Solenoid Valve Fluid Control via Light Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to prevent fluid leaks in household and commercial fixtures, leading to substantial water and fuel wastage, increased utility bills, and potential safety hazards, as they require detection of leaks before shutting off the fluid supply, and are often expensive and cumbersome to implement.
Innovation Solution
A passive fluid regulation system that uses a solenoid valve controlled by a light switch or motion-activated switch, which automatically shuts off the fluid supply when the area is unoccupied, utilizing a transformer to step down voltage for a low-energy, safe, and cost-effective solution that can be easily installed without dedicated wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a solenoid valve is used to automatically shut off fluid supply, then fluid wastage is prevented and safety is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to requiring electrical wiring and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solenoid valve with an existing light switch that is already present in the room, merging the fluid control function with an existing electrical control device. This eliminates the need for separate control switches and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining automatic shut-off capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light switch serves dual functions: controlling the light and controlling the solenoid valve that regulates fluid supply. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the control system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If a solenoid valve controlled by a light switch is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring a transformer and electrical circuit integration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing light switch infrastructure to automatically control the solenoid valve without requiring users to interact with a separate control device. The system serves itself by utilizing already-installed electrical components, reducing the need for additional control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a normally-closed solenoid valve that opens only when electrical power is applied, creating an asymmetric control state where the default position is closed (safe) and the open position requires active electrical signaling. This asymmetry simplifies the control logic while maintaining safety.
3Ease of operation
If motion-activated switches are used instead of light switches, then ease of operation is further improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switch operation with motion-activated sensing technology, substituting mechanical user interaction with an automated sensing system that detects motion and automatically activates or deactivates the solenoid valve based on presence detection.
4Reliability
If existing leak detection systems are used, then leaks can be detected, but response time is delayed until detection occurs and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by proactively shutting off the fluid supply based on predetermined conditions (light switch off state or motion detector detecting absence) before any leak can occur or be detected. This preventive approach eliminates response time delays associated with detecting leaks after they have already started.
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
Prevents fluid wastage and safety hazards by automatically shutting off fluid supply when not in use, reducing utility bills and environmental impact, while being easy to install and operate with standard components, and adaptable to various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve in fluid communication with, and regulating flow in, a fluid supply line
Implementation Method 2
a transformer with a primary side and a secondary side, wherein the primary side is placed in intermediate electrical communication with the light switch and the light, wherein the secondary side is in electrical communication with the solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system to regulate fluid flow having a light switch that controls a light, wherein the light switch is in electrical communication with a wireless transmitter; and at least one valve interposed on at least one fluid supply line wherein said at least one valve is normally closed, cutting off the flow of fluid in the at least one fluid supply line, wherein the at least one valve is in electrical communication with a wireless receiver such that when the light switch is activated the wireless transmitter signals the wireless receiver to open the valve, allowing flow of fluid in the fluid supply line. The present invention also provides another system using a photocell switch to actuate the valve.