Wireless Leak Detector with Remote Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system that can remotely monitor and control electrical valves in response to leaks in buildings or equipment, especially when property owners or managers are away, to prevent costly and time-consuming damages from undetected leaks.
Innovation Solution
A leak detector and monitor system comprising a leak sensor, microcontroller, and wireless communication module that transmits alerts and instructions to users, allowing them to control electrical valves remotely via internet-based servers or direct communication, enabling timely shut-off of valves to address leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If property owners manually monitor for leaks, then they can respond to leaks, but they cannot respond when away from the property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated electronic leak detection system that uses sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless communication modules to detect and report leaks remotely, eliminating the need for physical presence at the property
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of wireless modules and cloud-based servers that transmit leak alerts and control commands between the property and the owner's mobile device, enabling remote interaction without direct physical presence
2Reliability
If leak detection systems are installed, then leaks can be detected, but timely response cannot be ensured when owners are away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the system with owner contact information, alert preferences, and automated response protocols before a leak occurs, enabling immediate notification and response as soon as a leak is detected, eliminating delays associated with manual monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where leak sensors continuously monitor conditions, immediately transmit alerts to owners via wireless communication, and receive control commands back to actuate valves, creating a real-time closed-loop system that minimizes response time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote valve control is implemented, then property damage can be minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the remote valve control system into separate functional modules including leak sensors, wireless communication modules, cloud-based servers, and electrically actuated valves, allowing each component to be independently selected, installed, and maintained, thereby managing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system where the same wireless communication infrastructure and control platform handle both leak detection alerts and valve control commands, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and minimizing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention include a leak detector and monitor comprising: at least one leak sensor adapted to detect a leak of a substance; at least one microcontroller adapted to receive a signal from the leak sensor; and at least one wireless communication module adapted to receive the signal from the microcontroller, whereby the wireless communication module transmits an electronic message to at least one user, whereby the user wirelessly communicates his instructions to the microcontroller to exercise control over at least one electrical valve by transmitting at least one electrical signal to the electrical valve. Aspects of the present invention include a leak detector and monitor comprising: at least one leak sensor adapted to detect a leak of a substance; at least one microcontroller adapted to receive a signal from the leak sensor; and at least one wireless communication module adapted to receive the signal from the microcontroller, whereby the wireless communication module transmits an electronic message to an Internet cloud based server and the Internet cloud based server transmits the electronic message to a user's device, whereby the user wirelessly communicates his instructions to the Internet cloud based server and the Internet cloud based server transmits the user's instructions to the microcontroller to exercise control over at least one electrical valve by transmitting at least one electrical signal to the electrical valve. Aspects of the present invention include a method of remotely exercising control over an electrical valve comprising the steps of: positioning a leak detector in a location to amenable to detecting leaks; receiving a notification of a leak; and communicating instructions to exercise control over an electrical valve, whereby causing the electrical valve to be shut off.