Sensor Clamp Housing for Backflow Freeze Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Backflow preventers in water supply systems are prone to freezing during unexpected freeze events, leading to damage to the water supply and surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor clamp system equipped with a temperature sensor and a controller that monitors ambient temperature, generates notifications, and executes actions to prevent water from freezing, such as opening a controllable valve, while also managing battery power to avoid failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If backflow preventers are installed outside to prevent backflow, then water supply protection is improved, but they become vulnerable to freezing damage during unexpected freeze events
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of ambient temperature and activates heating elements before the temperature reaches freezing point. The controller continuously monitors temperature sensors and triggers the heating element when temperature approaches a predetermined threshold, preventing ice formation before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor acts as an intermediary between the environment and the heating system. The sensor detects ambient temperature changes and transmits this information to the controller, which then activates the heating element as a protective intermediary measure against freezing conditions.
2Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented to prevent freezing, then protection reliability is improved, but battery power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous monitoring to periodic monitoring based on temperature conditions. When temperature is stable and above freezing threshold, the system enters a lower-power monitoring mode. When temperature approaches critical levels, monitoring frequency increases automatically, optimizing battery usage while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives feedback from temperature sensors and dynamically adjusts its monitoring and heating activation strategy. When temperature readings indicate stable conditions above the freezing threshold, the system reduces power consumption. When readings approach critical levels, the system increases activity to ensure protection, creating a feedback-driven power management system.
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 effectively prevents backflow preventers from freezing, thereby protecting the water supply and associated structures, while also extending battery life through efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor clamp system equipped with a temperature sensor and a controller that monitors ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
executes actions to prevent water from freezing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a clamp mechanism to secure a temperature sensor to a plumbing fixture. The clamp includes a first semicircular portion and a first sensor housing lobe; a second semicircular portion and a second sensor housing lobe; wherein the first and second sensor housing lobes being hingedly coupled together and defining a first bore between the first and second semicircular portions to fit around pipe structures and around a test cock, and wherein the first and second sensor housing lobes defining a second bore between the first and second sensor housing lobes to house a temperature sensor configured to generate temperature sensor data indicative of an ambient temperature around the plumbing fixture.