Sump Pump Failure Detection via Non-Electric Level Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for detecting failing or underperforming sump pumps are complex, expensive, and require real-time responses to prevent flooding, lacking effective and cost-efficient methods for early detection.
Innovation Solution
A non-electric level indicator, such as a bucket with a liquid contact indicator, is positioned below the basement floor to detect water rise above a predetermined level, allowing for delayed confirmation of sump pump failure without electronics, using fasteners commonly available and potentially manufactured via 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced sensors and communication devices are included in the sump to alert property owners, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex electronic sensors and isolates it to a simple float mechanism. The float rises with water level and mechanically triggers a visual indicator, separating the detection function from communication and control functions, thereby achieving simple detection without complex electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components such as a float made from buoyant material and a visual indicator that can be easily manufactured. These components are designed to be low-cost and potentially replaceable, avoiding the need for expensive electronic sensors while maintaining effective detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If advanced sensors and communication devices are included in the sump, then the detection capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components such as a float made from buoyant material and a visual indicator that can be easily manufactured. These components are designed to be low-cost and potentially replaceable, avoiding the need for expensive electronic sensors while maintaining effective detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism is self-actuating and requires no external power source or complex manufacturing. The buoyant float automatically rises with water level and triggers the visual indicator through mechanical movement, making the device inexpensive to manufacture and maintain without requiring electronic components.
3Reliability
If real-time response is required to prevent flooding, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of time for confirmation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The float mechanism provides preliminary visual indication of water level rise before flooding occurs. The visual indicator activates in advance when the float rises, giving property owners early warning and additional time to respond, thereby maintaining reliability while extending the confirmation time window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color-changing visual indicators (such as pH-sensitive paper or colored indicators) that provide immediate, easily observable warnings. This allows property owners to quickly confirm pump failure through simple color observation, reducing confirmation time while maintaining reliable detection of the failure condition.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, durable, and safe means to extend the time for detecting sump pump failure, preventing flooding and property damage by using a simple, aesthetic, and easy-to-install level indicator that can delay water evaporation or color change confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
the bucket could include a liquid contact indicator (LCI) which turns from white into another color, typically red, after contact with water
Implementation Method 2
a few weeks could pass until all of the water evaporates
Data Source
AI summary
Owners of sump pumps often have no way of identifying a sump pump is failing unless they are home to witness a failing sump pump in real-time. Current solutions to this issue rely on the use of expensive electronics to help alert the owner of a failing sump pump. The present disclosure offers an inexpensive solution to extend a time in which an owner can confirm the sump pump has failed or is about to fail. Namely, the present disclosure features a level indicator which retains some water in the event the water rises above a predetermined level.