wires connecting the leak detector 104 to the power source 122. In some embodiments, the power source 122 can include the appliance 102 to which the leak detector 104 is being configured to control via the one or more dry contacts 126. In some embodiments, the one or more wires can include a plurality of wires each connected to one of the one or more dry contacts 126. The one or more wires within the cable 152 can be configured to be connected to the appliance 102 or a controller for the appliance 102. For example, in some embodiments, the connector 154 can include a first wire connected in electrical communication with HVAC equipment and a second wire connected in electrical communication with the computing device 114. In some embodiments, the computing device 114 can be a controller configured to control the HVAC equipment. For example, in some embodiments, the computing device 114 can be a thermostat of the HVAC system, an equipment module interface (EIM) of the HVAC system, combinations thereof, or the like.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the cable sensor 110 includes a connector 154 disposed at an end of the cable sensor 110. In some embodiments, the connector 154 can receive a connector of an additional cable sensor 110. As a result, the cable sensor 110 can be connected in series with additional ones of the cable sensor 110 to extend a length (and accordingly sensing area) of the leak detector 104.

[0053] In some embodiments, the leak detector 104 can include a mounting key 156. In some embodiments, the 156 / / can be used to mount the leak detector 104 to a surface such as, but not limited to, a wall, a desktop, a countertop, an appliance surface, or the like.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart for a method 200, according to some embodiments. The method 200 can, for example, control one or more appliances (e.g., the appliance 102 in FIG. 1) in response to detection of moisture (e.g., via the leak detector 104 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

[0055] At block 202, moisture is detected by the leak detector 104 at the sensor 106 or the cable sensor 110.

[0056] At block 204, in response to detection of the leak, one or more alarm conditions can be triggered. For example, in some embodiments, an audible alarm, a visible alarm, or combination thereof, can be generated via the output device 108 of the leak detector 104.

[0057] At block 206, the leak detector 104 can determine a severity of the leak in response to detecting the alarm condition at block 204. For example, in some embodiments, if the leak is determined to be minor, the leak detector 104 can send a notification (in addition to the audible alarm, the visible alarm, or combination thereof) to computing device 114, server device 118, mobile device 120, or a combination thereof, via the network 116. In some embodiments, the sensor 106 or the cable sensor 110 may be configured to vary an output based on an amount of moisture detected. As a result, in some embodiments, if the output from the sensor 106 or the cable sensor 110 is greater than a first threshold, but lower than a second threshold, the leak can be determined to be minor. In some embodiments, if the output from the sensor 106 or the cable sensor 110 is greater than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the leak can be determined to be maj or.

[0058] In some embodiments, if the leak is determined to be major, the leak detector 104 can change a state of the one or more dry contacts 126. As a result, the appliance 102 connected to the one or more dry contacts 126 can change state of operation. For example, in some embodiments, if the appliance 102 is an HVAC system, the change in state of the one or more dry contacts 126 can cause a compressor of the HVAC system to be shut down. It is to be appreciated that this is one example of a control via the one or more dry contacts 126 and that other controls and other appliances can occur as a result of the change in state of the one or more dry contacts 126. In general, the leak detector 104 is configured to automatically control the appliance 102 in response to the leak being detected. In someembodiments, there may be no distinction between a minor leak and a major leak. In such embodiments, the one or more dry contacts 126 can be configured to change state at block 204 in response to any level of leak detection.

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a wiring diagram 250 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 252 and to a controller 254 of the component 252. In some embodiments, the component 252 is an HVAC device and the controller 254 can be a thermostat. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 4 is configured to disable a compressor of the HVAC system in response to detecting water. In some embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes a single stage compressor. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a wiring diagram 300 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 302 and to a controller 304. In some embodiments, the component 302 is an HVAC device and the controller 254 can be a thermostat. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 5 is configured to disable heating, cooling, or a combination thereof, when water is detected. In some embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes a single stage compressor. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a wiring diagram 350 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 352 and to a controller 354. In some embodiments, the component 352 is an HVAC device and the controller 354 is a zone control panel in a multi-zoned system. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 6 is configured to disable a compressor of the HVAC system when water is detected. In some embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes a dual-stage compressor. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to beappreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a wiring diagram 400 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 402 and to a controller 404. In some embodiments, the component 402 is an HVAC device and the controller 404 is a zone control panel in a multi-zoned system. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 7 is configured to disable heating, cooling, or a combination thereof, when water is detected. In some embodiments, the illustrated embodiment includes a dual-stage compressor. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a wiring diagram 450 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 452 and to a controller 454. In some embodiments, the component 452 is an HVAC device and the controller 454 is a thermostat. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 8 is configured to disable heating, cooling, or a combination thereof, when a drain pan of the component 452 is detected as being full. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows a wiring diagram 500 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 502 and a power source 122. In some embodiments, the component 502 can include a dehumidifier. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 9 is configured to disable a dehumidifier when water is detected. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0065] FIG. 10 shows a wiring diagram 550 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 552 and a power source 122. Insome embodiments, the component 552 can include a humidifier. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 10 is configured to disable a humidifier when water is detected. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0066] FIG. 11 shows a wiring diagram 600 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 602 and a power source 122. In some embodiments, the component 602 can include a steam humidifier. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 11 is configured to disable the steam humidifier when water is detected. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0067] FIG. 12 shows a wiring diagram 650 for the leak detector 104 of FIG. 1, according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the leak detector 104 is configured to be electrically connected to a component 652 and a power source 122. In some embodiments, the component 652 can include a line voltage load. In some embodiments, the configuration of FIG. 12 is configured to disable a line voltage load when water is detected. The typical color coding for wires used within the HVAC system are shown in the figures. It is to be appreciated that these could vary beyond what is shown in the figures. Additionally, one or more connectors 256 are shown to connect wires together.

[0068] The terminology used herein is intended to describe embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this Specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0069] It is to be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This Specification and theembodiments described are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A leak detection system comprising: a leak detector comprising: a housing comprising: a sensor configured to detect presence of moisture; a cable sensor configured to detect presence of moisture; and one or more dry contacts configured to change state in response to one of the sensor or the cable sensor detecting presence of moisture; wherein in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to modify an operational state of an appliance connected in electrical communication with the leak detector.

2. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein the leak detector comprises a network input / output, wherein the network input / output is configured to connect the leak detector with a computing device in electrical communication via a network.

3. The leak detection system of claim 2, wherein in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to output an alarm message to the computing device via the network.

4. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein the leak detector further comprises an ambient condition sensor within the housing.

5. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein the leak detector is configured to be connected in electrical communication with a 24 V power source.

6. The leak detection system of claim 5, wherein the 24 V power source is part of the appliance.

7. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein the leak detector comprises an output device.

8. The leak detection system of claim 7, wherein the output device comprises one or more of a light emitting diode, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

9. The leak detection system of claim 1, wherein the appliance includes one or more of a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; or combinations thereof.

10. A leak detector comprising: a housing comprising: a sensor configured to detect presence of moisture; and one or more dry contacts configured to change state in response to the sensor detecting presence of moisture; wherein in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to modify an operational state of an appliance connected in electrical communication with the leak detector.

11. The leak detector of claim 10, wherein the leak detector comprises a network input / output, wherein the network input / output is configured to connect the leak detector with a computing device in electrical communication via a network.

12. The leak detector of claim 11, wherein in response to the one or more dry contacts changing state, the leak detector is configured to output an alarm message to the computing device via the network.

13. The leak detector of claim 10, wherein the leak detector further comprises an ambient condition sensor within the housing.

14. The leak detector of claim 10, wherein the leak detector is configured to be connected in electrical communication with a 24 V power source.

15. The leak detector of claim 14, wherein the 24 V power source is part of the appliance.

16. The leak detector of claim 10, wherein the leak detector comprises an output device.

17. The leak detector of claim 16, wherein the output device comprises one or more of a light emitting diode, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

18. The leak detector of claim 10, wherein the appliance includes one or more of a water heater; a boiler; a furnace; an air conditioning system; a humidification system; other heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment; or combinations thereof.

19. A method comprising: receiving, from a sensor of a leak detector, an indication of a detection of moisture; outputting, by the leak detector, an alarm from an output device; determining, by the leak detector, a severity of the indication of the detection of moisture; and in response to determining, by the leak detector, the severity indicates a major detection of moisture, automatically changing state of one or more dry contacts of the leak detector.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising outputting, by the leak detector, an indication of the detection of moisture to a server device via a network.

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