Flow Valve Assembly Automatic Leak Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Household water leaks, particularly from faucets and toilets, result in significant wastage due to unattended continuous flow, which existing technologies fail to detect and prevent effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flow valve assembly with a controller and flow meter system that automatically shuts off fluid flow when an uninterrupted flow exceeds a predetermined value, using mechanical and electronic components to detect and respond to excessive fluid flow, including a microprocessor-controlled valve assembly for precise monitoring and action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a flow valve assembly with automatic shut-off is installed, then water waste from leaks is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a flow sensor module that detects water flow, a controller module that processes sensor signals and determines leak conditions, and a shut-off valve module that executes the closing action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical leak detection methods with electronic sensing and control systems. Flow sensors detect water flow electronically, microprocessors analyze the data to distinguish between normal usage and leaks, and electronically controlled valves execute shut-off commands. This substitution reduces water waste through more precise detection and response, though it increases device complexity.
2Reliability
If continuous flow monitoring is implemented to detect leaks, then leak detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors flow sensor data periodically rather than continuously, analyzing flow patterns at intervals to determine if leaks are occurring. The system evaluates whether flow has exceeded normal usage thresholds over specific time periods, enabling accurate leak detection while reducing energy consumption compared to constant monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the flow sensor to continuously monitor water flow conditions and adjust its detection algorithm accordingly. The controller receives real-time flow data, compares it against learned normal usage patterns, and triggers shut-off only when leak conditions are confirmed, improving detection accuracy while managing energy use through intelligent feedback-based decision making.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic shut-off valve is added to prevent flooding, then protection against flooding improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly performs automatic shut-off without requiring user intervention when leaks are detected. The system self-monitors flow conditions, autonomously determines leak scenarios, and automatically closes the valve to prevent flooding. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation while providing superior protection, though it does reduce ease of operation by removing manual control options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with normal usage thresholds and leak detection criteria before deployment. When installed, it immediately begins monitoring and can execute shut-off actions without requiring user programming or adjustment. This preliminary configuration enables automatic protection against flooding while minimizing the operational burden on users.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow valve assembly includes a valve operable between an open position and a closed position and a controller operatively coupled to the valve to operate the valve between the open position and the closed position. A mechanically or electrically operated assembly is provided to determine an amount of fluid flow through the valve when the valve is in the open position. A mechanically or electrically operated mechanism moves the valve from the open position to the closed position when the amount of fluid flow exceeds a predetermined value. A method of operating the valve is also provided.