Flow Sensor Valve Control for Automatic Fluid Leak Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring and managing fluid flow, such as gas and water, lack effective automated leak detection and shut-off capabilities, particularly in residential and commercial settings, leading to potential safety hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow monitoring and management system that includes a flow sensor, controllable valve, and controller with leak detection circuitry and communication protocols, enabling automated leak detection and remote control of fluid flow, integrating with IoT devices and various detectors for comprehensive management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated leak detection and shut-off capabilities are implemented, then safety hazards are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow monitoring, leak detection, valve control, and communication) into an integrated fluid flow management system. The controller centralizes these functions, allowing automated safety responses without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple purposes: monitoring fluid flow, detecting leaks, controlling the valve, and communicating with remote devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If real-time monitoring and remote control are integrated, then user control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the physical fluid control system and remote user interfaces. It processes sensor data, executes control decisions, and manages communication protocols, shielding users from system complexity while enabling convenient remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors fluid flow and provides real-time status information to remote devices. This feedback loop allows users to monitor and control the system remotely, improving ease of operation without requiring users to understand the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fluid flow management system that includes a flow sensor coupled to a fluid source conduit and configured to determine a fluid flow in the fluid source conduit; a flow sensor controller to compare the fluid flow to a flow threshold and generate a leak trigger signal based on the comparison of the fluid flow to the flow threshold; a controllable valve coupled to the fluid source conduit; and a valve controller to control the controllable valve to shut off the fluid flow in the fluid conduit based on a state of the leak trigger signal.