Mechanical Room Wireless Relay for Backflow Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing backflow prevention systems face challenges in continuous monitoring and reliable wireless communication within and out of mechanical rooms, due to signal disruption and high power consumption, which complicates data collection and analysis.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication system utilizing low power signal communication, such as Bluetooth or RF, integrated with a test cock and backflow prevention system, allowing sensors to connect to in-wall power sources and transmit data through power-line communication, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the need for additional power outlets or skilled labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If wireless communication is used for data transmission in mechanical rooms, then data collection capability is improved, but power consumption increases and signal reliability deteriorates due to signal disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (gateway or relay node) that receives low-power wireless signals from sensors within the mechanical room and forwards them via high-power communication to external systems. This mediator enables sensors to maintain low power consumption while still achieving reliable data transmission outside the signal-disrupted mechanical room environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system is segmented into two distinct parts: an internal low-power wireless communication network for sensors within the mechanical room, and an external high-power communication network for data transmission outside the room. This segmentation allows each component to operate optimally for its specific function without compromising overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If traditional wireless communication (Wi-Fi, cellular) is used, then data transmission capability is improved, but infrastructure requirements increase due to need for additional power outlets and skilled labor installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing infrastructure multi-functional by enabling standard electrical outlets and wiring to serve dual purposes: their original electrical power function plus a secondary function as communication conduits via power-line communication technology. This eliminates the need for dedicated communication infrastructure and reduces installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes already-installed electrical infrastructure to provide communication services, allowing the building's existing wiring to 'self-serve' the additional function of data transmission without requiring new infrastructure installation or specialized labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If sensors are continuously monitored, then system reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsensor power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than truly continuous monitoring, where sensors take measurements at regular intervals and transmit data periodically. This approach maintains adequate system reliability by capturing sufficient operational information while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables effective, low-power wireless communication within mechanical rooms, allowing continuous monitoring of backflow prevention systems with reduced power consumption and infrastructure requirements, facilitating timely issue detection and compliance with national standards.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid sensor, coupled to the body portion fitting, in fluid connection with the body portion space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid connection:

Implementation Method 2

transmit data through power-line communication, enabling real-time monitoring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower-line communication:

Data Source

PatentUS11795666B2Wireless communication system within a mechanical room

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 WATTS REGULATOR CO

AI summary

A wireless communication system includes a plurality of sensors and a device. Each sensor is configured to measure data and communicate over a network using low power signal communication. The device is connected to an in-wall power source and configured to wirelessly communicate over the network using low power signal communication. Further, the device is configured to transmit data from the sensors to a remote gateway using high power signal communication.