Smart wi-fi-based control and alert device intended for untimely or excessive water flows and leaks

The smart WiFi water leak and flow controller system addresses the lack of automated leak detection and flow control by using an ESP8266 module and mobile app to monitor and remotely manage water flow, ensuring timely alerts and valve operation.

WO2025174230A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-08-21UGALDE VERGARA GUILLERMO GERARDO
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/MX2025/050007
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-14
Filing Date
2025-02-13
Publication Date
2025-08-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing systems lack an efficient and automated solution for monitoring and controlling water leaks and excessive water flow, failing to provide timely alerts and remote control capabilities.

Method used

A smart WiFi water leak and flow controller system utilizing an ESP8266 module, flow sensor, relay board, and mobile app to monitor water flow, compare against user-defined parameters, and send alerts via Google Firebase, with remote control of connected valves.

Benefits of technology

Enables real-time monitoring and remote control of water flow, providing timely alerts and valve operation based on user-defined thresholds, enhancing leak detection and management.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart Wi-Fi-based control and alert device intended for untimely or excessive water flows and leaks, which is an innovative device designed for the water sector and which objectively and efficiently assists with water conservation, promptly detecting the start of potential untimely or excessive water flows or leaks. The main function of the invention is to detect and provide early warning of abnormal water flows and leaks. Upon detection of a flow of water over a certain period of time, the operation of the device consists in sending push alerts over Wi-Fi and the internet, which are received on the customer's application. Upon receiving the alerts, the application allows the user customer to open or close a valve, which can be optionally connected to this device and, furthermore, the user can establish time limits for providing alerts regarding a water flow or a lack of water flow.
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Description

[0001] TECHNICAL REPORT

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] GENERALITIES

[0004] • Device Name: Smart WiFi water leak and flow controller and alerter.

[0005] • Application Sector: Hydraulics

[0006] COMPONENTS

[0007] • ESP8266: (Fig. 1)

[0008] Serial Wifi module 3.3V 80mA.

[0009] Dimensions: 1.5x2.4x0.9 cm

[0010] • ESP-01 / 01S 5V Relay: (Fig. 2)

[0011] ESP-01S relay board version 4.0 module for the ESP8266 module (Fig. 1).

[0012] Dimensions: 3.5x2.4x1.8 cm

[0013] • Flowmeter: (Fig. 3)

[0014] Water flow sensor model FL-608 3 / 4" from 1 to 60 liters per minute direct current 5V

[0015] 15mA.

[0016] Dimensions: 6.2x3.2x3.2 cm

[0017] • Multi-output voltage regulator module: (Fig. 4)

[0018] With 12V input and 3 12V outputs, 3 3.3V outputs, and 3 5V outputs. 800mA.

[0019] Dimensions: 3x3.3x1 cm

[0020] • AC Adapter (Fig. 5)

[0021] With 12V 2A output and 110-240V, 50-60 Hz, 0.7A max input.

[0022] Dimensions: 6.5x2.7x6.5 cm

[0023] • Valve connector (Fig. 7)

[0024] Gxl6 3 pin female aviation connector.

[0025] Dimensions: 4.7x2.1 cm

[0026] • Reset button (Fig. 8)

[0027] Waterproof and dustproof metal push button switch. Momentary, self-return.

[0028] Dimensions: 1.6 cm in diameter. • LED (Fig. 9)

[0029] Diffused Red LED Diode.

[0030] Dimensions: 0.5 cm in diameter.

[0031] • App: (Fig. 6)

[0032] Code written in C language for Android.

[0033] • Support box: (Fig. 11)

[0034] Box that integrates all the previous components, except the App (Fig. 6).

[0035] Dimensions: 18x12.5x5.6 cm.

[0036] OPERATION:

[0037] The ESP8266 (Fig. 1) contains a code written in C language which communicates via WiFi to a computer server on the Internet to record the amount of water that is currently passing through the flow meter sensor (Fig. 3) and at the same time executes a computer program on said server written in PHP language, which compares the accumulated time of the passage of water detected by the flow meter sensor (Fig. 3) against the parameters recorded in a file on the same server, the same parameters that are modified remotely from the application (App Fig. 6) installed on the client's cell phone and depending on whether the limits of these parameters were exceeded, this program sends a push alert via Google firebase cloud messaging to the client's cell phone, thus notifying him that water flow is passing through the flow meter sensor (Fig. 3) for longer than the client determined as a parameter from his app (Fig. 6) on his cell phone.

[0038] From the App (Fig. 6) the user client can press a virtual button to open or close the valve, in the case that there is a valve connected to the valve connector (Fig. 10 A) which communicates via cable through said connector and then to the ESP01S relay (Fig. 2) so that the latter is activated to open or close the valve. At the same time the ESP01S relay (Fig. 2) is connected to the ESP8266 (Fig. 1) to be controlled by the code recorded there.

[0039] The multi-output voltage regulator module (Fig. 4) is connected to an AC adapter (Fig. 5) for operation to supply power to the ESP01S relay (Fig. 2), the flow meter (Fig. 3) and the 5mm LED (Fig. 9).

[0040] It also contains the button (Fig. 14) for the purpose of manually initializing the electrical operation of the ESP01S relay (Fig. 2) and thus generating the system reset.

[0041] A 5mm LED (Fig. 15) is also included, connected to the multi-output voltage regulator module (Fig. 4) to indicate that the entire system is operating.

[0042] A reference guide (Fig. 10) is provided to show how to connect the intelligent WIFI leak and excessive water flow controller and alert system to a motorized electric valve (in case the user wishes to connect one). The support box (Fig. 11) integrates all the components according to the following reference:

Claims

CLAIMS Unique ability to detect water leaks by the time that water is passing uninterruptedly through the flow meter (Fig. 3) and immediately alert, that is, in real time, via WiFi and internet to the water user, if said time exceeds the time established by the user from their app (Fig. 6) and that they can close the water flow from their app (Fig. 6) on their cell phone in case they have a valve connected to this device or take immediate manual actions to control the water flow. Ability to alert the user to their app (Fig. 6) in case of losing communication between this device, controller and smart WiFi alerter of leaks and untimely or excessive water flow and the server on the Internet. Ability to schedule the opening or closing of the valve from the app (Fig. 6) on the user's cell phone (in case they have a connected valve) at a certain time or day. Ability to program the valve to open or close after a certain amount of time, with or without water flowing. This time is set by the user using the app (Fig. 6) on their mobile phone.

Citation Information

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