Water Conservation System with Integrated Flow Control and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water conservation systems lack effective monitoring and control mechanisms for water flow, pressure, and temperature, and do not address the need for programmable water flow rates and leak detection in residential, industrial, and commercial facilities, leading to inefficiencies and waste in water distribution.
Innovation Solution
A water conservation system that includes a main conduit with flow control valves, pressure sensors, and a processing unit that monitors and controls water flow, pressure, and temperature, enabling automatic detection and prevention of leaks, and allows for programmable water flow rates, with remote operation and self-learning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If water flow monitoring and control devices are implemented, then water conservation efficiency is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (flow monitoring, pressure monitoring, temperature monitoring, leak detection, and control) into a single integrated water conservation system. The processing unit centrally coordinates all sensors and valves, merging what would otherwise be separate systems into one unified device that manages water conservation comprehensively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors flow rate, pressure, and temperature; detects leaks; controls water supply; and provides remote communication. This multi-functional approach consolidates various water management tasks into a single universal system, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Loss of substance
If flow control valves and monitoring devices are installed, then water waste is reduced, but installation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-diagnostic capabilities through the processing unit that continuously monitors sensor data and automatically detects leaks or abnormal conditions. The system can autonomously identify issues without requiring manual inspection, reducing maintenance complexity and enabling faster repair responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from flow meters, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors to continuously adjust valve positions and optimize water flow. This closed-loop control automatically compensates for system changes and maintains optimal operation, reducing the need for manual adjustments and simplifying maintenance.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring and control systems are implemented, then water management efficiency is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual water management operations with automated electronic monitoring and control. The processing unit uses digital signals from sensors to automatically control valves and provide remote communication, substituting mechanical/manual systems with electronic automation that improves efficiency while managing cost through integrated design.
4Loss of substance
If pressure reduction is implemented to conserve water, then water consumption is reduced, but water flow reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts valve positions based on real-time feedback from flow and pressure sensors rather than maintaining a fixed pressure reduction. This allows the system to optimize water conservation while ensuring sufficient flow pressure is maintained for reliable operation of water fixtures and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit continuously monitors pressure sensor data and adjusts control valve positions to maintain pressure within optimal ranges. This feedback control ensures that pressure reduction for conservation does not compromise the minimum pressure needed for reliable water flow to fixtures.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a water conservation system may include a main conduit which may be in fluid communication with a bypass conduit via a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. An inlet isolation valve, a flow control valve, and an outlet isolation valve may be coupled in series on the main conduit. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the main conduit before the bypass conduit inlet and a flow meter may be coupled to the main conduit after the bypass conduit outlet. A processing unit may be in communication with an ambient temperature sensor and also in communication with the flow control valve, the pressure sensor, and the flow meter. The processing unit may operate the flow control valve to provide an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facility in which the system is installed.