Non-Invasive Water Leak Detection With Automatic Valve Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water leak detection and mitigation systems are invasive, require professional installation, and lack remote monitoring and automatic shut-off capabilities, leading to significant damage and water wastage.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive, battery-operated wireless water-leak detection and mitigation system with automatic or automated water-line shutoff capabilities, comprising a leak-detection module and a valve-actuator module that can be installed by laypersons without cutting existing pipes, and communicates alerts and status remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive inline devices are used for leak detection and automatic shut-off, then effective leak mitigation is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring professional plumbing services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that attaches to the exterior of the water main pipe without requiring pipe cutting or invasive installation. This intermediary detector communicates with a separate shut-off valve mechanism, enabling effective leak detection and automatic shut-off while avoiding complex plumbing work and professional installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: an external leak detector that attaches to the pipe surface, a communication interface, and a shut-off valve mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and installed without requiring invasive integration into the piping system, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Extent of automation
If AC-powered automatic shut-off valves are installed, then automatic leak response is achieved, but power availability becomes a limiting factor during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is designed to be self-powered through alternative energy sources such as batteries or energy harvesting from water flow, eliminating dependence on AC power. This self-service power supply ensures the device can detect leaks and trigger shut-off operations during power outages, maintaining reliability while preserving automatic response capability.
3Ease of operation
If floor-mounted resistive sensors are used for leak detection, then ease of installation is improved, but detection coverage and protective capability are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor surface sensing to three-dimensional pipe surface attachment. The detector wraps around or attaches to the exterior of the water main pipe, enabling it to sense leaks at their source along the entire pipe circumference and length, dramatically expanding detection coverage while maintaining easy installation without professional plumbing services.
4Reliability
If professional installation services are required, then reliable device integration is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-installation features including adhesive mounting surfaces, snap-fit connections, and intuitive alignment guides that enable homeowners to install the detector themselves without requiring professional plumbing services. This self-service installation capability reduces both installation time and cost while maintaining reliable device integration through standardized mounting mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are inexpensive, easy-to-install (do-it-yourself/DIY), non-invasive, independently powered automated devices, apparatuses, systems and methods for leak detection, prevention and mitigation, particularly fluid leak detection, prevention and mitigation, as well as water leak detection and water-supply shutoff of domestic and commercial pressurized water-supply networks.