Water shutoff apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water overflows from appliances such as sinks or damaged pipes can cause extensive damage to property, particularly in multi-family dwellings, where water seepage through floors and walls leads to costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
An automatic water shutoff apparatus with independent electric motorized valves and a water sensor system that detects water accumulation, triggering the valves to close and prevent further water flow, thereby preventing flooding and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic water shutoff apparatus with sensors and motorized valves is installed, then water damage prevention capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: water sensors that detect leakage, motorized valves that control water flow, and a control unit that coordinates their operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability despite the increased complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple independent motorized valves are used for different water supplies, then water control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different motorized valves are assigned to control specific water supplies (e.g., hot water, cold water, appliance water lines) based on their individual requirements. Each valve can be independently controlled with appropriate precision for its specific function, allowing precise water control while managing complexity through specialized local control rather than a single complex system.
3Speed
If water sensor triggers automatic valve closure, then response speed to water overflow is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized valves are pre-positioned and ready for immediate actuation, and the control unit is pre-programmed with the shutdown logic. When the water sensor detects overflow, the system executes the pre-planned response of closing the appropriate valves, achieving rapid response without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms during the emergency event.
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
Effectively prevents water damage by automatically shutting off water supply when overflow is detected, reducing the risk of costly repairs and minimizing property damage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one water sensor electrically connected to the first valve and the second valve, wherein the water sensor is operable between an inactivated state, in which the water sensor is substantially dry, and an activated state, in which the water sensor is subjected to an amount of water
Implementation Method 2
either or both of the first valve and the second valve is moved to its closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A water shutoff apparatus includes a housing and first and second valves located within the housing. The first and second valves are configured to be fluidly connected to an external appliance and an external first and second water supply lines that provide water at first and second temperatures to an appliance. The first and second valves include an open position, in which the water supply is enabled to supply the water to the appliance, and a closed position, in which the first water supply is prevented from supplying the water to the appliance. The first valve is independent from the second valve. At least one water sensor is electrically connected to the first and second valves. The sensor is operable between an inactivated state and an activated state when wet to activate the first and second valves to move into their closed positions.