In-Pipe Water Quality Sensor and Valve System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water leak detection systems and monitoring technologies fail to effectively monitor various water parameters such as pathogens, mineral ion concentrations, pH, temperature, turbidity, and flow in real-time, and lack the ability to automatically control water flow in response to adverse conditions like leaks or poor water quality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising in-pipe sensors and a processor that monitors water parameters, including pathogens, mineral ions, pH, temperature, and turbidity, and controls water flow using valves, capable of detecting leaks and alerting users or managers through a web dashboard, with analytics to determine the nature of water events and automatically shut off water flow when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-pipe sensors are installed to monitor multiple water parameters in real-time, then water quality monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (turbidity, temperature, pressure, flow, water quality sensors) and control functions into a single integrated in-pipe device. This merging approach enables comprehensive monitoring of multiple water parameters simultaneously while consolidating what would otherwise be separate complex systems into one unified unit that can be installed in a single pipe location.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-pipe device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a monitoring station and a control mechanism. It simultaneously performs turbidity monitoring, temperature sensing, pressure detection, flow measurement, and automated valve control, making it a universal water management system that replaces multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If automated control mechanisms are added to shut off water flow upon detecting adverse conditions, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control mechanisms that are pre-programmed to shut off water flow when specific adverse conditions are detected (such as excessive turbidity, abnormal temperature, or pressure changes indicating leaks). This preliminary action capability allows the system to automatically respond to threats before they cause significant damage, enhancing safety without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements closed-loop feedback control where sensors continuously monitor water parameters and automatically trigger valve closure when predefined thresholds are exceeded. The system receives feedback from turbidity, temperature, and pressure sensors, processes this information, and autonomously adjusts the control valve to maintain safe operating conditions, creating a self-regulating safety system.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and automated response systems are implemented, then productivity and response time are improved, but loss of energy and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring at strategically determined intervals rather than continuous operation. The microprocessor controls sensors to take measurements at optimized frequencies, activating the automated valve response only when necessary. This periodic action approach maintains rapid response capability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from continuous sensor operation and data processing.
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
Provides real-time monitoring and control of water quality and flow, reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring safe drinking water by detecting leaks and adverse conditions, and offering analytics for residential and commercial users and utility companies.
Implementation Method 1
a turbidity sensor that measures light transmission through a water sample to determine water turbidity
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor that measures water temperature
Implementation Method 3
a pressure sensor that measures water pressure
Implementation Method 4
a flow meter that measures the flow rate of water
Implementation Method 5
a water quality sensor that measures the presence of pathogens in water
Data Source
AI summary
A water quality and flow monitoring and control apparatus, method and system installed at an end user location and being capable of monitoring one or more of the following water quality parameters: microorganisms (including E. coli), mineral or other ion concentration, pH, temperature, and turbidity. The system also has a water meter that detects the flow of water and has a valve to shut the flow of water off upon detecting a fault condition such as a leak.