Fluid Leak Detector Apparatus with Automatic Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing systems fail to detect leaks promptly, leading to extensive damage and water wastage, as they rely on manual shutoff valves that only close after prolonged leaks, allowing water to flow unchecked until human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A fluid leak detector apparatus with an electronic control package and regulator containing a pressure sensor, flow control valve, and bleed valve that continuously monitors pressure fluctuations, automatically shutting off the water supply upon detecting small leaks and managing pressure spikes to prevent damage and conserve water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual shutoff valves are used in prior art systems, then the system structure remains simple, but leaks are not detected promptly and water damage extends significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic leak detection and response without requiring human intervention. The pressure sensor continuously monitors system pressure, and when a leak is detected, the electronic control package automatically activates the shutoff valve to close, stopping water flow. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by automating the leak response process, improving detection timeliness while maintaining reasonable system complexity through integrated electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely manual mechanical valve operation with an electronic control system. The electronic control package receives signals from the pressure sensor and automatically actuates the shutoff valve, substituting human mechanical action with electronic control. This substitution improves leak detection timeliness by enabling continuous automated monitoring while keeping the overall system structure manageable through standardized electronic components.
2Loss of substance
If prior art systems allow leaks to run for extended periods before valve closure, then water conservation is reduced, but substantial damage to building structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring through the pressure sensor that detects pressure changes indicating leaks. When a leak is detected, the electronic control package immediately activates the shutoff valve to close, providing rapid feedback response. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling prompt leak detection and automatic shutoff, significantly reducing both water wastage and building structure damage compared to prior art systems that allowed leaks to continue for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring pressure before significant damage occurs. The pressure sensor detects early pressure changes that indicate a leak, and the electronic control package activates the shutoff valve to close before extensive water damage can happen. This preliminary detection and response action resolves the contradiction by preventing both water wastage and structure damage through early intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the system continuously monitors pressure fluctuations, then leak detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors system pressure to detect leaks promptly, maintaining continuous useful action for leak detection. This continuous monitoring improves measurement precision by capturing real-time pressure changes. The energy consumption is managed through the electronic control package that processes signals continuously but only activates the shutoff valve when actual leak conditions are detected, balancing measurement precision with reasonable power consumption through event-driven actuation.
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 isolates plumbing structures from excessive pressures, reduces water damage, conserves water, and provides timely alerts and control measures to minimize leaks and pressure issues, offering enhanced safety and reliability compared to prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid leak detector apparatus with an electronic control package and regulator containing a pressure sensor, flow control valve, and bleed valve that continuously monitors pressure fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
A leak detection apparatus which is to detect a fluid leak in a closed fluid system and produce a display of the information of the leak on a display window of a control panel which may also be programmed to transmit that information to the human user such as a cell phone. The leak detection apparatus can be located in a closed position, not permitting flow of fluid within the closed fluid system, or in an open position permitting flow of fluid into the closed fluid system. During inactivity the closed fluid system is not capable of receiving fluid from a fluid supply pipe. During activity when fluid is being normally discharged from the closed fluid system the leak detection apparatus is to receive fluid from the fluid supply pipe.