Float-Activated Reed Switch Leak Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current toilet tank leak detection devices have limitations such as high power consumption, short lifespan, and inability to effectively identify slow leaks or overfill situations, leading to water wastage and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A low power consumption toilet tank leak detection device featuring a buoyant float and reed switch mechanism that triggers an electronic circuit to send an alarm signal when the water level deviates from the normal position, with optional features like a timer, visual or audible alarms, and wireless transmission, ensuring efficient detection of leaks and overfills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring is used to detect leaks, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic circuit is designed to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The timer component activates the alarm system only when a leak condition is detected and remains active for a predetermined time period, then enters standby mode. This periodic operation maintains leak detection capability while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism automatically detects water level changes and triggers the alarm system without requiring external power management. When the float rises or falls beyond normal levels, it automatically activates the circuit through the reed switch, eliminating the need for continuous powered monitoring and reducing power consumption while maintaining reliable detection.
2Device complexity
If simple float mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic water level sensors with a simple mechanical float mechanism coupled with magnetic reed switches. The float's physical movement in response to water level changes actuates the reed switches through magnetic field interaction, providing precise detection of abnormal water levels while keeping the overall device structure simple and avoiding complex electronic measurement systems.
3Reliability
If timer and alarm systems are added, then leak detection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the float mechanism, reed switches, timer, and alarm system into a single integrated leak detection device. These components work together as a unified system where the float triggers the alarm through magnetic interaction with reed switches, and the timer controls the alarm duration. This merging approach improves leak detection effectiveness while avoiding the complexity of separate independent systems.
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 device effectively detects leaks and overfills, reducing water wastage by alerting users promptly and conserving power through timed disconnection of the electronic circuit, thereby minimizing unnecessary water usage and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The float is configured to float upon and at least partially move with a water level within the toilet tank from a beginning position to a first non-beginning position
Implementation Method 2
A support structure is configured to secure the leak detection device relative to the toilet tank. A water level switch is attached to the support structure configured to be disposed within the toilet tank
Data Source
AI summary
A low power consumption leak detection device for a toilet tank includes a water level switch disposed within the toilet tank having a float. The float moves with a water level within the toilet tank from a starting position to a lower position. An electronic circuit is configured to be electrically disconnected from a power source when the float is in the starting position. The electronic circuit is configured to be electrically connected to the power source when the float is in the lower position and activate a timer having a preset time limit, which if reached sends an alarm signal to an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator notifies a resident of a potential water leak problem that can be fixed. The lower power consumption leak detection device only uses power when the water level drops thereby greatly extending the life of the battery and usefulness of the device.