Residential device feedback system and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water systems and devices do not provide detailed information on water usage at individual taps and appliances, nor do they offer remote monitoring or control capabilities, leading to potential water leaks, misuse, or overuse that can be financially and environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring and controlling water systems and related devices through network-enabled devices, using a control system to analyze data triggers, collect data, execute commands, and generate reports for user devices, enabling remote monitoring and optimization of water use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional meters are used to monitor water usage, then total water consumption can be determined, but detailed information about water usage at individual taps and appliances is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water monitoring system into multiple segments: main water meter for total consumption, individual flow meters for each tap and appliance, and separate monitoring modules. This segmentation enables detailed tracking of water usage at each location while maintaining overall system functionality, directly addressing the information loss problem without requiring a completely complex centralized system
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse tasks: collecting data from multiple sources (meters, sensors, appliances), processing information about water consumption and leaks, generating alerts, providing remote access, and controlling various water-related devices. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into a single system, improving information availability without proportionally increasing overall complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional water systems are used, then basic water supply is provided, but remote monitoring and control capabilities are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the physical water infrastructure and the user. This intermediary component handles complex tasks including data collection from meters and sensors, processing water consumption patterns, detecting anomalies, generating notifications, and enabling remote control of appliances. By placing complexity in this dedicated intermediary layer, the system achieves ease of operation for end users while managing system complexity in a centralized, manageable location
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring and control with electronic and network-based mechanisms. Flow meters with electronic sensors substitute for manual meter reading, network communication replaces physical presence requirements, and automated control algorithms substitute for manual appliance operation. This substitution enables remote monitoring and control capabilities while the electronic systems manage their own complexity internally
3Reliability
If no monitoring system is implemented, then system simplicity is maintained, but water leaks and misuse cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring water flow parameters and establishing baseline consumption patterns before problems occur. The control system learns normal usage patterns and detects deviations that indicate leaks or misuse. This proactive approach enables early detection of issues before they cause significant damage, improving reliability without requiring complex intervention mechanisms - the system simply needs to monitor and compare data continuously
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described, which relate to internet-of-things (IoT) feedback systems, in which data received from a given IoT device may be analyzed by a controller and used as a basis for controlling another IoT device and/or sending an alert to a user. The controller may activate a dehumidifier upon detecting activation of a sump pump. The controller may monitor water level data and alert a user and/or request maintenance of the sump pump upon detecting the water level exceeds a threshold. The controller may monitor dishwasher data to detect suboptimal performance of a dishwasher, in response to which the controller may instruct valves of a manifold and water heater to close to isolate the dishwasher, and instruct a water softener to elevate salt levels of softened water during a self-cleaning cycle of the dishwasher.