Non-invasive Optical Flow Detector for Water Meters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow detectors are invasive, bulky, and difficult for property owners to install and operate, failing to effectively detect unusual flow volumes and alert users to leaks in a non-invasive and user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive fluid flow detector system that attaches to existing meters, using a visible LED light source and optical sensors to monitor the movement of the least flow indicator, converting light variations into digital signals for a microprocessor to detect unusual flow rates and alert users or authorities, with adjustable positioning and low power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fluid flow detectors are used, then flow detection function is provided, but the device is invasive, bulky, and difficult to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow detection systems with an optical detection system. An LED light source illuminates the meter dial, and a photodetector optically coupled to the dial converts light variations into electrical signals that indicate fluid flow. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical components inside the piping system, making the device non-invasive and easier to install while maintaining reliable flow detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system between the meter dial and the detection electronics. Instead of directly measuring flow parameters, the system uses light reflection from the dial as an intermediary to convey flow information to the photodetector. This intermediary approach allows the detector to be mounted externally on the meter without interfering with the internal flow measurement mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If non-invasive optical detection is used, then ease of installation is improved, but detection precision for small leaks may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic optical detection system where the LED light source can be activated in response to detected dial movement, and the photodetector continuously monitors reflected light. This dynamic operation allows the system to detect even minimal dial movements caused by small leaks, maintaining high measurement precision while keeping the installation simple and non-invasive.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system is designed to detect a wide range of flow conditions, from minimal leak flows to normal operating flows, using the same non-invasive mounting approach. The system's ability to detect various flow rates through optical means demonstrates that installation simplicity does not compromise detection sensitivity across different flow scenarios.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then leak detection capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring rather than truly continuous monitoring. The system detects dial movement and activates the LED light source and photodetector only when flow is detected, rather than operating continuously. This periodic operation maintains reliable leak detection capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing meter dial movement as a trigger for activation. When the dial moves indicating flow, the system automatically activates the optical detection components. This self-service approach allows the system to monitor for leaks reliably while consuming power only when necessary, rather than maintaining continuous power consumption.
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 continuous monitoring of fluid flow without modifying existing piping systems, detects small leaks, and alerts users to unusual flow rates, reducing water waste and damage through a user-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a visible LED light source
Implementation Method 2
optical sensors to monitor the movement of the least flow indicator, converting light variations into digital signals
Data Source
AI summary
A non-intrusive flow detector consists of an easily adjustable visible light optical sensor assembly, producing a spot of light, which attaches non-obstructively and non-invasively to a fluid flow meter. The spot of visible focused light requires less than one milli-amp. The sensor monitors dial movement of a least flow dial or wheel and generates an electrical signal representative of a flow through the meter. The signal is then transformed by a 10-bit A/D converter and further processed. The flow rate and consumption is displayed in suitable units on a LCD. The microprocessor can be programmed to detect extremely small flow rates. With an appropriate sample time programmed, a flow of a few drops per minute would be detected. This embodiment aims to provide an improved method and means for enabling a consumer to monitor consumption of a metered source. This embodiment can be utilized as a sprinkler alarm.