Automatic Shut-Off Valve With Remote Actuation and Self-Powered Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off valves for pressurized water supplies are often manually operable and cannot be remotely actuated or monitor real-time flow conditions, lacking the ability to confirm shut-off status without physical presence, and require external power, which limits their reliability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An automatic shut-off valve with electrically actuated mechanisms, flow detection capabilities, and a local power source, including an optional water-powered generator, that can be remotely controlled via wired or wireless communication, ensuring reliable operation even without external power, and providing verification of shut-off status through an internet-enabled monitoring system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manually operable valves are used, then simplicity and ease of manufacture are improved, but remote actuation capability and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrically actuated mechanism. The valve incorporates an electric motor or actuator that receives electrical signals to open or close the valve, eliminating the need for physical manual operation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the user and the valve mechanism. This control system receives commands (potentially remotely via communication modules) and translates them into actuation signals for the electric motor, enabling remote operation without directly modifying the basic valve structure.
2Device complexity
If external power supply is required, then device complexity is reduced, but operational reliability and independence are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered mechanism where the valve system generates its own power through a water-driven turbine or generator. The flowing water through the valve system drives the turbine, which charges a battery or capacitor, enabling the valve to operate independently without external power connections while maintaining simple overall system architecture.
3Loss of information
If real-time flow monitoring is added, then information availability and control precision are improved, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates flow monitoring functionality into the existing valve actuation system. The same sensor array and control electronics used for valve positioning also detect flow rate, direction, and pressure conditions. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive flow information without adding separate monitoring subsystems, thereby limiting complexity increase.
4Reliability
If auxiliary control elements are incorporated, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into modular segments: primary electric actuator, secondary backup mechanism, and independent manual override components. Each segment can be manufactured and tested separately, then assembled into the complete valve system. This segmentation improves reliability through redundancy while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized modular components.
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
Enables remote, reliable, and efficient control of pressurized water supplies, allowing for real-time monitoring and verification of shut-off status, with self-sustaining power capabilities and auxiliary controls for increased reliability and reduced manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
an optional water-powered generator, that can be remotely controlled via wired or wireless communication, ensuring reliable operation even without external power
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed comprising an electrically actuated flow control element and control circuits electrically coupled to the electrically actuated flow control element. The control circuits can receive wireless control signals from a displaced electronic device and responsive thereto, transmit electrical signals to the electrically actuated flow control element to actuate the electrically actuated flow control element from a current flow state to an alternate flow state.