Smart Sensor for Plumbing Obstruction Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting blockages in plumbing systems are inefficient, often requiring a trial-and-error approach and are not cost-effective, especially for consumers and small businesses, as they do not accurately locate obstructions in a practical and economical manner.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a smart sensor device that is deployed into the plumbing system, which travels through the pipes and, upon reaching a blockage, stops moving and transmits an alert signal via RFID or Bluetooth, allowing users to accurately locate the obstruction using a monitoring device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional trial-and-error methods are used to locate blockages, then the approach is simple and low-cost, but the time required and resource expenditure increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of detection methodVSAvoidtime to locate blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical trial-and-error detection methods with an automated sensor-based system. The sensor device uses electromagnetic fields (RFID or Bluetooth) to communicate location data, substituting manual mechanical probing with automated electronic detection and positioning, thereby reducing time while maintaining simplicity through automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device autonomously detects its own location and automatically transmits position data when stationary, eliminating the need for manual intervention to locate blockages. The system self-navigates through the plumbing system and self-reporting mechanism reduces both time and manual resource expenditure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of time

If automated sensor systems are deployed to locate blockages, then the time and resources required are reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to locate blockageVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: location tracking, movement detection, communication (RFID/Bluetooth), and blockage detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall system while maintaining automated operation and reduced time requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication intermediary (RFID or Bluetooth module) that bridges the sensor device and the control system. This intermediary enables automatic data transmission without direct complex wiring or manual intervention, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining automated blockage location capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual detection methods are used, then the system remains simple and affordable, but measurement precision and location accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaffordability of detection systemVSAvoidaccuracy of blockage location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual detection with electronic positioning systems that provide accurate location data. The sensor device uses electronic communication (RFID/Bluetooth) to transmit precise position information, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the system affordable through the use of low-cost wireless communication technology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device continuously monitors its own position and movement, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time location tracking and accurate blockage identification, improving measurement precision while maintaining system affordability through automated electronic monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables quick and precise detection of blockages, reducing the time and resources required to identify and address obstructions, ensuring that repair efforts do not affect unaffected pipe regions and preventing potential hazards like raw sewage backups.

Implementation Method 1

upon reaching a blockage, stops moving and transmits an alert signal via RFID or Bluetooth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID:

Implementation Method 2

upon reaching a blockage, stops moving and transmits an alert signal via RFID or Bluetooth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth:

Data Source

PatentUS11482092B1Smart sensors for plumbing systems

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION (USAA)

AI summary

A method and system of identifying a location of an obstruction site in a plumbing system is disclosed. The system and method are configured to allow for the deployment of a smart sensor device into a pipeline and transmit data regarding its location and external conditions to a nearby monitoring device. Upon arriving at an obstruction in the pipeline, the sensor device can automatically transmit a signal indicating the current location of the sensor device.