Plumbing Control Sensing With NFC Power for Remote Water Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring temperature and pressure in plumbing systems are inefficient, requiring access to specific locations and often lack accessibility for electrical power, making adjustments time-consuming and difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system using NFC technology to remotely measure water characteristics in plumbing control devices, where sensors within the devices measure parameters like pressure, temperature, and flow rate, and transmit data wirelessly to a mobile device for processing and display, eliminating the need for internal access or a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional thermometers and pressure gauges are used to measure water characteristics, then measurement capability is provided, but accessibility to measurement locations and adjustment locations is poor, and operation becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and adjustment function into a single integrated device. The controller includes both sensors for measuring water characteristics and a mechanism for adjusting PCD settings, allowing the user to perform both operations at one location without moving between separate measurement points and adjustment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it measures temperature, measures pressure, and adjusts PCD settings. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate thermometers, pressure gauges, and adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing time loss.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are installed within PCDs to enable remote measurement, then measurement accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of sensors and wireless communication components
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is integrated within the PCD structure, with sensors nested inside the PCD body. The antenna is incorporated into the controller assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes additional space requirements and reduces the visual complexity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically performs measurements and transmits data without requiring manual intervention for operation. The system self-manages the measurement process, data transmission, and communication functions, which simplifies the user interface and reduces operational complexity despite the increased internal component integration.
3Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used to power sensors without electrical access, then power accessibility is improved, but energy loss increases during wireless power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wireless power transmission bursts rather than continuous power supply. The antenna transmits power in periodic intervals, which reduces overall energy loss compared to continuous transmission while still providing sufficient power to the sensors and communication components during their operational cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna acts as an intermediary that efficiently couples the power source to the sensor system through wireless electromagnetic fields. This intermediary mechanism enables power transfer without direct electrical contact, solving the accessibility problem while minimizing energy loss through optimized electromagnetic coupling.
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 easy, efficient measurement and adjustment of plumbing system characteristics without disassembly or electrical power, allowing for remote operation and data storage or transmission for improved plumbing control.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile device, separate from the PCD, is configured to wirelessly locate and transmit power to the antenna board
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is linked to an antenna board that is configured to provide power to the sensor. A mobile device, separate from the PCD, is configured to wirelessly locate and transmit power to the antenna board. The antenna board then transmits the power to the sensor which, in turn, measures characteristics of the water
Implementation Method 3
The PCD's sensors can be configured to measure water temperature, water pressure, water flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remotely measuring the characteristics of water passing through a plumbing control device (PCD) includes a sensor within the interior of the PCD. The sensor is configured to measure characteristics of the water to obtain measured data. The sensor is also linked to a microcontroller of the PCD. An antenna board is linked, and configured to transmit power, to both the microcontroller and the sensor. A mobile device is configured to locate the antenna board. The mobile device transmits power to the antenna board which, in turn, transmits power to the microcontroller and the sensor. When power is not being transmitted from the antenna board, the microcontroller and the sensor are powered off.