Smart Water Meter Leak Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems lack real-time monitoring and leak detection capabilities for residential and commercial properties, leading to significant water waste and damage from undetected leaks, with existing water meters not providing detailed usage data or wireless communication for remote monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A smart water meter and leak detection system that uses wireless communication to monitor water use and quality, alerting users to potential leaks and allowing remote shut-off, integrated with IoT technology for real-time data transmission and storage, utilizing Wi-Fi and long-range wireless technologies for data transfer to the internet and remote servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional water meters are used, then the device complexity is low, but real-time monitoring and leak detection capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a microcontroller unit as an intermediary component that bridges the simple water flow sensing mechanism and the complex wireless communication functions. The microcontroller processes sensor data, determines leak conditions, and manages communication protocols, thereby achieving reliable leak detection without requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The water meter is designed with multi-functionality, integrating flow measurement, leak detection, wireless communication, and remote control capabilities into a single device. This universal approach allows the system to perform multiple functions simultaneously, improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If water meters with detailed monitoring capabilities are installed, then water conservation efficiency improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex data management
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller continuously monitors water flow data, compares it against predefined thresholds, and automatically generates leak alerts. This feedback loop eliminates the need for manual data analysis by property owners, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high water conservation efficiency through real-time anomaly detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The water meter system performs self-service by automatically collecting, analyzing, and reporting water usage data without requiring user intervention. The device autonomously manages data logging, wireless transmission, and leak detection algorithms, thereby improving conservation efficiency while keeping the system easy to operate for end users.
3Loss of information
If wireless communication modules are added to water meters, then real-time data transmission capability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication module operates using periodic action by transmitting data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously. The microcontroller buffers water usage data and performs periodic wireless transmissions, thereby maintaining real-time data transmission capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous communication modes.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If remote shut-off capability is implemented, then leak damage reduction improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by pre-positioning an electronically controlled shut-off valve that can be activated remotely upon leak detection. The microcontroller maintains readiness to command the valve closure, and when a leak is detected, the shut-off action is immediately executed. This preliminary preparation of the control mechanism reduces water damage while avoiding complex manual intervention systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a water meter and leak detection system that has a residential or industrial/commercial facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a remotely controllable base station with shut-off/on mechanism that is in wireless or wired (X10, Zwave, UPB) communication with a convenient controller. The base station with shut-off/on mechanism is interposed within a water line from a water main to the living or operating quarters portion of a residential or an industrial/commercial facility or building, such that activation of the base station with shut-off/on valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters when the residential home or industrial/commercial facility or building is vacated or unsupervised. In this manner, damage to the living quarters or the industrial/commercial facility or building from failure of water pipes running through the living or working quarters is prevented during times that the shut-off mechanism is activated.