Leakage prevention module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leakage prevention systems in sanitary installations are inadequate as they often require regular maintenance, electric power, and are not effective for both small and large leaks, especially in non-wet rooms, leading to significant water damage and increased societal costs.
Innovation Solution
A passive leakage prevention module that includes a fluid-tight trough with a drain connected to a drainage system, a wall with a recess for internal drain and supply tubes, and a novel drain with a float mechanism to prevent backflow and odor ingress, which does not occupy additional space and can be integrated into standard construction, allowing for early leak detection and prevention without energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active leakage prevention systems with sensors and solenoid valves are used, then leakage detection and shutdown capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the active electronic components (sensors, solenoid valves, batteries) from the leakage prevention system and replaces them with a passive mechanical float-valve mechanism. The float rises with water level and directly actuates the valve closure through mechanical buoyancy force, eliminating the need for electronic detection and control systems while maintaining reliable leakage shutdown capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive float-valve mechanism is self-activating and self-regulating. When leakage occurs and water level rises, the float automatically rises and closes the valve without requiring external power, control signals, or maintenance. The system serves itself by using the potential energy of rising water to trigger the protective action, eliminating the need for complex monitoring and control infrastructure.
2Reliability
If leak stops with batteries and sensors are installed, then leakage safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to regular maintenance and battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The passive mechanical float-valve system requires no maintenance, no battery replacement, and no operational intervention. The mechanism continuously monitors water level and automatically responds to leakage conditions without requiring human attention. The only maintenance needed is ensuring the drain connection remains clear, which is significantly easier than maintaining electronic sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive electronic components with simple, durable mechanical parts. The float and valve mechanism consists of basic materials that can be easily replaced if needed, but are designed to last indefinitely without degradation. This eliminates the recurring cost and effort of battery replacement and sensor calibration.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If trays for collecting leaking fluid are used, then detection of smaller leaks is improved, but effectiveness for major leaks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The passive float-valve system takes preliminary protective action by continuously monitoring water level and being ready to close the valve at any moment. When leakage occurs regardless of size, the rising water level immediately triggers float activation and valve closure, preventing both minor and major leaks from causing damage. This preemptive mechanism eliminates the need for detection trays by directly addressing the root cause of all leak sizes.
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
The module effectively prevents water damage by detecting and containing leaks of various sizes, reducing harm to the building, and ensuring the apparatus can be easily maintained and replaced without significant intervention, providing a high level of security and safety even in non-wet rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a novel drain with a float mechanism to prevent backflow and odor ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage prevention module arranged to prevent fluid leakage from a tube connected apparatus arranged in the leakage prevention module, including a fluid tight trough including a drain in fluid connection with a drainage connection arranged to be connected to a drain tube, a wall with a recess where a lower end of the wall is fluid-tight fixed to the fluid tight trough such that the recess faces away from the drain. A first internal drain tube with a first end terminated in the recess and arranged to be connected to a drain tube from an apparatus and a second end in fluid connection with the drainage connection, a first feedthrough in the wall, a termination module arranged in the recess, where the termination module is arranged for terminating an inlet tube led in through the first feedthrough and further includes a first outlet arranged to be connected to a first supply tube to the apparatus.