Manifold Leak Isolation for Fixture-Specific Water Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems fail to automatically detect leaks in multiple fixtures and appliances, leading to potential damage from undetected leaks, particularly in hot water heaters, and often require additional components or shut off entire water supplies, causing unnecessary disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A water management system with a manifold that includes actuated valves connected to sensors and switches, allowing for automatic shut-off of specific water lines with leaks, and a touch screen interface for monitoring and control, enabling targeted leak detection and mitigation across multiple fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alarm-based leak detection systems are used, then leak notification is provided, but automatic shut-off capability is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic shut-off of water supply upon leak detection without requiring manual intervention. The electronic control device receives signals from leak detection sensors and automatically actuates shut-off valves, allowing the system to service itself by responding to leaks autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alarm systems with an electronic control system that integrates sensors, electronic control devices, and automated shut-off valves. This substitution enables automatic response capabilities that mechanical alarm systems alone cannot provide.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If entire water supply is shut off when leak is detected, then leak mitigation is achieved, but water supply to other fixtures is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the water distribution network into multiple zones or circuits, each with its own shut-off valve controlled by the electronic control device. When a leak is detected in one zone, only that specific zone is shut off while other zones remain operational, maintaining water supply to unaffected fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized shut-off capability where each leak detection sensor is associated with specific shut-off valves controlling only the affected area. This allows precise isolation of leaking segments while preserving water supply quality and availability in non-affected areas.
3Reliability
If additional pieces are added to water line for leak detection, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control device serves multiple functions: it receives signals from various types of leak detection sensors, processes the signals, controls multiple shut-off valves, and can interface with alarm systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines leak detection sensors, electronic control logic, and shut-off valve actuation into an integrated system. The electronic control device merges signal processing, decision-making, and actuation control into a single coordinated unit, reducing overall system complexity despite adding detection capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A water management system is provided. The system includes a manifold with ports adapted to connect the manifold to piping that connects to various water fixtures in a home or building. Each port has a flow sensor and an actuated valve configured to shut off flow to a fixture in the event of a leak in order to mitigate damage from the leak. Water flow occurring due to a leak may be detected and mitigated based on input provided by the flow sensor and a motion sensor, a button switch, or a timer switch.