Centralized Water Leak Detection with Point Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water leak detection systems are impractical for large residential or commercial buildings due to their complexity, high cost, limited remote monitoring capabilities, and inability to provide exact point identification of leaks, making them difficult to install and integrate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A centralized water leak detection system with a central control unit, address modules, and sensors that provide point identification data and remote monitoring capabilities, including visual and audible alerts, allowing for continuous monitoring and immediate notification of water leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If localized leak detection devices with audible alarms are used, then water leak detection is provided, but remote monitoring is impractical because observers must be in arms-length from the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple distributed sensors throughout the building and relays them to a remote monitoring location. This mediator enables remote observation without requiring observers to be physically near each sensor, solving the contradiction between remote monitoring capability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual representation of the physical sensor locations through visual indicators at the remote monitoring station. Each sensor's status is copied and displayed remotely, allowing observers to monitor multiple locations from a single position without being physically present at each detection point.
2Reliability
If conventional automated water leak detection systems with multiple status indicators are implemented, then water leak monitoring is provided, but the systems are expensive, complex, and difficult to install and integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The central control unit serves multiple functions: it receives signals from various types of sensors, processes the information, provides visual and audible alarms, and enables remote monitoring. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable water leak monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor inputs, control logic, alarm functions, and remote monitoring capabilities into a single integrated central control unit. This merging of functions into one device reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed and integrated, thereby simplifying the overall system implementation.
3Measurement precision
If closed-circuit type detectors with solid-state circuitry are used, then electrical path detection is provided, but small amounts of water or moisture are extremely difficult to detect and point location data is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique address identifiers to each sensor location and provides corresponding visual indicators at the remote monitoring station. This local identification capability ensures that when water is detected, the exact location is identified through the address module, preventing loss of location information while maintaining detection sensitivity.
4Reliability
If individual water sensors are distributed throughout buildings, then comprehensive leak detection coverage is provided, but the cost and complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the building into multiple monitoring zones with sensors strategically placed in key locations. Each sensor is addressed individually, allowing comprehensive coverage to be achieved through segmented deployment rather than requiring continuous monitoring of every area, thereby reducing overall installation cost and complexity while maintaining reliable detection coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a centralized water leak detection system for detecting water leaks in residential and commercial buildings. The water leak detections system provides central station monitoring and point identification data of water leaks. The centralized water detection system includes a plurality of address modules connected to a plurality of sensors for assigning an identifier to each sensor. The address modules are connected to a central control for processing detected sensor signals. A water alarm annunciator is remotely installed in a central monitoring station for displaying point identification data showing detection and location of water leaks.