Tethered Drag Block for Plumbing Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water management systems lack easy and reliable methods for real-time water flow measurement and leak detection in plumbing systems, making it difficult for homeowners to conserve water and detect potential leaks, which can lead to high bills and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A tethered drag block system that can be manually installed on a hose bib, using a drag block and tether to measure water flow by converting drag force into electrical signals, allowing for digital or analog measurement of water flow rates with minimal calibration and installation requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inline meters with positive displacement or multi-jet mechanisms are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement mechanisms (positive displacement, multi-jet) with a simplified drag-based system. A drag block experiences fluid drag force proportional to flow rate, and this mechanical drag is converted to an electrical signal via a strain gauge or similar sensor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical counters or rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex inline meters. Instead of using entire mechanical meter assemblies, it isolates the drag force generation (using a simple block) and couples it with a minimal sensor (strain gauge), removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic or acoustic flow meters are used, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing cost and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, simple components that are easy to manufacture and replace. The drag block is a simple geometric shape that can be easily fabricated, and the strain gauge is a standard off-the-shelf component. This approach trades the high cost and calibration complexity of ultrasonic/acoustic sensors for cheap, simple, calibration-resistant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic/ultrasonic properties (which require complex calibration) to mechanical drag force. The drag force is directly proportional to flow rate through a simple physical relationship, making the system inherently easier to calibrate and more robust to manufacturing variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual water meter checking is performed, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-monitoring system that automatically measures and reports water flow without requiring manual intervention. The drag block continuously experiences drag force as water flows, the strain gauge continuously converts this to an electrical signal, and the system can log or transmit data automatically, providing real-time monitoring at low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of water meters with an automated electrical measurement system. The mechanical drag on the block is converted to an electrical signal that can be easily processed, stored, and transmitted, enabling precise real-time monitoring without manual effort.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for monitoring, measuring and affecting fluid flow within a pipe element of a plumbing system. One version is attached proximate to, and installed through, a hose bib of a building water plumbing system. The device includes water flow sensing and monitoring modules that are coupled to a drag block. The drag block may be configured to be deployed and deformed within a fluid pipe as directed by a controller or by manual control. The controller is optionally communicatively or bi-directionally communicatively coupled to an external receiver or transceiver by wireless means. Data collected by the device is analyzed to detect leaks in the plumbing system. The device may include a power source, such as an electrical battery, a solar energy collector, and/or a wind energy collector.