Wireless Fluid Valve Monitoring for Automatic Leak Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
The plumbing industry lacks innovative technologies for effectively detecting and addressing small leaks in plumbing systems, leading to significant property damage and economic losses due to the passive nature of fluid delivery systems, which have not evolved significantly since their initial development.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a fluid pipe section, a coupled fluid valve, and integrated sensors for temperature, pressure, and flow rate monitoring, connected to a control device processor that can enter a pre-occupancy mode to automatically close the valve upon threshold exceedance, and communicate wirelessly with a central hub for alerting and controlling fluid flow, including features like LED illumination, audible alarms, and wireless communication with other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional passive fluid delivery systems are used, then the system structure remains simple and easy to manufacture, but the ability to detect and respond to leaks is insufficient, leading to property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the plumbing network into multiple zones with individual control devices at each zone. Each control device independently monitors and controls fluid flow in its specific zone, enabling localized leak detection and response without requiring complex system-wide modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
Control devices continuously monitor fluid flow parameters and automatically respond to abnormal conditions by closing valves. The system implements closed-loop feedback where sensors detect leaks and trigger automated responses, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving reliability.
2Loss of time
If manual monitoring of fluid systems is used, then the system remains simple to operate, but response time to leaks is delayed, causing significant property damage
Solution Approach 1:
Control devices are pre-configured with leak detection algorithms and automated response protocols. When installed, they immediately begin monitoring fluid flow and are ready to automatically close valves upon detecting abnormal conditions, eliminating response delays associated with manual monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-response to leaks. Control devices automatically detect abnormal fluid flow patterns, diagnose potential leaks, and execute valve closure without human intervention, dramatically reducing response time and enabling the system to protect itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no wireless communication capability is added, then the device complexity remains low and ease of manufacture is maintained, but remote monitoring and control capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Control devices are designed with multiple functions integrated into a single unit: fluid flow monitoring, automated valve control, wireless communication, and remote connectivity. This multi-functionality enables remote monitoring capabilities without requiring separate dedicated systems, making the added complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device includes an electric motor mechanically connected to a fluid valve and a sensor coupled to a fluid pipe section. The sensor may be a temperature, pressure or flow rate sensor. A control device processor is configured to enter into a pre-occupancy mode when powered and never previously wirelessly connected to a remotely disposed fluid monitoring and control system. The pre-occupancy mode may close the fluid valve if at least one of the following occurs: exceeding a first preset threshold for a pressure decay test; exceeding a second preset threshold for a maximum flow rate; exceeding a third preset threshold for a maximum flow duration; exceeding a fourth preset threshold for a maximum flow volume; exceeding below a fifth preset threshold for a low temperature; exceeding above a sixth preset threshold for a high temperature; and/or exceeding above a seventh preset threshold for a high pressure.