Dual-Probe Conduit Sensor for Plumbing Run-On Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plumbing fixtures often experience continuous water flow (run-on) due to malfunctions, leading to water damage and waste, necessitating an effective and easily installable automated detection system.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with probes and electronic components is attached to a conduit to detect water flow, utilizing a casing and secondary casing for connection, with a restrictor tray to ensure probe contact during low flow conditions, and a vacuum breaker assembly to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor assembly with probes is installed to detect water flow, then run-on detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separate probes that can be independently positioned within the conduit. Each probe serves as an independent detection element, allowing the system to detect water presence through simple electrical contact while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure despite the enhanced detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probes act as intermediaries between the electronic component and the water flow. By using simple conductive probes that extend into the conduit interior, the system translates the complex task of water flow detection into a simple electrical contact measurement, reducing the complexity of the sensing mechanism while improving reliability.
2Measurement precision
If probes are extended into conduit interior, then detection accuracy is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probes are pre-configured and integrated into the sensor assembly before installation. The electronic component is pre-connected to the probes, and the entire assembly is designed as a ready-to-install unit that requires minimal on-site configuration, thereby maintaining ease of installation while achieving accurate detection through proper probe positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The probes are nested within the sensor assembly housing, which is then installed onto or within the conduit. This nested structure allows the probes to extend into the conduit interior for accurate detection while the outer housing provides structural support and simplifies the installation process by presenting a single installable unit rather than separate 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
The system effectively detects and alerts potential run-on conditions, reducing water damage and waste by enabling quick resolution, conserving resources and minimizing utility costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first probe and a second probe spaced from one another and electrically isolated from one another... The sensor assembly is configured to detect water within the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detection of water in a conduit includes a casing attached to the conduit on an exterior of the conduit, a sensor assembly supported by the casing and configured to sense a presence of water within the conduit, and an electronic component contained within the casing. The sensor assembly includes a first probe and a second probe, each having a probe contact accessible within the casing and extending into an interior of the conduit to be exposed in the interior of the conduit. The first probe and the second probe are spaced from each other and electrically isolated from each other. The electronic component is connected to the first probe contact and the second probe contact to place the electronic component in electronic communication with the first probe and the second probe. The conduit may be a vacuum breaker tube positioned between a valve and a plumbing fixture.