Autonomous Leak-Detection Robots for Rapid Water Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect fluid leaks in premises, leading to potential property damage from leaks in piping, roof leaks, or floods, without providing timely mitigation.
Innovation Solution
Autonomous robots equipped with sensors are deployed to detect fluids, navigate premises, and communicate with a control system to initiate leak mitigation actions, such as closing valves, using sensors like electrodes or conductive brush bristles to identify fluid presence and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then the system is simple to implement, but the detection reliability and timeliness are insufficient leading to property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot performs self-navigation, self-detection, and self-reporting of leaks without human intervention. The robot independently traverses the premises, detects fluids using its sensors, and communicates findings to the control system, enabling the system to service itself rather than requiring manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a navigation device and a fluid detection system. It integrates movement capabilities with sensor-based detection and communication functions, allowing a single device to perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems
2Loss of time
If manual inspection methods are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the response time is delayed allowing damage to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated robotic system equipped with electronic sensors. The robot autonomously navigates and detects leaks using electronic and optical sensors rather than human visual inspection, eliminating the time delay associated with manual response while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through the robot's sensors that constantly monitor for fluid presence and immediately communicate findings to the control system. This real-time feedback mechanism enables rapid response to leaks as soon as they are detected, significantly reducing the time loss compared to periodic manual inspections
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensor coverage is deployed, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple specialized sensors positioned at different locations on the robot, each optimized for specific detection tasks. Rather than using a single complex sensor throughout, the system uses targeted sensor placement with each sensor having specific local quality optimized for its detection function, improving overall precision while managing complexity
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
The autonomous robots provide timely detection and mitigation of fluid leaks, reducing property damage by automatically responding to leaks and integrating with existing security and monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
using sensors like electrodes or conductive brush bristles to identify fluid presence and characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a robot and a robot base station is described. The processor of the robot base station is configured to receive information about a potential water leak and cause transmission of a first command to cause the robot to traverse an area associated with the potential water leak. The processor of the robot is configured to receive the first command from the robot base station, cause the robot to traverse the area associated with the potential water leak, and determine, using at least a sensor, that a liquid corresponding to the potential water leak is present in the area. Further, the processor of the robot is further configured to determine information about the liquid and cause transmission of a first indication to the robot base station, where the first indication indicates that the liquid is present in the area and the information about the liquid.