Residential Water Shut-Off Valve Remote Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residential water network accidents, corrosion, or malfunctions often lead to severe leaks due to the unknown location and operation of the water shut-off valve, causing extensive damage and inconvenience, as residents and plumbers may struggle to locate and operate the valve quickly, resulting in increased water ingress and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller and actuator for the residential water shut-off valve, accessible via a remote emergency shut-off switch or manual call point, which can be activated by residents to quickly stop water flow, along with surveillance cameras to prevent vandalism and a circulator pump shutdown to mitigate further damage, with alerts and communication systems for maintenance notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the water shut-off valve is positioned in the basement behind a closed door, then the valve is protected from vandalism and accidental activation, but residents and plumbers cannot quickly locate and operate it during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the control function from the valve location. The emergency shut-off switch is placed in accessible locations (residences, corridors) while the actual shut-off valve remains in the basement. This segmentation allows residents to activate the shut-off function without needing to physically access the basement valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system consisting of emergency shut-off switches and a control mechanism. When a resident activates the switch, it sends a signal (electrical, wireless, or mechanical) to operate the shut-off valve remotely. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the need for easy access and the need for protected valve location.
2Device complexity
If residents manually locate and operate the shut-off valve during a water emergency, then no additional automated systems are needed, but valuable time is lost causing increased water damage
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency shut-off switches are pre-installed in accessible locations throughout the building, and the control system is pre-configured to immediately activate the shut-off valve when triggered. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for residents to search for the valve or understand complex procedures during an emergency, enabling instant response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables residents to independently activate the shut-off valve without requiring a plumber's assistance. By placing controls in residences and corridors and providing clear instructions, the system allows building occupants to perform the shut-off function themselves, eliminating waiting time for professional help.
3Ease of operation
If emergency shut-off switches are placed in easily accessible locations throughout the building, then residents can quickly activate them during emergencies, but the switches become vulnerable to vandalism and false activation
Solution Approach 1:
Different locations have different control mechanisms tailored to their specific needs. Residences have simple switches for resident use, while corridors and common areas may have protected switches requiring authentication or physical activation (e.g., breaking glass). This localized differentiation balances accessibility with protection against vandalism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates preliminary protective measures such as authentication requirements, physical protection mechanisms, or monitoring systems that prevent false activation or vandalism before they can occur. These preventive measures are built into the switch design and control logic.
4Loss of time
If the shut-off valve operates quickly to stop water flow, then water damage is minimized, but the rapid closure may cause water hammer effects damaging the piping system
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates cushioning measures such as water hammer arrestors, surge tanks, or controlled closure mechanisms that are pre-installed in the piping system. These devices absorb the shock of rapid valve closure, allowing quick shut-off while protecting the piping from damage. The cushioning elements are prepared in advance to mitigate the harmful effects of rapid closure.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system and a controller comprising a shut-off valve (4) configured to stop water flow from a water supply network (2) to a residential water network (3); an actuator (5) configured to operate the shut-off valve (4) between an opened position and a closed position; a remote signal source configured to send a shut-off signal; and a controller (6) configured to receive the shut-off signal and to control the actuator (5) to close the shut-off valve (4). The remote signal source is an emergency shut-off switch (7) and the controller (6) is configured to shut-off a circulator pump (8) as a response to the shut-off signal.