Smart Water Metering With Integrated Leak Detection and Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water control systems lack efficient and automated leak detection and surveillance mechanisms that can adapt to real-time conditions and user preferences, leading to potential water damage and health risks from leaks, mold, and frost.
Innovation Solution
A smart water metering system with integrated leak detection and surveillance capabilities, utilizing an intelligent water meter that monitors multiple parameters in real-time, communicates with a mobile device and intelligence platform, and automatically controls water valves based on predefined thresholds, enabling 24/7 monitoring and customizable settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional water control systems use simple auto shut-off mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but leak detection capability and real-time monitoring are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent water meter integrates multiple functions including flow measurement, leak detection, parameter monitoring (temperature, pressure, humidity), automated valve control, and data communication into a single device. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by providing comprehensive leak detection capabilities while avoiding the need for separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system embeds multiple detection and control mechanisms within the intelligent water meter structure. Sensors for temperature, pressure, and humidity are integrated within the meter housing, with internal processing units analyzing data and controlling valves. This nesting approach enables sophisticated leak detection without proportionally increasing external system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of multiple parameters is implemented, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water parameters (flow rate, temperature, pressure, humidity) without interruption to detect leaks early. This continuous monitoring enables accurate leak detection while the automated valve control prevents water waste, creating a net benefit that justifies the energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent water meter processes real-time parameter data and provides feedback through automated valve control and notifications. When anomalies are detected, the system immediately adjusts valve positions to stop water flow, preventing damage. This feedback mechanism ensures measurement precision is translated into actionable results, optimizing energy usage.
3Speed
If automated valve control based on thresholds is implemented, then response time to leaks is reduced, but adaptability to different conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts valve control thresholds and monitoring parameters based on detected conditions. The intelligent processing unit analyzes patterns in water usage and environmental data, automatically adapting control strategies to match user behavior and household conditions. This enables fast response to leaks while maintaining adaptability through learned patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent water meter autonomously learns household water usage patterns and automatically adjusts monitoring and control parameters without user intervention. The system serves itself by adapting to changing conditions, optimizing its own performance while maintaining rapid leak response. Users benefit from both fast automated response and adaptability without manual configuration.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple detectors are installed for whole home protection, then surveillance coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent water meter serves as a universal monitoring device that can be installed at the main water entry point to monitor the entire household water system. It provides comprehensive surveillance coverage through integrated sensors and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate detectors while maintaining extensive monitoring coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a water metering system, method, and device with leak detection and surveillance. The system includes an intelligent water meter configured to initiate flow rate measurement from a starting flow monitoring a plurality of preset parameters in real time. The parameters include water temperature, water pressure, water flow rate and water usage, as well as environmental temperature and humidity. The system delivers real-time data about the parameters to an intelligence platform, and turns on or off a water valve automatically when a predetermined threshold is reached. A detector is installed for monitoring a functioning appliance. The detector delivers real-time data regarding water leakage to the intelligence platform and the water meter respectively. The intelligence platform evaluates water flow and risk when receiving the real-time data about the parameters and delivers predetermined settings to the intelligent water meter.