Automated Plumbing Pressure Testing With Digital Leak Records
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plumbing systems often undergo non-standardized, labor-intensive, and subjective pressure tests that can take several hours or days, lacking efficiency and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A portable, self-contained pressure testing apparatus with a fluid pump, conduit assembly, and control system that automates the pressure testing process, including a preset operating schedule, pressure sensors, and data communication for efficient and standardized testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual pressure testing is performed with a plumber monitoring a pressure gauge over several hours or days, then the testing can be completed with simple equipment, but the loss of time and labor intensity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure testing system performs self-monitoring and self-recording functions through automated pressure sensors and control systems that continuously track pressure levels without requiring human intervention. The system automatically detects pressure changes, records data, and generates test results, enabling the equipment to serve itself during the extended testing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with electronic pressure sensors and digital data processing systems. Instead of a plumber physically observing a pressure gauge, electronic sensors automatically detect pressure levels and transmit data to a control system, substituting mechanical observation with automated electronic measurement and recording.
2Ease of operation
If manual pressure testing is performed without standardized procedures, then the testing process is flexible and simple to implement, but the measurement precision and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates programmable parameters that allow customization of test procedures, pressure thresholds, and monitoring intervals. The control system can be configured with specific pressure values, test durations, and alert conditions, enabling standardized yet adaptable testing protocols that maintain both flexibility and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure testing system implements continuous feedback through pressure sensors that monitor pressure levels in real-time and provide data to the control system. The system automatically compares measured pressure against predetermined thresholds and provides feedback through alerts or notifications, ensuring accurate measurement and immediate detection of pressure changes.
3Device complexity
If pressure testing is performed without automated data recording, then the equipment complexity is reduced, but the loss of information and ability to provide forensic records increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of pressure data through automated recording and storage. Pressure measurements are continuously captured by sensors and stored as digital records, generating forensic documentation that can be retained, analyzed, and referenced without requiring physical logs or manual documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the pressure sensors and the data storage system. It receives raw pressure data from sensors, processes and validates the information, then transmits it to storage devices for permanent retention, facilitating seamless data capture and preservation without direct connection between sensors and storage.
4Device complexity
If pressure testing requires manual monitoring over extended periods, then simple equipment can be used, but the productivity decreases due to labor-intensive continuous observation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and automated data collection at predetermined intervals. Pressure sensors continuously measure pressure levels and the control system periodically records data, generates status reports, and sends notifications, enabling efficient long-term monitoring without requiring continuous human presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure testing system performs self-monitoring and self-reporting functions through automated sensors and control systems that track pressure levels, record data, and generate test results without requiring human intervention throughout the testing period, significantly improving productivity while maintaining simple equipment architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid, standardized, and data-driven pressure testing, providing forensic records and real-time alerts for leak detection, ensuring compliance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor coupled to the testing conduit to sense a fluid pressure within the testing conduit
Implementation Method 2
a fluid pump; a conduit assembly coupled to the fluid pump
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pressure testing a plumbing system, including a fluid pump; a conduit assembly coupled to the fluid pump, a control system communicatively coupled to the conduit assembly to operate the conduit assembly according to a preset operating schedule to acquire a set of pressure data; and an input-output communications device communicatively coupled to the control system to receive a set of pressure data and provide the set of pressure data to a user.