Self-Charging Fluid Flow Sensor With Turbine Impeller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems fail to effectively detect and measure water leaks in household appliances like toilets, leading to water waste and potential flood damage, as they often go undetected until significant issues arise.
Innovation Solution
A self-charging sensor system that converts water flow energy into electrical power to recharge its battery, featuring a turbine module with a multi-wheel offset impeller, a processing module for data collection, and an attachment component for stable seating on an overflow tube, capable of detecting leaks and measuring water quality, with wireless communication options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sensor system is used to detect water leaks, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot continuously operate without external power supply and may fail to detect leaks in time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation function with the sensing function by integrating a turbine module into the sensor housing. The turbine module converts kinetic energy from water flow into electrical energy to charge the battery, enabling continuous operation without external power supply while maintaining a compact integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own power through the turbine module that harnesses energy from the water flow it monitors. The battery stores this generated energy for continuous operation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external power sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a turbine module is added to generate electricity from water flow, then the system achieves self-charging capability, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine module is integrated within the sensor housing rather than being a separate external component. This merging of power generation and sensing functions into a single unified structure minimizes overall device complexity while achieving self-charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine module serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy to charge the battery, and its rotation also provides flow measurement data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor system is designed for specific fixtures, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability to different fixtures and fluid types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed with universal adaptability to work with various fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers) and different fluid types (water, chemicals, oils). The turbine module and sensor components can detect flow characteristics across different applications, eliminating the need for fixture-specific designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adapt to different fixtures and fluid types by adjusting operational parameters such as flow rate thresholds, detection sensitivity, and turbine rotation speed. This parameter-based adaptability allows a single standardized design to function effectively across diverse applications.
4Loss of information
If data is collected and transmitted wirelessly, then remote monitoring is enabled, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless data transmission operates periodically rather than continuously. The microcontroller transmits collected flow data and system status at predetermined intervals, reducing overall power consumption while still enabling effective remote monitoring and leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the battery charge level and flow detection status to optimize transmission timing. Data transmission is triggered by significant events (such as detected leaks) or scheduled based on battery charge availability, balancing information transmission needs with energy conservation.
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 system provides stable and efficient leak detection and water flow measurement, minimizing water waste and damage by utilizing water flow energy for self-sustenance and transmitting data for remote analysis, while being adaptable to various fixtures and fluid types.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine module having a multi-wheel offset impeller adapted to be driven by a fill tube via an inlet port during an event, wherein a rotation of the turbine module generates electricity that recharges the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A self-charging sensor (SCS) adapted for use in a toilet or the like. The SCS includes a housing having a rechargeable battery; a turbine module having a multilevel impeller having offset wheels that are adapted to be driven by a fluid flow via an inlet port during an event, wherein a rotation of the impeller causes the turbine module to generate electricity that recharges the rechargeable battery; and a processing module that collects count data associated with the rotation during the event; and an attachment component adapted to seat the housing on an overflow tube.