Self-Powered Tap Telemetry System for Real-Time Water Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water measurement and flow regulation systems in taps lack real-time consumption measurement, storage of data, leak detection, and excessive consumption detection, failing to effectively reduce water usage and optimize water distribution.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical system integrating with taps or valves, utilizing wireless communication, a processor, radio transceiver, and external storage, which includes infrared sensors and a motor to control water flow, providing real-time consumption data and automatic regulation based on user habits and environmental factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standardized water meters are used, then basic measurement functionality is provided, but real-time consumption measurement, storage, leak detection, and excessive consumption detection capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereal-time consumption measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (measurement, real-time monitoring, data storage, leak detection, and consumption analysis) into a single integrated water meter device. The device merges the measurement mechanism with electronic sensors, memory storage, processing unit, and communication modules to provide comprehensive water consumption management capabilities in one unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The water meter is designed as a multi-functional device that performs basic measurement, real-time monitoring, data storage, leak detection, excessive consumption detection, and wireless communication. This universal device replaces the need for multiple separate systems, providing comprehensive functionality while maintaining a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If manual water flow control is used, then simple operation is maintained, but automatic regulation based on consumption patterns and environmental factors is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic water flow regulationVSAvoiduser control simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processing unit analyzes consumption patterns, environmental factors (temperature, humidity), and user habits to automatically adjust water flow. The system continuously monitors these parameters and provides automatic regulation while maintaining user ability to override when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The water meter performs self-service functions by automatically detecting leaks, monitoring excessive consumption, and regulating water flow based on pre-programmed criteria and learned user habits. The device autonomously manages water distribution optimization without requiring constant user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If no data storage and analysis system is implemented, then device simplicity is maintained, but consumption pattern analysis, leak detection, and optimization suggestions cannot be provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumption data storage and analysisVSAvoiddata management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes preliminary data storage capacity and pre-programmed analysis algorithms that prepare the system for efficient data processing. Memory units are pre-configured to store consumption data, and the processing unit contains pre-loaded criteria for detecting leaks and excessive consumption, enabling immediate analysis without complex external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual data collection and analysis methods with electronic sensors, digital memory storage, and automated processing algorithms. The system uses electronic communication modules to transmit data, substituting mechanical data recording methods with automated digital systems that provide continuous monitoring and analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables precise water flow control, real-time consumption monitoring, and data analysis to optimize water usage, detect leaks, and suggest improvements, ultimately reducing water consumption and enhancing water distribution management.

Implementation Method 1

The dynamo 15 will produce electrical energy and recharge the battery 14

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

sensors operating by sensitivity to the temperature of the human body, or transmitter and receiver by the collision of the signal with the hand and the return to the receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2764332B1Telemetry system for water consumption
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 LAKHDARI MUSTAPHA
  • EP2764332B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2764332B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP2764332B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a telemetry system for collecting tap-water consumption measurements in real time through a self-powered electromechanical device that can be integrated inside the tap or provided as an outer module capable of being adapted to the outlet of any type of tap. The electromechanical device automatically or manually adjusts the water flow rate, and indicates the volume of water to be used, displays the consumption measurements on a display in real time, and sends the measurements to a storage device in order to store same in an external module and analyze same with a view to defining excessive consumers, losses, leaks, etc., and sharing the information, via the Internet, with other users in the region and vice versa. The system can be used for improving host analysis and water management and distribution capabilities.