Remote Fluid Flushing With Sensor Monitoring and Backflow Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flushing systems require manual operation and physical presence for activation, limiting their usability and efficiency in fluid systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote-operated flushing system with a valve configurable between open and closed configurations, controlled by a wireless device, and equipped with a sensor to detect fluid properties and a pressure monitoring system for automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for flushing systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring physical presence and manual activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system comprising sensors, microcontrollers, and actuators. The sensor detects fluid properties and automatically triggers the valve actuator to open/close the valve, eliminating the need for manual physical presence while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing system is designed to operate autonomously by detecting fluid conditions through sensors and automatically activating the flushing sequence. The system serves itself by monitoring fluid quality parameters and initiating flushing operations without external human intervention, thereby improving ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If manual monitoring of fluid properties is required, then the system remains simple, but the loss of information increases due to inability to obtain real-time data remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor fluid properties (such as turbidity, flow rate, or pressure) and transmit data to a control unit. This feedback loop enables real-time information availability, allowing remote monitoring and automatic decision-making for flushing operations, thereby reducing information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and communication modules as intermediaries between the fluid system and the operator. These intermediaries capture fluid property data and transmit it remotely, eliminating the need for direct physical inspection while providing comprehensive real-time information about fluid conditions.
3Ease of operation
If automated remote operation is implemented, then the ease of operation improves through remote control, but the device complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: sensing fluid properties, processing data, controlling valve actuation, and providing status feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control unit, the system achieves remote automated operation while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flushing system includes a sampling port comprising a sampling conduit configured to dispense a sample of a fluid in the fluid routing assembly; a valve configurable in an open valve configuration, wherein the fluid is permitted to flow through the fluid flushing system, and a closed valve configuration, wherein the fluid is prohibited from flowing through the fluid flushing system; and a backflow preventer disposed between the sampling port and the valve, the backflow preventer configured to allow the fluid to flow in a first direction through the fluid flushing system towards the valve and to prevent the fluid from flowing in an opposite second direction through the fluid flushing system towards the sampling port.