Smart Watering Apparatus with Sensor-Controlled Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet water dispensing devices require frequent refilling and are prone to overflow or malfunction when tipped over, as they rely on gravity flow or mechanical valves that are cumbersome and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A smart water flow apparatus with a sensor-activated microcontroller system that regulates water flow from a continuous supply, incorporating a programmable shutoff feature to prevent overflow and adapt to varying water pressures, ensuring a consistent water level in reservoirs without manual refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If gravity flow from a higher closed reservoir to a lower open reservoir is used, then the water flow duration is extended, but the device becomes large, heavy, and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gravity flow system with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is driven by a motor that can be controlled by a microcontroller to deliver water on demand, eliminating the need for a large elevated reservoir and reducing device weight while maintaining extended water supply duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by operating the pump in intermittent cycles rather than continuous flow. The microcontroller monitors water levels and activates the pump only when needed, providing water in periodic bursts that extend operational duration without requiring continuous large-volume storage.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical flow valves are used to regulate water flow, then water flow can be controlled, but the valves are prone to failure and overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow valves with an electronically controlled pump system regulated by a microcontroller. The microcontroller monitors water level sensors and controls the pump motor accordingly, providing reliable flow control without the mechanical failure modes of traditional valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through water level sensors that continuously monitor the reservoir level and provide signals to the microcontroller. The microcontroller adjusts pump operation based on this feedback, ensuring reliable flow control and preventing overflow conditions.
3Loss of time
If a continuous water supply line is used, then refilling frequency is reduced, but the device is prone to overflow when tipped over or malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses water level sensors that provide continuous feedback to the microcontroller about the reservoir water level. When the water reaches a predetermined level or when the device is tipped over (detected by sensor orientation), the microcontroller automatically shuts off the pump, preventing overflow while maintaining continuous supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting potential overflow conditions before they occur. The sensors monitor water level continuously and trigger pump shutdown in advance of any potential overflow, whether caused by tipping or malfunction, eliminating the harmful effect before it can manifest.
4Loss of time
If gravity flow devices are used, then manual refilling is prolonged, but the devices risk being overturned by pets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the elevated gravity flow reservoir with a low-profile design that incorporates an electric pump. This eliminates the high center of gravity that makes gravity devices susceptible to pet overturning, while the automated pump system maintains extended time between owner interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality through automated pump operation controlled by water level sensors and a microcontroller. The device automatically refills itself without owner intervention, extending the time between refills while using a stable, low-profile design resistant to pet overturning.
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 maintains a consistent water level in pet reservoirs, preventing overflow and reducing refilling frequency, while being adaptable to different water pressures and situations, ensuring reliable and efficient water delivery without flooding risks.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a valve means capable of regulating the flow of water or a fluid through the continuous water supply line
Implementation Method 3
The microcontroller is also operably connected to the sensor means and the valve means and can instruct the valve means to open or close in response to electrical signal from the sensor means
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a smart water flow apparatus capable of maintaining a desired level of water in a reservoir while having an override or shutoff feature that is programmable to address variations in water pressure or to prevent flooding.