Leak detection and prevention device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water leak detection systems are ineffective in promptly notifying users of leaks, especially when they are not present, and often require electrical power, which can fail during outages, and are not easily installable by homeowners, leading to potential extensive damage.

Innovation Solution

A water leak detection and prevention device that uses a water-soluble sensor coupled with a spring-loaded plunger mechanism to obstruct water flow through a water pipe, triggered by moisture detection, without requiring electrical power, allowing for easy installation and immediate prevention of leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electronic water leak detection devices are used, then detection function is provided, but they require electrical power which may fail during outages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical power requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the electrical power requirement from the water leak detection system by extracting the electronic components and replacing them with a purely mechanical detection mechanism using a water-soluble sensor that triggers a mechanical valve closure when it contacts leaking water

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the leaking water itself to activate the shutdown mechanism - the water that causes the problem also triggers the solution by dissolving the sensor and releasing the spring-loaded plunger, making the system self-activating without external power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional water leak detection systems are used, then leak detection is provided, but they cannot promptly notify users when they are not present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by immediately closing the water valve upon detecting a leak, preventing water accumulation before the user returns home, rather than merely notifying the user after the leak has already caused damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If electronic water leak detection devices are used, then detection function is provided, but installation is complex and not easily done by homeowners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts all electronic components, wiring requirements, and power supply needs from the system, leaving only simple mechanical parts that can be easily installed by homeowners without electrical knowledge or special tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The water-soluble sensor is designed as a simple, inexpensive, single-use component that requires no complex assembly or calibration, making the entire system affordable and easy for homeowners to install themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If electronic sensors are used for water leak detection, then detection sensitivity is provided, but they are susceptible to failure due to corrosion or power loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes all electronic sensors and their associated failure modes (corrosion, power loss, battery depletion) by using a purely mechanical water-soluble sensor that cannot corrode or run out of power, as it is activated by the presence of water itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is designed as a simple mechanical component with no moving parts, electronics, or power requirements, making it inherently reliable and immune to the failure modes that plague electronic sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 device effectively prevents water leaks by blocking the flow through the water pipe using gravity and a magnetic ball, ensuring timely prevention of damage without the need for batteries or electrical power, making it user-friendly and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

a water soluble sensor coupled with a spring-loaded plunger mechanism to obstruct water flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

spring-loaded plunger mechanism to obstruct water flow through a water pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy conversion: Spring

Implementation Method 3

using gravity and a magnetic ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10876646B2Leak detection and prevention device

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 MONK INTPROP LLC

AI summary

A liquid leak detection and prevention device comprised of a leak detection apparatus positioned near a water-dependent appliance to monitor for moisture due to a leak, and a leak prevention system connected to the leak detection apparatus in fluid communication with a water pipe attached to the water-dependent appliance and positioned in-line with the water pipe is disclosed.