Remote control of water supply systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fire suppression systems in buildings often cause extensive water damage due to their inability to be remotely controlled after activation, leading to prolonged water usage even after the fire has been extinguished.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that allows for remote monitoring and control of fire suppression systems, utilizing sensors to verify the extinguishment of fires and enable users to remotely shut off the water supply through a computing device, thereby minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fire suppression systems use mechanically activated sprinkler heads that continue dousing until manually shut off, then the fire can be fully extinguished, but extensive water damage is inflicted on the building and property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical activation system (glass bulb pressure release) with an electromechanical system. Electromechanical devices with solenoid valves are installed to control water flow to individual sprinkler heads or zones, allowing remote electronic control instead of manual mechanical shut-off. This enables automated control based on sensor feedback while maintaining reliable fire suppression capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor fire conditions (heat, smoke, flame detection) and transmit this information to a control system. The control system processes sensor data and automatically activates or deactivates the electromechanical water control devices based on whether fire conditions are detected, creating a closed-loop system that prevents water damage while ensuring fire extinguishment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fire suppression systems are manually deactivated by firefighters, then water usage can be stopped, but response time delays cause extensive water damage before arrival
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fire suppression system to control itself through automated feedback mechanisms. Sensors detect fire conditions and automatically trigger the electromechanical devices to activate or deactivate water flow without requiring external human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time delay associated with manual response while preventing water damage through automated shut-off when fires are extinguished.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-installs electromechanical control devices (solenoid valves, electronic control systems) within the fire suppression infrastructure before any fire event occurs. These devices are positioned and configured in advance to enable rapid automated response, eliminating the need for manual intervention during emergency situations and ensuring immediate action when fires are detected or extinguished.
3Ease of operation
If remotely controllable electromechanical devices are installed in fire suppression systems, then water supply can be precisely controlled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromechanical devices that serve multiple functions: they control water flow activation, enable remote shut-off, and integrate with existing fire detection systems. The solenoid valves and control systems are designed to work with various sensor types (heat, smoke, flame detectors) and can be controlled through multiple interfaces (manual controls, automated sensors, remote monitoring systems), reducing the need for separate specialized components and simplifying overall system architecture.
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
This solution minimizes both fire and water damage by allowing for precise control over fire suppression systems, ensuring they are only active when necessary and shutting off the water supply once the fire is fully extinguished, reducing the risk of re-emergence and improving safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a state change signal or control signal that causes an electromechanical device to close a water valve within the building
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a computer system, information that indicates that a fire has been detected in a building and that a fire suppression system within the building has begun dousing the fire; monitoring sensor information from one or more sensors located within the building; determining, by the computer system and based on the sensor information, whether the fire has been extinguished; activating, in response to determining that the fire has been extinguished, a feature to turn off a water supply to the building, the feature being presented on a computing device for a user who is associated with the building; receiving, after activating the feature and from the computing device, a command to turn off the water supply; and transmitting, by the computer system, a control signal that causes an electromechanical device to close a water valve within the building.