Optical Water Shutoff Sensing for False Alert Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water intrusion detection devices often suffer from false positives, limited coverage, and inadequate response to water leaks, particularly in large areas, as they may not accurately detect leaks upstream or provide timely notifications, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A moisture-detecting water source shutoff device comprising a drip tray with sensors, shutoff valves, and wireless connectivity, allowing for automatic water supply shutdown and audio/visual alerts, along with a mechanism for draining without removing appliances, and integration with smartphone and home security systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow measurement probes are used to detect water intrusion, then water volume or velocity can be measured, but false positive alerts occur due to increased normal water demand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow measurement probes with optical sensors that detect water presence through refractive index changes. This substitution eliminates the false positives associated with flow-based detection while maintaining accurate water intrusion detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (optical sensor with light source) that indirectly detects water presence through changes in light transmission rather than directly measuring water flow. This intermediary approach provides more reliable detection without being affected by normal water demand variations.
2Area of stationary object
If sensor string networks are used for water detection, then water volume can be detected in interior spaces, but coverage is limited to smaller or enclosed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection device that can be deployed in various spatial configurations (under sinks, in pantries, behind appliances) and adapts to different environment types (enclosed spaces, large open areas, vertical orientations). The single device design replaces multiple specialized sensor strings, providing both wide coverage and spatial flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple independent optical sensors positioned at different locations within a single device housing. This segmentation allows the device to cover large areas effectively while maintaining the ability to detect water in various orientations and configurations.
3Measurement precision
If audible alarms are used for water leak notification, then water leaks can be detected accurately, but user notification is delayed if user is not within audible range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wireless communication (WiFi, Bluetooth) as an intermediary notification channel that transmits alert information to the user's smartphone regardless of physical distance. This eliminates the time delay associated with audible range limitations while maintaining accurate leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides multiple notification methods (audible alarm, visual LED indicators, wireless smartphone alerts) within a single device. This multi-functional approach ensures timely user notification through multiple channels, eliminating the time loss associated with relying on a single notification method.
4Ease of operation
If manual shutoff valves are used to stop water flow, then water supply can be shut off, but automated response to water intrusion is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically detect water intrusion and activate shutoff valves without human intervention. The device serves itself by monitoring water presence and autonomously responding to threats, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining ease of manual override when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where optical sensors continuously monitor for water presence and automatically trigger shutoff valve activation when water is detected. This closed-loop automation responds immediately to water intrusion while allowing manual operation for user control and maintenance.
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
Effectively detects water intrusion, contains the leak, automatically shuts off the water supply, and provides timely notifications, minimizing damage by accurately identifying and responding to water leaks in a comprehensive and user-friendly manner.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor to detect the presence of water
Data Source
AI summary
The moisture-detecting water source shutoff device may allow a user to detect the intrusion of water into an interior space where it is not desired, contain the water intrusion, automatically shut off the supply of water to the affected area, and emit an audio or visual alarm to a user of the system. The moisture-detecting water source shutoff device may specifically comprise a drip tray that may contain the water intrusion and prevent damage to the surrounding area, a plurality of sensors within the drip tray to detect the water intrusion, a plurality of shutoff valves that may be closed by the sensors detecting an intrusion, and the ability of a user to manually start, stop, and reset the valves. The device may further comprise a mechanism that allows the user to drain the drip tray without removing the appliance, and a wireless connectivity to the user's smart phone and home security system.