Water Leak Detection Valve with Compliant Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively detect and address slow leaks in water systems, such as toilets and sinks, which can result in significant water waste, especially in areas where water is scarce.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a pressure compliant chamber and a pilot valve system that responds to pressure changes, using a pressure sensor to detect leaks and automatically adjust the main valve to prevent water flow when a leak is detected, while allowing normal operation without restricting flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve assembly with pressure sensor and pilot valve system is used to detect and prevent slow leaks, then water conservation and leak detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant chamber is introduced as an intermediary component between the water supply and the toilet tank. This chamber accumulates pressure changes over time and makes them detectable by the pressure sensor, enabling slow leak detection without requiring complex sensing electronics or high-precision sensors directly in the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the water pressure itself as the sensing mechanism. The pressure sensor detects natural pressure fluctuations in the compliant chamber that occur during normal toilet operation and leak conditions, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex signal processing systems.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of water pressure is implemented to detect slow leaks, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, taking measurements at intervals sufficient to detect pressure changes from slow leaks. The compliant chamber naturally accumulates pressure changes over time, allowing the system to sample at lower frequencies while maintaining detection precision for leaks occurring at rates of one drop per second or faster.
3Extent of automation
If a pilot valve system is used to automatically control the main valve based on pressure changes, then automation level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback about the pressure in the compliant chamber to the control system. When pressure changes indicate a leak condition, the system automatically actuates the main valve to close, stopping water flow. This simple feedback loop achieves automatic leak prevention without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple actuators.
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 system efficiently detects and prevents water leaks, including slow leaks, by translating pressure changes into discrete valve states, thereby reducing water waste and enabling continuous monitoring and reporting of water usage.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor, such as a piston, diaphragm or other device, is gradually responsive to changes in pressure of the compliant chamber
Implementation Method 2
A pressure compliant chamber in fluid communication with the outlet, downstream of the main valve, and has a pressure when the valve assembly is in use
Implementation Method 3
A pilot valve in fluid communication with the main valve is responsive to the pressure sensor and operates in either an open state or closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly capable of converting a small leak of a device into a measurable, relatively larger or “burst” flow event is described. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly includes a compliant chamber and, following pressurization of the device, permits flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber drops to a configured fill pressure and restricts (or prevents) flow when the pressure in the compliant chamber increases to a shut-off pressure. The disclosed valve assemblies may be incorporated into a leak detection assembly capable of transmitting usage and/or alarm data to a central service.