Magnetic Field Sensor for Real-Time Water Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring water consumption lack accuracy and timeliness, making it difficult for individuals and companies to assess the effectiveness of their conservation efforts, leading to potential inefficiencies and increased water usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors detecting minor fluctuations in magnetic, electric, or electromagnetic fields surrounding plumbing systems to identify and classify water events, providing real-time data on usage patterns, trends, and anomalies, enabling users to optimize water usage and detect potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monthly water usage reporting is used, then users receive water consumption information, but the information is not timely or precise enough to assess conservation efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical water metering and monthly billing systems with electronic sensors that detect magnetic field fluctuations caused by water flow. These sensors continuously monitor and wirelessly transmit data, eliminating the mechanical limitations of traditional meters and providing real-time digital measurements of water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring water consumption in real-time and providing immediate notifications to users about their usage patterns, anomalies, and conservation opportunities. This feedback loop enables users to adjust behavior promptly rather than waiting for monthly bills, directly addressing the time delay problem.
2Loss of information
If real-time water monitoring is implemented, then timely and precise water usage information is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal magnetic field sensors that can detect various types of water flow events (toilet flushing, showering, washing machines) through a single detection mechanism. The classification algorithm universally processes all sensor data to identify event types, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a classification algorithm as an intermediary between the simple magnetic field sensors and the complex information processing requirements. This algorithm automatically interprets sensor signals, identifies water event types, and filters out false positives, bridging the gap between simple sensing and sophisticated monitoring without requiring complex hardware.
3Loss of substance
If water conservation efforts are implemented without accurate monitoring, then users may reduce water usage, but they cannot assess whether their efforts are effective
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to users about their water consumption patterns, comparing current usage against historical data and providing specific insights about conservation effectiveness. This enables users to see the direct impact of their conservation efforts in real-time, maintaining motivation and enabling continuous improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual tracking and estimation methods with automated electronic monitoring that precisely measures actual water consumption. This substitution provides accurate, objective data that enables users to reliably assess conservation effectiveness without relying on subjective estimates or incomplete information.
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 provides users with precise and timely information on water usage, helping to conserve water by identifying inefficiencies and potential problems, thereby reducing consumption and promoting effective hydration and hygiene practices.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor that is configured to detect minor fluctuations in one or more field, such as one or more magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
one or more electric fields, one or more electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
one or more electromagnetic fields, one or more other field or the like now known or later discovered
Data Source
AI summary
A system for and methods of monitoring and reporting water consumption is provided. The system includes a sensor for detecting field fluctuations associated with a water meter of a water system. The system detects, tracks, and analyzes fluctuations so as to correlate one or more water event with its source(s), such as by determining a start time, end time, volume, and/or cadence associated with the water event. Information associated with the field fluctuations is parsed out to identify fingerprints associated with a variety of water events. The system includes a “decisioning engine” for determining one or more course of action following identification of one or more water event. Courses of action include triggering or invoking a variety of system functions, including: providing an alert or other notification; flagging or otherwise reporting information, including budget and/or consumption information; updating a budget; aggregating information; or the like.