Dual-Electrode Flood Sensor with Zero-Static Current Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart home flood sensors face challenges with high component costs and battery lifetime, requiring frequent maintenance and false alarm minimization, especially in detecting real water leaks versus accidental spills.
Innovation Solution
A wireless flood sensor network using IEEE 802.15.4 standard with low-power hardware and customized power management, featuring dual-level sensing electrodes and a central control system for remote monitoring and long-term autonomy, capable of distinguishing between accidental and real water leaks, and equipped with a siren for alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single-level flood sensors are used, then the system is simple and low cost, but it generates false alarms by cannot distinguishing between accidental spills and real water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent sensing zones (first sensing zone and second sensing zone) at different heights, each capable of detecting water presence independently. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different flood scenarios based on which zones are activated, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining relatively simple sensor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to flood detection by placing sensing zones at different heights. Instead of a single horizontal detection plane, the system now detects water presence across multiple vertical levels, enabling it to differentiate between spills (typically affecting lower zones) and leaks (affecting multiple zones), thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If battery-powered wireless sensors are deployed, then installation is easy and maintenance is reduced, but battery lifetime is limited requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor implements periodic monitoring cycles with adjustable intervals, allowing the system to enter low-power states between detections. The sensor can be configured to check for water presence at regular intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining effective flood detection coverage over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor includes self-diagnostics and auto-reporting capabilities that allow it to monitor its own battery status and operational health. The device can automatically report its status to remote monitoring systems, enabling predictive maintenance scheduling and reducing the need for manual intervention, thereby extending effective operational lifetime between maintenance visits.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then real-time flood detection is achieved, but power consumption increases reducing battery autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring with configurable detection intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The sensor activates detection circuits at scheduled intervals, remaining in low-power states between measurements. This approach maintains real-time detection capability for practical purposes while dramatically reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring frequency of the sensor is made dynamic and adjustable based on environmental conditions and user requirements. The system can adapt its detection intensity and frequency, switching between more frequent checks in high-risk areas and less frequent checks in lower-risk areas, optimizing the balance between detection reliability and power consumption.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and reliable system for real-time flood detection and alerting, minimizing false alarms and extending battery life to over 10 years, suitable for both smart homes and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
domestic flood detectors are based on the change in conductivity between at least two pins of an electronic system
Data Source
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AI summary
A flood sensor for automation systems comprising at least two electrodes connected with a measuring circuit arranged to detect a plurality of liquid levels; and wherein the measuring circuit has a zero static current consumption, having current flow only in the presence of fluid; and wherein if a liquid is detected, the output of the circuit is activated and a microcontroller leaves a zero-power state in which it normally stays; and wherein the microcontroller comprises a program or programs stored in a memory and configured for being run by means of the microcontroller, wherein said programs comprise instructions for: (a) measuring the impedance of the liquid that has activated the output of the measuring circuit; and (b) sending the measured impedance to a central control.