CA2425957C - Method and system for controlling a household water supply - Google Patents
Method and system for controlling a household water supply Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2425957C CA2425957C CA002425957A CA2425957A CA2425957C CA 2425957 C CA2425957 C CA 2425957C CA 002425957 A CA002425957 A CA 002425957A CA 2425957 A CA2425957 A CA 2425957A CA 2425957 C CA2425957 C CA 2425957C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flow
- water supply
- controllable valve
- electrically controllable
- household
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons, valves, in the pipe systems
- E03B7/071—Arrangement of safety devices in domestic pipe systems, e.g. devices for automatic shut-off
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/09—Component parts or accessories
- E03B7/10—Devices preventing bursting of pipes by freezing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02A20/00—Water conservation; Efficient water supply; Efficient water use
- Y02A20/15—Leakage reduction or detection in water storage or distribution
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0318—Processes
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0753—Control by change of position or inertia of system
- Y10T137/0777—With second control
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/1189—Freeze condition responsive safety systems
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86389—Programmer or timer
- Y10T137/86397—With independent valve controller
Abstract
A method and system for controlling a household water supply provides protection of structures and fixtures from water damage due to plumbing failure or other causes. The household water supply is shut-off in conformity with a determination that the household is unoccupied and thereby provides automatic protection from water damage.
Description
METHQD A~$ ~YSTF~ FOR CO1~I°~"~Q~,xrxi~G .fir, HOUSEHCIhD WATER
ST,FPPhY
BACC~CCGRt9tiN,i7 t~~' ~I~ II~VE~TIUIrt ~.. Fzeld of the Invention fhe present invention rebates generally to water control 15 systems, and more specifica~.ly, to a s~rstem for contrc~llir~g a.
household. water supply.
ST,FPPhY
BACC~CCGRt9tiN,i7 t~~' ~I~ II~VE~TIUIrt ~.. Fzeld of the Invention fhe present invention rebates generally to water control 15 systems, and more specifica~.ly, to a s~rstem for contrc~llir~g a.
household. water supply.
2. Background of the ~~,vention Water supplie,~ connected to a, househo~.d are typiGa~.~.y 20 controlled only at the po?nts of servzce, e.g.r sink faucets, shower valves and app~.iances that connect 'to the watex supply provide indi~ridual. shut-off for 'water fzo~r. 'The household watex supply cor~nectivn is typically controlled by a manual e~terna3.
valve that can be used to shut-aff w~.ter fls~w in the event of an emergency water leak or far servicing the water supply system plumbing or replacing appliances.
flooding due to plumbing failures is a ma~ar source of damage to.structuxe5 and fixtures s3ach as carpeting, wood flooring, wallboard, etc. The mast frequent water supply emergency events are failure due to freezing temperatures inside the water supply plumbing and failure-of the water heater tank.
A freezing condition usually'oecur,s when the house is unoccupied, far exampZep a vacation home that is unoccupied during Winter is at risk for damage due to bursting of water supply lines due to freeaing. ether water supply emergency events may occur when the house is unoccupied, such as failure of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plumbing jain'tr or water heater tank wall erosion arid leakage.
since water pxeeaure needs to be available while persons are present in the household, the supply pressure must be available when the household is occupied. Also, certain automatic water users such as icernakexs, dishwashers and washing machines make automatic demands on the water supply that may occur when the household is unoccupied. It is also inconvenient to manually control a household water supply upon entering or exiting a household.
Systems have been implemented that ~hur off the household water supply in response to detection of leaks using detectors located near water heaters, sinks, etc. But, these systems onlX
protect against leaks where water reaches the detectoxs and could require a large number of detectors for adequate coverage.
Other systems have been developed that measure water flow and shut off the water supply if e~aessive flow occurs based on whether or not the house is occupied as progra~uned manually by a switch. The flow type systems typically use flow meters that are incapable of detecting water flows below a certain threshold, such as a dripping faucet.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and system far controlling a household water supply to prevent 25 f3ooding. Tt would further be desirable to control a household watex supply in a manner that automatic water users are able to obtain water, while preventing leaks that occur while the watex supply is riot being used.
valve that can be used to shut-aff w~.ter fls~w in the event of an emergency water leak or far servicing the water supply system plumbing or replacing appliances.
flooding due to plumbing failures is a ma~ar source of damage to.structuxe5 and fixtures s3ach as carpeting, wood flooring, wallboard, etc. The mast frequent water supply emergency events are failure due to freezing temperatures inside the water supply plumbing and failure-of the water heater tank.
A freezing condition usually'oecur,s when the house is unoccupied, far exampZep a vacation home that is unoccupied during Winter is at risk for damage due to bursting of water supply lines due to freeaing. ether water supply emergency events may occur when the house is unoccupied, such as failure of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plumbing jain'tr or water heater tank wall erosion arid leakage.
since water pxeeaure needs to be available while persons are present in the household, the supply pressure must be available when the household is occupied. Also, certain automatic water users such as icernakexs, dishwashers and washing machines make automatic demands on the water supply that may occur when the household is unoccupied. It is also inconvenient to manually control a household water supply upon entering or exiting a household.
Systems have been implemented that ~hur off the household water supply in response to detection of leaks using detectors located near water heaters, sinks, etc. But, these systems onlX
protect against leaks where water reaches the detectoxs and could require a large number of detectors for adequate coverage.
Other systems have been developed that measure water flow and shut off the water supply if e~aessive flow occurs based on whether or not the house is occupied as progra~uned manually by a switch. The flow type systems typically use flow meters that are incapable of detecting water flows below a certain threshold, such as a dripping faucet.
Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a method and system far controlling a household water supply to prevent 25 f3ooding. Tt would further be desirable to control a household watex supply in a manner that automatic water users are able to obtain water, while preventing leaks that occur while the watex supply is riot being used.
3 surcx a~ x~ ~~~=a~
The: ~,bo~re obj active of preventing ~~.ac~c~ing due tc glumb7 nc~
failure is achieved in a method and system that autom~,t~.cally contzo3 a household water supply, The system, inoludes an electrically controllable valve, ~. motion sensor and a control system for controlling the autc~mat.ic valve in conformity ~r~.th a motion detector output.
The foxegoin.g and other obj ect~-axes, features, arid advantages of the invention will be apparent front the following, more particular, desaript~.an of the preferred embodiment c~f the invention, as il~.ustrated in the accompanying drawings.
~~'arg~~=~°~~Q~ ~~'' T~'' ~R.~.~lNGr~., Eigur~ ~. ~.s a schematic diagram depicting a hotzseho~.t~
water .supply coupled to a system in accc~rdanca with an embodiment of the present in~rention.
F~ig~re 2 is a block diagram depicting a system in " accordance w~.th an ernbad~.mer~t o~ thc~ present snventicn.
~'~.gu.r,~ 3 is a pictorial dz~grani dcpi.cting central ps.nel ~4 'i 0 a ~ 8'i gore 2 .
~'ig~r~ 4 is a ~lowcha.rt depicting operation a systom in accordance w~.th an embodiment of the present ~nvcntion.
i5 ~'~.gur$ S is 3 flrwch~rt depicting further ope~atian of a system in aacardanoe wr~.th an, embodiment of the present invent ~. on .
,...._..-;. ~ .":- .", -_. . '.-.,.. , --~ ,~~- -~-., ,:,-<. , ,~-.,.:~ , ".mr~~n" "-0~"~~~'K a~r.~ ~a.~nr. ,... ~r,... ".,. ...."., .,.,._....,.. , .,.
._........., .. ..........._....., 1~~~~.3~D~ F)ESCRIPTION OF' THE PREFERRED EMBODII~2TTS
Referring now to the figures and in particular to Flg~,ar~
a household water supply coupled to a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present in.ven,tion is shown. TnTithin household ~,0, a co~.d water supply line i1 routes the watex supply to various fixtures such as $znks 9L4, a xefrig~xe~tor i6 Containing an ~.Ge maker 17 toilets 15, and sa Earth. A water heater 1~ is a~.'sa coupled to .cold water supply line ~.1, to supply a hot water supply line 13, which is routed to sinks 1,4 and other fixtures in household ~Ø fold water suppler line 11 is L
also coupled tc~ 7awn sprinklers l~ by electrically controlled sprinkler valves 19 that a,r~ aativated and deactivated by an electric sprinkl er cc~n~trol 2(~ system.
Water pressure fo.~ the entire household ~.~ wate~° supply systerc~ is provided by a water supply ma?n. coupling controlled by electrically cc~ntrollabie valve 21. A control system 3t3~.in acoordanae c~i th an embodiment of tie present ~.nvention i~
electrically coupled to electrically c:on.trolled valve 2i, to 2~ shut of~ the water supply tp household 10 in the presence of a detecter~ abnormal f7.ow condition. ~'J.ow o.f water ~.nto household ~.0 is detected by flow meter ~4 ~ahiah is generally a pasit~.v'e flow meter as described in co-pending U,S. Patent Application, entit'ed: "fOSZTIVE 1":~~W MATER", tiled concurrently herewith and .
r the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference, Use of a valve in accordance with the embodiment described in the above-referenced patent application paxmits the detection of very small flow rates associated with small leaks. As the present invention detests a leak in accordance with starting and stepping of water flaw, a valve that can measure a very small continuous flow is exceptionally useful in embodiments of the present invention.
Within hausehald 10, are located motion sensors 22, providing an indication of oaoupanay o~ hausehald, and consequently, whethex flow through flow meter, ~4 is normal use by an occupant of household gyp. A motion sensax 22 may also be located rear an entrance 23 in addition to or in alternative to lacat3ng motion sensors throughout household 1~. Tf motion sensors 22 are located ad~aaent to every used entrance 2~ of household 23, accupaney may be determined, but genexa3ly noL
activity-of occupants. ~f motion censers ~~ are located throughout household 10, the system of the present invention may control watex flow in accordance with activity of occupants.
Specific embodiments of the present invention may looate mQtian sensors near zones of use, such as near a shower or bathtub, so that larger flows produoed by these fixtures may be correlated with the activity of an occupant.
Control system 30 derives information from motion sensors 2~ and flow meter 24 izl order to control the household ~0 water supply via electrically controllable vaXve Z. Tnfarmation from other sensors for detecting abripxmaA conditions may also be provided to control system ~0 as well as manual controls and ogerating controls. Sprinkler aan~r~l ~0 a.s electrically coupled to ~ontxol system ~0 to provide a signal of normal sprinkler usage.
deferring now to Figure ~-, details of control circuit 3~
and its interconr~ectzvns are depicted. Control circuit ~0 xe~eives motion sensor inputs and sprinkler control inputs, as well as an input from a seismic activity detector 3~r a 15~ temperature detector 3~ and a control panel 3~. memperature detector 3~ is used to predict pptentially freezing conditions within cold water supply line 11 and electrically controllabl4 valve 21 may be shut off in conforirtity with defieati,ng the potentially freezing condition. T;~.kewise, seismic acti~rity deteoto,~ ~x provides an indication of earthquake act~.vity, and electrical3.y contrallala? a va? ve 21 may be shut off ixa corxfoxmity ura.th detecting an.,earthquak,e, fempexature detector 3~ and seismic act~.~r~.ty detector ~1 znax be sw~.tches activated' upon detect~.on of the associated event, or they may be sensors and the detection circuitry may be provided within control circuit control panel 34 provides for manual control of control circuit (and thus the system of the present invention) via controls 36 and provides an indication of operational state via vi$ual indicators ~5 and a beeper ~~ for providing an audible alarm. Remote control and indication of state may be provided by a ~odem/network interface 39 which may be coupled to a telephone network or other suitable network connection such as Digital Subscriber Zir~k (DSL), cable moderl or a router connection deriving therefrom. control operations may be performed within control circuit 30 in response to codes received by modemJnetwork interface 3S and system status may be provided by control circuit s~ to a remote location via modem/netwQrk interface 33.
Within control aireuit 30, control is provided by program code executed from memory 42 by a processor 4~. Memory 4~ end processor 41 are provided by a programmable logic controller 40, although other forms of processing system such as single board computers, may be used to implement control algorithms in accordance with the present invention and dedicated circuits may also be used. A particular advantage of programmable logi~e controhl~x 4~ is that remote control modules such as X~~
controllers are aammercially available to couple control circuit 30 to various sensors, e.g. packaged motion sensors are available with X10 connections that transmit signals via household la power lines, making it unnecessary to directly wire motion sensors to control circuit 3~. Additionally, controls a~~
available so that electrinally oontrollable valve could be operated by an X10 controller. However, particular advantages associated with a manual override within tie present invention might make remote control of electxiaally controllable valve 21 1~ undesirable.
~rogxamrnab~e logic controller ~0 controls electrically controllable valve 21 via relay ~l. A manual override timer 43 provides a timevut when a system user operates a manual "on'' 1~ control from control panel ~9. delay ~~ is activated whey the manual "an" control is pressed, turning an electrically contro11ab1e valve 21 until the timeout occurs (generally one hour). The system uses a battery ~8 to supply operating power for control circuit 30, but the manual override may be used. in 20 event of failure of portions of the system or loss of the programmable logic controller ~a control program. bass of household 10 primary power may also affect portions of the system, depending on implementation, so manual override timer 43 may.alsa be useful dozing a power failure.. ~ battery charging and sensing cira~.it 3~ connects to taattery ~~ from Control circuit 30. Battery 38 ~.~ maa.rtaa.ried iri a charged state by charging arid sensing circuit 39, and automatic operation of the system may be held off whsle battery 38 has insuffioient charge to properly operate th.e system.
Since battery power should be conserved by the system eleatric~.J.~.y controllable valve 2I is ~5referably a ~bulse type valve Matching solenoid valve). Therefore, programmable logic controller ~0 or manual o~°~~xxd~ tuner ~43 activate e~.eatrioa~.ly controllable val~re 2z uszz~g a pulse (general~.,y an the order of 0.S second) to either turn an or t urn off electrically cantrallable valve. SpeG~.al circuits with~.n oontxal. circuit SO
rnay bemused to produce the pulses, or programmable .magic 1S controller 44 znay bs programmed to produce the des~.reol pulse.
Manual override tamer ~3 will.generally oompr~.se a one-shot pulse generator that generates a pulse to turn off electrically controllable valve 2~. aftex the°timeaut has oaourred.
Referr~.ng. now ttr ~°~.gssr~ ~, detaa.ls of con~,rol panel. 3~ are depzcted.. Can.trols are prov~.ded as tallows : Reset sw~.tch ~6~
pro-~rides a means to reset programmable lag~.c oar~traller ~0 and other circuits within control a.~rcu~.t 30; water an sw tch S~~
provides one hour of manual override water flew aria manual y o~rerride timer ~43; water off switch turns of~water flow 36C~ and learn mocze switch 36T7 activates a learn mode of operation.
Indicators 35 are provided on caz~trpl panel .~~ and may also be .~.ocated remotely. A monitor zr:dicator natifie$ a user that the system is actively monitoring water flow; an array indicator indicates that lack of motion sensor activity has caused the system to enter "away" mode. A seismic alarm, law temp alarm and water flow alarm iz~diGatar are used to indicate earthquake detect, ,freez.:~g detect or leak detect, respectively. .A b,u~zer 37 is ~.ntegrated within control panel 3~4 to provide an audible alarm, generally in accordance with a logica~.~OF~ combination of the above alarm indications.
learn mode operation in the context of the present invention refers to the determination of water usage cycles. The present i.n~rention uses a "shvr.t°' oycle aid a "long" cycle to control operation of electrically controllable valve ~~,. A siaort cycle is the time ,periodWhat water .zs permitted to flaw before an alarm condition is entered. This permits appliances such as 2p iceana3cers to operata. fi~ long cycle is the time period tha-~ water is permitted to flow when motion sensors have detested acti.vit~r recently w~.thin househo~.d ~.0, this permits an acoupant to use water riormaliy, e.g., to draw a bath, without the short cycle expiring, causing an interruption of water flow. 'the short arid long cycles are adjustable, depending on the programmable Zogic controller pxogxam, Code within the programmable logic controller program measures typical water usage by occupants of the household and automated systems such as icemakers and possibly sprinklers (if a connection is not provided to override the short cycle for sprinkler operation), The typical use is turned into operational variables to control the chart and long cycles, generally the long cycle will be withvn the range of 1/~
to 2 hours and the short cycle within the range of 1 to 5 1~ minutes. oho programmable logic controller pxogram 'adapts the cycles when leaxn mode is selected and learn mode is generally self~terminated after, for example a 24 hour period.
Referring now to figure 4, operation of a system in accordance with an embodiment o~ the present invention is depicted. first, a battexyJcharging loop is activated (stop 60}
that controls charging of battery 3B, so that operation may be initiated only after battery ~8 has sufficient charge to operate the system, fihe battery voltage is sampled and when the battery voltage, is sufficient ~d~aiai~~ fil}, the motion sense flow' control program is started tst~p 6~). During operation, a manual overxide switch may interrupt operatioz't (deaisian ~3) to pulse the valve control circuit (step B~) to provide or stop water flow. If water do switch X68 was pressed (i.e. the water is on) (dec~.aiaa 65) then the manual csver,rzde timer 66 provides the timeout that pulses valve control (step fi4) to shut off the . valve .
Referring now to Figure 5, further operation of a system irl accordance with ari embodiment of the ~.nvention is dep~.cted.
F'a.g~ra S illustrates the automatic operation of the motion sense flow cor~tz~ol program activated ire step 52 of ~'a.gure 4. Water flow is monitored (step 70) and if a short cycle is detected (daai,s~.ox~ 71) corresponding to detection of a normal use of water, 'the short and long cycle timers axe reset (step 95?,~ ~f motion is detected frost a snot~.arz sensor (dr~c~rLsiari '72) and the water is currently turned off (dacisian 73) the watex is turned can (step '74) . ~f motion was detected in stab. °i2, the short and long cycle t~.mers are reset (sip 75). Newt, the system checks far a long cycle timeaut (e~cisfon 76), if the ionq cycle real exceeded, the ~ratex is shut off (step '18y and are alarm indica.txan is sent (step ?9) which may be a visual indication aria iridicator 35, an audible alarm via buzzer 37, a remote message via modemlnetwork interface ~3, or a combination of the a3aove. If matian is not de'~ecter~ for a land period (decisicsn 80) (generally i2 hours), then away mode is acti~rated (stab 8~.?, which essentially sets the long c~rale to zero causing art slarm ,. on any wa,'~er usage.
l~
while the invention had been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred etnbadiments thereof, it will ~e understoed by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in farm, and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope ox the invention.
The: ~,bo~re obj active of preventing ~~.ac~c~ing due tc glumb7 nc~
failure is achieved in a method and system that autom~,t~.cally contzo3 a household water supply, The system, inoludes an electrically controllable valve, ~. motion sensor and a control system for controlling the autc~mat.ic valve in conformity ~r~.th a motion detector output.
The foxegoin.g and other obj ect~-axes, features, arid advantages of the invention will be apparent front the following, more particular, desaript~.an of the preferred embodiment c~f the invention, as il~.ustrated in the accompanying drawings.
~~'arg~~=~°~~Q~ ~~'' T~'' ~R.~.~lNGr~., Eigur~ ~. ~.s a schematic diagram depicting a hotzseho~.t~
water .supply coupled to a system in accc~rdanca with an embodiment of the present in~rention.
F~ig~re 2 is a block diagram depicting a system in " accordance w~.th an ernbad~.mer~t o~ thc~ present snventicn.
~'~.gu.r,~ 3 is a pictorial dz~grani dcpi.cting central ps.nel ~4 'i 0 a ~ 8'i gore 2 .
~'ig~r~ 4 is a ~lowcha.rt depicting operation a systom in accordance w~.th an embodiment of the present ~nvcntion.
i5 ~'~.gur$ S is 3 flrwch~rt depicting further ope~atian of a system in aacardanoe wr~.th an, embodiment of the present invent ~. on .
,...._..-;. ~ .":- .", -_. . '.-.,.. , --~ ,~~- -~-., ,:,-<. , ,~-.,.:~ , ".mr~~n" "-0~"~~~'K a~r.~ ~a.~nr. ,... ~r,... ".,. ...."., .,.,._....,.. , .,.
._........., .. ..........._....., 1~~~~.3~D~ F)ESCRIPTION OF' THE PREFERRED EMBODII~2TTS
Referring now to the figures and in particular to Flg~,ar~
a household water supply coupled to a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present in.ven,tion is shown. TnTithin household ~,0, a co~.d water supply line i1 routes the watex supply to various fixtures such as $znks 9L4, a xefrig~xe~tor i6 Containing an ~.Ge maker 17 toilets 15, and sa Earth. A water heater 1~ is a~.'sa coupled to .cold water supply line ~.1, to supply a hot water supply line 13, which is routed to sinks 1,4 and other fixtures in household ~Ø fold water suppler line 11 is L
also coupled tc~ 7awn sprinklers l~ by electrically controlled sprinkler valves 19 that a,r~ aativated and deactivated by an electric sprinkl er cc~n~trol 2(~ system.
Water pressure fo.~ the entire household ~.~ wate~° supply systerc~ is provided by a water supply ma?n. coupling controlled by electrically cc~ntrollabie valve 21. A control system 3t3~.in acoordanae c~i th an embodiment of tie present ~.nvention i~
electrically coupled to electrically c:on.trolled valve 2i, to 2~ shut of~ the water supply tp household 10 in the presence of a detecter~ abnormal f7.ow condition. ~'J.ow o.f water ~.nto household ~.0 is detected by flow meter ~4 ~ahiah is generally a pasit~.v'e flow meter as described in co-pending U,S. Patent Application, entit'ed: "fOSZTIVE 1":~~W MATER", tiled concurrently herewith and .
r the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference, Use of a valve in accordance with the embodiment described in the above-referenced patent application paxmits the detection of very small flow rates associated with small leaks. As the present invention detests a leak in accordance with starting and stepping of water flaw, a valve that can measure a very small continuous flow is exceptionally useful in embodiments of the present invention.
Within hausehald 10, are located motion sensors 22, providing an indication of oaoupanay o~ hausehald, and consequently, whethex flow through flow meter, ~4 is normal use by an occupant of household gyp. A motion sensax 22 may also be located rear an entrance 23 in addition to or in alternative to lacat3ng motion sensors throughout household 1~. Tf motion sensors 22 are located ad~aaent to every used entrance 2~ of household 23, accupaney may be determined, but genexa3ly noL
activity-of occupants. ~f motion censers ~~ are located throughout household 10, the system of the present invention may control watex flow in accordance with activity of occupants.
Specific embodiments of the present invention may looate mQtian sensors near zones of use, such as near a shower or bathtub, so that larger flows produoed by these fixtures may be correlated with the activity of an occupant.
Control system 30 derives information from motion sensors 2~ and flow meter 24 izl order to control the household ~0 water supply via electrically controllable vaXve Z. Tnfarmation from other sensors for detecting abripxmaA conditions may also be provided to control system ~0 as well as manual controls and ogerating controls. Sprinkler aan~r~l ~0 a.s electrically coupled to ~ontxol system ~0 to provide a signal of normal sprinkler usage.
deferring now to Figure ~-, details of control circuit 3~
and its interconr~ectzvns are depicted. Control circuit ~0 xe~eives motion sensor inputs and sprinkler control inputs, as well as an input from a seismic activity detector 3~r a 15~ temperature detector 3~ and a control panel 3~. memperature detector 3~ is used to predict pptentially freezing conditions within cold water supply line 11 and electrically controllabl4 valve 21 may be shut off in conforirtity with defieati,ng the potentially freezing condition. T;~.kewise, seismic acti~rity deteoto,~ ~x provides an indication of earthquake act~.vity, and electrical3.y contrallala? a va? ve 21 may be shut off ixa corxfoxmity ura.th detecting an.,earthquak,e, fempexature detector 3~ and seismic act~.~r~.ty detector ~1 znax be sw~.tches activated' upon detect~.on of the associated event, or they may be sensors and the detection circuitry may be provided within control circuit control panel 34 provides for manual control of control circuit (and thus the system of the present invention) via controls 36 and provides an indication of operational state via vi$ual indicators ~5 and a beeper ~~ for providing an audible alarm. Remote control and indication of state may be provided by a ~odem/network interface 39 which may be coupled to a telephone network or other suitable network connection such as Digital Subscriber Zir~k (DSL), cable moderl or a router connection deriving therefrom. control operations may be performed within control circuit 30 in response to codes received by modemJnetwork interface 3S and system status may be provided by control circuit s~ to a remote location via modem/netwQrk interface 33.
Within control aireuit 30, control is provided by program code executed from memory 42 by a processor 4~. Memory 4~ end processor 41 are provided by a programmable logic controller 40, although other forms of processing system such as single board computers, may be used to implement control algorithms in accordance with the present invention and dedicated circuits may also be used. A particular advantage of programmable logi~e controhl~x 4~ is that remote control modules such as X~~
controllers are aammercially available to couple control circuit 30 to various sensors, e.g. packaged motion sensors are available with X10 connections that transmit signals via household la power lines, making it unnecessary to directly wire motion sensors to control circuit 3~. Additionally, controls a~~
available so that electrinally oontrollable valve could be operated by an X10 controller. However, particular advantages associated with a manual override within tie present invention might make remote control of electxiaally controllable valve 21 1~ undesirable.
~rogxamrnab~e logic controller ~0 controls electrically controllable valve 21 via relay ~l. A manual override timer 43 provides a timevut when a system user operates a manual "on'' 1~ control from control panel ~9. delay ~~ is activated whey the manual "an" control is pressed, turning an electrically contro11ab1e valve 21 until the timeout occurs (generally one hour). The system uses a battery ~8 to supply operating power for control circuit 30, but the manual override may be used. in 20 event of failure of portions of the system or loss of the programmable logic controller ~a control program. bass of household 10 primary power may also affect portions of the system, depending on implementation, so manual override timer 43 may.alsa be useful dozing a power failure.. ~ battery charging and sensing cira~.it 3~ connects to taattery ~~ from Control circuit 30. Battery 38 ~.~ maa.rtaa.ried iri a charged state by charging arid sensing circuit 39, and automatic operation of the system may be held off whsle battery 38 has insuffioient charge to properly operate th.e system.
Since battery power should be conserved by the system eleatric~.J.~.y controllable valve 2I is ~5referably a ~bulse type valve Matching solenoid valve). Therefore, programmable logic controller ~0 or manual o~°~~xxd~ tuner ~43 activate e~.eatrioa~.ly controllable val~re 2z uszz~g a pulse (general~.,y an the order of 0.S second) to either turn an or t urn off electrically cantrallable valve. SpeG~.al circuits with~.n oontxal. circuit SO
rnay bemused to produce the pulses, or programmable .magic 1S controller 44 znay bs programmed to produce the des~.reol pulse.
Manual override tamer ~3 will.generally oompr~.se a one-shot pulse generator that generates a pulse to turn off electrically controllable valve 2~. aftex the°timeaut has oaourred.
Referr~.ng. now ttr ~°~.gssr~ ~, detaa.ls of con~,rol panel. 3~ are depzcted.. Can.trols are prov~.ded as tallows : Reset sw~.tch ~6~
pro-~rides a means to reset programmable lag~.c oar~traller ~0 and other circuits within control a.~rcu~.t 30; water an sw tch S~~
provides one hour of manual override water flew aria manual y o~rerride timer ~43; water off switch turns of~water flow 36C~ and learn mocze switch 36T7 activates a learn mode of operation.
Indicators 35 are provided on caz~trpl panel .~~ and may also be .~.ocated remotely. A monitor zr:dicator natifie$ a user that the system is actively monitoring water flow; an array indicator indicates that lack of motion sensor activity has caused the system to enter "away" mode. A seismic alarm, law temp alarm and water flow alarm iz~diGatar are used to indicate earthquake detect, ,freez.:~g detect or leak detect, respectively. .A b,u~zer 37 is ~.ntegrated within control panel 3~4 to provide an audible alarm, generally in accordance with a logica~.~OF~ combination of the above alarm indications.
learn mode operation in the context of the present invention refers to the determination of water usage cycles. The present i.n~rention uses a "shvr.t°' oycle aid a "long" cycle to control operation of electrically controllable valve ~~,. A siaort cycle is the time ,periodWhat water .zs permitted to flaw before an alarm condition is entered. This permits appliances such as 2p iceana3cers to operata. fi~ long cycle is the time period tha-~ water is permitted to flow when motion sensors have detested acti.vit~r recently w~.thin househo~.d ~.0, this permits an acoupant to use water riormaliy, e.g., to draw a bath, without the short cycle expiring, causing an interruption of water flow. 'the short arid long cycles are adjustable, depending on the programmable Zogic controller pxogxam, Code within the programmable logic controller program measures typical water usage by occupants of the household and automated systems such as icemakers and possibly sprinklers (if a connection is not provided to override the short cycle for sprinkler operation), The typical use is turned into operational variables to control the chart and long cycles, generally the long cycle will be withvn the range of 1/~
to 2 hours and the short cycle within the range of 1 to 5 1~ minutes. oho programmable logic controller pxogram 'adapts the cycles when leaxn mode is selected and learn mode is generally self~terminated after, for example a 24 hour period.
Referring now to figure 4, operation of a system in accordance with an embodiment o~ the present invention is depicted. first, a battexyJcharging loop is activated (stop 60}
that controls charging of battery 3B, so that operation may be initiated only after battery ~8 has sufficient charge to operate the system, fihe battery voltage is sampled and when the battery voltage, is sufficient ~d~aiai~~ fil}, the motion sense flow' control program is started tst~p 6~). During operation, a manual overxide switch may interrupt operatioz't (deaisian ~3) to pulse the valve control circuit (step B~) to provide or stop water flow. If water do switch X68 was pressed (i.e. the water is on) (dec~.aiaa 65) then the manual csver,rzde timer 66 provides the timeout that pulses valve control (step fi4) to shut off the . valve .
Referring now to Figure 5, further operation of a system irl accordance with ari embodiment of the ~.nvention is dep~.cted.
F'a.g~ra S illustrates the automatic operation of the motion sense flow cor~tz~ol program activated ire step 52 of ~'a.gure 4. Water flow is monitored (step 70) and if a short cycle is detected (daai,s~.ox~ 71) corresponding to detection of a normal use of water, 'the short and long cycle timers axe reset (step 95?,~ ~f motion is detected frost a snot~.arz sensor (dr~c~rLsiari '72) and the water is currently turned off (dacisian 73) the watex is turned can (step '74) . ~f motion was detected in stab. °i2, the short and long cycle t~.mers are reset (sip 75). Newt, the system checks far a long cycle timeaut (e~cisfon 76), if the ionq cycle real exceeded, the ~ratex is shut off (step '18y and are alarm indica.txan is sent (step ?9) which may be a visual indication aria iridicator 35, an audible alarm via buzzer 37, a remote message via modemlnetwork interface ~3, or a combination of the a3aove. If matian is not de'~ecter~ for a land period (decisicsn 80) (generally i2 hours), then away mode is acti~rated (stab 8~.?, which essentially sets the long c~rale to zero causing art slarm ,. on any wa,'~er usage.
l~
while the invention had been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred etnbadiments thereof, it will ~e understoed by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in farm, and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope ox the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A system for controlling a water supply of a household, comprising:
at least one electrically controllable valve for controlling said water supply;
a control circuit coupled to said electrically controllable valve for operating said electrically controllable valve;
at least one motion sensor coupled to said control circuit for providing a determination of activity within said household, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with said determination; and a flow detector coupled to said control circuit for detecting normal and abnormal flow of said water supply, whereby said control circuit further controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with a detected flow of said water supply, the electrically controllable valve stopping water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
at least one electrically controllable valve for controlling said water supply;
a control circuit coupled to said electrically controllable valve for operating said electrically controllable valve;
at least one motion sensor coupled to said control circuit for providing a determination of activity within said household, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with said determination; and a flow detector coupled to said control circuit for detecting normal and abnormal flow of said water supply, whereby said control circuit further controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with a detected flow of said water supply, the electrically controllable valve stopping water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a thermal detection system coupled to said control circuit for shutting off said electrically controllable valve in response to detection of a potentially freezing condition.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a seismographic detector coupled to said control circuit for shutting off said electrically controllable valve in response to detection of an earthquake condition.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said control circuit further comprises:
a long cycle timer for controlling a maximum on period of said electrically controllable valve when said motion sensor detects activity within said household; and a short cycle timer for controlling a maximum on period of said electrically controllable valve when said motion sensor detects no activity within said household.
a long cycle timer for controlling a maximum on period of said electrically controllable valve when said motion sensor detects activity within said household; and a short cycle timer for controlling a maximum on period of said electrically controllable valve when said motion sensor detects no activity within said household.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said control circuit starts said long cycle timer in response to said flow detector detecting that said flow has ceased prior to said short timer cycle expiring, whereby normal intermittent use of said water supply may be permitted when said motion detectors detect no activity within said household.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said control circuit comprises:
a programmable controller having a memory for storing program instructions and a processor for executing said program instructions; and program instructions resident within said memory for adjusting said control of said electrically controllable valve, wherein said program instructions include a learning module for detecting patterns of said detected flow.
a programmable controller having a memory for storing program instructions and a processor for executing said program instructions; and program instructions resident within said memory for adjusting said control of said electrically controllable valve, wherein said program instructions include a learning module for detecting patterns of said detected flow.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said flow detector is incorporated within said electrically controllable valve.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein said flow detector is a positive-pressure piston flow sensor incorporated within said electrically controllable valve.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said control circuit further comprises an input for receiving a signal from a sprinkler control system, whereby sprinkler system use of said water supply may be permitted when said motion detectors detect no activity within said household.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a manual override timer circuit for providing a period of water flow wherein inputs of said motion detectors are not used to control said electrically controllable valve.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a timer for determining whether or not said motion sensor has detected activity for a predetermined inactivity period.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said control circuit shuts off said water supply in response to any detected water flow, when said predetermined inactivity period has elapsed.
13. A system for controlling a water supply of a household, comprising:
at least one electrically controllable valve for controlling said water supply;
a control circuit coupled to said electrically controllable valve for operating said electrically controllable valve;
means for determining activity within said household, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with said determination; and means for detecting abnormal and normal water flow through said electrically controllable valve, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve further in conformity with said detected flow, the electrically controllable valve shutting off water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
at least one electrically controllable valve for controlling said water supply;
a control circuit coupled to said electrically controllable valve for operating said electrically controllable valve;
means for determining activity within said household, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve in conformity with said determination; and means for detecting abnormal and normal water flow through said electrically controllable valve, whereby said control circuit controls said electrically controllable valve further in conformity with said detected flow, the electrically controllable valve shutting off water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
14. A method for controlling a water supply of a household, said method comprising:
detecting motion within said household;
determining whether or not said household is active in conformity with said detection;
controlling said water supply in conformity with said determination; and detecting a flow of said water supply, and wherein said controlling further controls said water supply in conformity with said detected flow, the electrically controllable valve shutting off water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
detecting motion within said household;
determining whether or not said household is active in conformity with said detection;
controlling said water supply in conformity with said determination; and detecting a flow of said water supply, and wherein said controlling further controls said water supply in conformity with said detected flow, the electrically controllable valve shutting off water flow if abnormal flow is detected.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:
detecting seismic activity; and wherein said water supply is further controlled in conformity with said seismic detection.
detecting seismic activity; and wherein said water supply is further controlled in conformity with said seismic detection.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising:
detecting an ambient temperature; and wherein said water supply is further controlled in conformity with said detected temperature.
detecting an ambient temperature; and wherein said water supply is further controlled in conformity with said detected temperature.
17. The method of claim 14, further comprising incrementing a short interval timer for permitting said flow of said water supply, and wherein said controlling shuts off said water supply if said short interval timer expires.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising resetting said short interval timer if said flow of said water supply does not exceed a predetermined short interval.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising incrementing a long interval timer for permitting said flow of said water supply after said determination of whether or not said household is active determines that said household is active.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising incrementing an away mode timer for setting an away mode in response to said determination of whether or not said household is active determining that said household is not active for a predetermined period, and wherein said controlling shuts off said water supply in conformity with any said detected flow when said away mode is set.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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|---|---|---|---|
| US10/122,880 US6691724B2 (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2002-04-11 | Method and system for controlling a household water supply |
| US10/122,880 | 2002-04-11 |
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| CA2425957A1 CA2425957A1 (en) | 2003-10-11 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA002425957A Expired - Lifetime CA2425957C (en) | 2002-04-11 | 2003-04-11 | Method and system for controlling a household water supply |
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| US (2) | US6691724B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2425957C (en) |
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| US4730637A (en) * | 1987-02-20 | 1988-03-15 | White F Grove | Fluid loss, damage prevention and control system |
| US5086526A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1992-02-11 | International Sanitary Ware Manufacturin Cy, S.A. | Body heat responsive control apparatus |
| US5038820A (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1991-08-13 | Philip L. Ames | Automatic fluid shutoff system |
| SE466968B (en) * | 1990-09-14 | 1992-05-04 | Rb Larmprodukter Ab | PROCEDURE AND DEVICE WITH MOVEMENT DETECTOR IN MONITORING SYSTEM |
| DE4420334A1 (en) * | 1994-06-10 | 1995-12-14 | Grohe Armaturen Friedrich | Sanitary water delivery system with microprocessing control |
| US5960807A (en) * | 1998-05-05 | 1999-10-05 | Reyman; Mark | Vibration and flow actuated valve shutoff system |
| US6414601B1 (en) * | 1999-12-15 | 2002-07-02 | 467768 B.C. Ltd. | System and method for fire control during and after earthquakes |
-
2002
- 2002-04-11 US US10/122,880 patent/US6691724B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2003
- 2003-04-11 CA CA002425957A patent/CA2425957C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-12-23 US US10/743,232 patent/US6892746B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US6691724B2 (en) | 2004-02-17 |
| CA2425957A1 (en) | 2003-10-11 |
| US20030192600A1 (en) | 2003-10-16 |
| US6892746B2 (en) | 2005-05-17 |
| US20040134545A1 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20230411 |