Microcontroller Water Valve Control for Volume Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems lack the ability for water companies to control the volume of water supplied to users, especially non-paying customers, and fail to incentivize efficient water consumption, leading to inefficiencies and financial losses.
Innovation Solution
A water supply control system equipped with a microcontroller, valve, and real-time clock that autonomously manages water flow based on pre-programmed settings, allowing for daily volume control, Time-of-Use tariffs, and prepayment options, while detecting tampering and fraud, and providing electronic reading capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a volume control system is implemented at the user's water supply, then discretionary control of water volume is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls water flow based on predetermined volumes and schedules without requiring user intervention. The micro-controller based system with motorized valve autonomously enforces water consumption limits, hourly rates, and consumption patterns, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronic micro-controller based system that uses electronic signals to operate the motorized valve. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control enables more sophisticated volume control and scheduling capabilities while reducing overall system complexity through automation.
2Productivity
If automated control of water flow is implemented, then revenue collection is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles, waking up at scheduled times to check consumption, update balances, and control valve operation. The micro-controller remains in a low-power sleep mode between these periodic wake-ups, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining automated control capabilities for revenue collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs revenue collection functions including tracking consumption, calculating bills, and controlling water flow without requiring manual intervention. This automation enhances productivity and revenue collection efficiency while the system manages its own energy consumption through intelligent power management.
3Extent of automation
If electronic reading capabilities are provided, then remote monitoring is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reading of water meter data with automated electronic reading capabilities. The micro-controller based system automatically reads consumption data, updates records, and enables remote monitoring through electronic communication, eliminating manual intervention while the integrated nature of the system minimizes additional complexity.
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 water companies to efficiently manage water distribution, incentivize consumption, and recover costs by controlling water supply to non-paying customers, improving financial stability and consumption awareness.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse emitting device that, upon registering a determined volume, transmits a signal coupled to the system circuitry. Each pulse transmitted by the meter is sensed by the system of the present invention
Implementation Method 2
an actuator mechanism allowing the supply passage or interruption, that is installed at the user's water supply before or after a water meter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to the technical field of the water supply measurement and control systems. The invention may be installed at the water connection of a user before or after a meter, and provides the necessary means and signals for the interconnection thereof. The system of the present invention comprises a Micro-controller device so the carried-out actions may be modified as per the water consumption market requirements, it further comprises a motorized valve which is connected at the user water connection. Each pulse transmitted from the meter is sensed by the System of the invention, updating a time window in a Real Time Clock, on which the updating of the volume permitted to a determined subscriber is registered. The volume consumed by the subscriber is compared with a stored reference at the memory of the invention. If the comparison is successful, the invention shall actuate the system to reduce the subscriber's flux to a determined level or to completely interrupt the supply, reestablishing again the supply upon ending the dosage control time window, repeatedly and indefinitely until a new programming.