Hydrant Valve Opening Detection Using Gyroscope Sensors

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor devices with a simple rotational sensor (such as a gyroscope or angular position sensor) that directly measures the rotation angle of the operating device. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement precision for determining valve opening degree.

The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes sensor data and provides information about valve opening status. This intermediary layer translates complex sensor measurements into simple, easily interpretable indicators (such as LED signals or wireless notifications), improving ease of operation without adding complex visual mechanical indicators to the hydrant structure.

The patent segments the sensor system into modular components: a simple rotational sensor, an evaluation unit, and a communication interface. This segmentation allows the critical measurement function to be performed by a simple, easily replaceable sensor, while the evaluation unit handles complex processing. If repair is needed, only the simple sensor needs to be replaced, improving ease of repair while maintaining measurement accuracy.

The patent implements periodic monitoring instead of continuous monitoring, where the rotational sensor and evaluation unit check valve status at regular intervals or when triggered by specific events (such as attempted operation). This periodic action maintains reliability for detecting valve status changes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.