Leak Detection Valve Control for Automatic Water and Gas Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water or gas leakage from pipes can cause damage to homes or premises, and existing detection systems are inadequate in promptly and effectively shutting off the supply to prevent further damage.
Innovation Solution
An automated detection system comprising sensors, processors, transmitters, and valve actuators that detect leaks or events and automatically shut off supply valves, with a mobile application for notification and manual override.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated detection system with sensors and valve actuators is implemented, then leakage detection effectiveness and automatic shutdown capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: sensor units distributed at different locations, processing units that analyze sensor data, and valve actuator units that execute shutdown commands. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through distributed detection while managing complexity by creating modular, interchangeable components that can be independently tested and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and analysis before leakage causes significant damage. Sensors continuously monitor for early signs of leakage, and the processing units prepare shutdown commands in advance. When leakage is detected, the system immediately actuates valves to close supply lines, preventing further damage before it escalates.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and processing units are added to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units are merged into a coordinated detection network where each sensor monitors specific parameters (flow rate, pressure, moisture). The processing units combine data from these sensors using logical operations to determine whether leakage has occurred, achieving high measurement precision through data fusion rather than through complex individual sensor designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing units serve multiple functions: they receive and analyze data from various sensor types, determine leakage conditions based on predefined criteria, generate shutdown commands, and control multiple valve actuators. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each task, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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 prevents further damage by automatically shutting off water or gas supply when leaks or earthquakes are detected, ensuring safety and minimizing property damage.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture sensor for detecting moisture
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of detection are provided. One method comprises receiving a first signal at a transmitter electronically connected to a sensor, sending from the transmitter to a receiver a second signal, and actuating a valve actuator to shut a supply valve responsive. The first and second signals each represent a detected event. One system comprises an event detection subsystem and a valve subsystem. The event detection subsystem comprises a sensor, a transmitter, a first processor, and a first memory storing instructions which when executed by the first processor configure the first processor to perform method steps. The valve subsystem comprises a valve actuator physically connected to a supply valve, a receiver, a second processor, and a second memory storing instructions which when executed by the second processor configure the second processor to perform method steps.