Fluid control system

Abstract

A fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system is provided and includes a flow actuation device, wherein the flow actuation device is disposed within the flow path of the pipe system and wherein the flow actuation device is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, an actuator control device, wherein the actuator control device is associated with the flow actuation device and a processing device, the processing device disposed to be associated with the actuator control device to cause the flow actuation device to be configured between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a pipe system containing a fluid and more particularly to an apparatus and method for controlling the flow and volume of fluid within a pipe system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In climates that experience a wide range of temperature variations, such as the northeastern United States, it is necessary to take precautions to prevent damage from occurring to liquid flow systems that are exposed to extreme temperatures. One such liquid flow system that is typically susceptible to temperature variations is the plumbing system of a building, in particular older buildings and buildings used for seasonal purposes, such as vacation homes. Poor insulation on the exterior walls of these buildings may allow any pipes disposed in proximity to the exterior walls to be exposed to temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, thus permitting any liquid contained within these pipes to freeze. As the liquid within the pipe freezes, the liquid expands exerting pressure on the walls of the pipe causing the pipes to crack and the plumbing system to fail allowing liquid to escape from the crack in the pipe. Unfortunately, damage is not limited to just plumbing systems. Depending upon the location of the pipe failure, damage can occur to the surrounding environment as well, such as an interior floor, an interior wall, an interior ceiling and/or cabinets containing the pipes.

The most common solution to this problem involves leaving the faucet connected to these exterior pipes open sufficiently enough to allow a slow dripping of the water to emanate from the faucet. Because this water usually comes from buried pipes at a temperature above freezing at a rate faster than it can be frozen, this flowing of water is typically warm enough to prevent freezing of the piping upstream of the faucet. Unfortunately however, faucet dripping is not always feasible, as no one may be available to open the faucet, the faucet may be forgotten open, or the cold weather may be unexpected. Further, this dripping can be wasteful of water in that the faucets often drip longer than is necessary and for plumbing systems that depend upon a well pump, this may put excessive usage on the well pump.

Another solution to this problem involves the use of an insulative covering disposed around the piping in the vicinity of exposure to low thermal temperatures. Unfortunately, this insulation cannot protect the faucet itself, which is typically disposed exterior to an enclosure and usually retains a small amount of liquid in the faucet head even when closed. Consequently, this liquid is susceptible to freezing, thus causing damage to the faucet.

One other solution to this problem involves the use of a thermally active element comprised of a combination of materials having differing coefficients of thermal expansion arranged such that one material moves in relation to another with a change in temperature. Valves containing such thermal elements are constructed so that movement of the thermal elements enables movement of a plug, thereby opening the faucet and allowing water to drip. However, because a hose or other accessory may be attached to the end of the faucet, this accessory may already contain fluid in it that has frozen, causing the outlet of the faucet to be blocked and hence susceptible to freezing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above discussed deficiencies and other drawbacks are overcome or alleviated by a fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system, wherein the flow actuation device includes a flow actuation device, wherein the flow actuation device is disposed within the flow path of the pipe system and wherein the flow actuation device is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, an actuator control device, wherein the actuator control device is associated with the flow actuation device and a processing device, the processing device disposed to be associated with the actuator control device to cause the flow actuation device to be configured between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

A method for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device is provided wherein the method includes monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source, controlling the flow actuation device responsive to the at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from the at least one fluid source and draining the predetermined section of the pipe system of fluid by controlling the flow actuation device.

A machine-readable computer program code is provided wherein the program code includes instructions for causing a controller to implement a method for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device, wherein the method includes monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source, controlling the flow actuation device responsive to the at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from the at least one fluid source and draining the predetermined section of the pipe system of fluid by controlling the flow actuation device.

A medium encoded with a machine-readable computer program code is provided, wherein the program code includes instructions for causing a controller to implement a method for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device, wherein the method includes monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source, controlling the flow actuation device responsive to the at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from the at least one fluid source and draining the predetermined section of the pipe system of fluid by controlling the flow actuation device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simple fluid flow control assembly incorporating a flow actuation device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of the flow actuation device of FIG. 1, in the closed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view of the flow actuation device of FIG. 1, in the opened configuration;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid flow control assembly incorporating the flow actuation device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the fluid flow control assembly of FIG. 4, with the processing device connected to the internet;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a method for controlling fluid flow within a pipe system;

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an additional embodiment of a flow actuation device in a closed flow configuration and a closed drain configuration;

FIG. 8 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an additional embodiment of a flow actuation device in both an open flow configuration and an open drain configuration;

FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the flow actuation device of FIG. 7, in an open flow configuration and a closed drain configuration; and

FIG. 10 is a side cross sectional view of the flow actuation device of FIG. 7, in a closed flow configuration and an open drain configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram illustrating a simple fluid flow control assembly 100 is shown, wherein the fluid flow control assembly 100 includes a flow actuation device 102, an actuator control device 104 and a processing device 106, wherein actuator control device 104 is communicated with flow actuation device 102 and processing device 106. As shown in FIG. 1, flow actuation device 102 is shown as including a first flow actuation device 108 and a second flow actuation device 110, wherein first flow actuation device 108 is associated with a pipe 112 coming from a piping system 114 such that first flow actuation device 108 is disposed between the piping system 114 and a faucet 116. Second flow actuation device 110 is shown as being associated with a drain pipe 118 which is disposed between faucet 116 and first flow actuation device 108.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view of flow actuation device 102 is shown and includes a device outer structure 120 which defines a device cavity 122 and includes a device inlet 124 communicated with a device outlet 126 via device cavity 122. Disposed within device cavity 122 is a flow actuator 128 which is communicated with actuator control device 104. Flow actuation device 102 is configurable between a closed configuration 130 and an open configuration 132, such that when flow actuation device 102 is configured into closed configuration 130, fluid is prevented from flowing between device inlet 124 and device outlet 126 and when flow actuation device 102 is configured into open configuration 132, fluid is allowed to flow between device inlet 124 and device outlet 126. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, this may be accomplished by using a flow actuator 128 that is configurable via actuator control device 104 in a manner responsive to processing device 106 and/or via temperature of the fluid flowing into flow actuation device 102 through pipe 108. As can be seen, a fluid 134 flows into device inlet 124 and encounters flow actuator 128. If flow actuation device 102 is configured into the closed configuration 130, the flow of fluid 134 is disrupted and stopped by flow actuator 128, which is closed. However, if the flow actuation device 102 is configured into the opened configuration 132, the fluid 134 is allowed to flow through (or around) flow actuation device 102, which is open, without disrupting the flow of fluid within the system.

Referring to FIG. 4, a plumbing system 400 for a building is shown wherein the plumbing system 400 includes a fluid source 402 that is connected to a first faucet 404, a second faucet 406, a laundry device 408 and a bathroom device 410 via a fluid flow control assembly 412. As shown, fluid flow control assembly 412 includes a plurality of flow actuation control devices 414 having a first flow actuation control device 416, a second flow actuation control device 418, a third flow actuation control device 420, a fourth flow actuation control device 422, a fifth flow actuation control device 424, a sixth flow actuation control device 426, a seventh flow actuation control device 428, an eighth flow actuation control device 430 and a ninth flow actuation control device 432. As can be seen, fluid source 402 is connected with plumbing system 400 via a first fluid source inlet pipe 434 connected to a four-way connector 436. Furthermore, four-way connector 436 is connected with first faucet 404 and second faucet 406 via a first region piping section 438 and a second region piping section 440, respectively.

First region piping section 438 is connected with first faucet 404 via a first region pipe 442, wherein first region pipe 442 includes a first region drain pipe 444 having a first region drain pipe outlet 446. First region pipe 442 also includes first flow actuation control device 416 and second flow actuation control device 418, wherein first flow actuation control device 416 is disposed between four-way connector 436 and first region drain pipe 444 and wherein second flow actuation control device 418 is disposed between first region drain pipe outlet 446 and first region pipe 442. In a similar fashion, second region piping section 440 is connected with second faucet 406 via a second region pipe 448, wherein second region pipe 448 includes a second region drain pipe 450 having a second region drain pipe outlet 452. Second region pipe 450 also includes third flow actuation control device 420 and fourth flow actuation control device 422, wherein third flow actuation control device 420 is disposed between four-way connector 436 and second region drain pipe 450 and wherein fourth flow actuation control device 422 is disposed between second region drain pipe outlet 452 and second region pipe 448.

Additionally, four-way connector 436 is shown as being connected with a third region piping section 454 and a fourth region piping section 456 via a second fluid source inlet pipe 458 connected to a three-way connector 460. Third region piping section 454 is shown as being connected to a typical washing machine 462 and fourth region piping section 456 is shown as being connected to a typical sink 464. As can be seen, three-way connector 460 is connected with washing machine 462 via a third region pipe 466 which includes a third region drain pipe 468 having a third region drain pipe outlet 470, wherein third region drain pipe 468 is disposed between three-way connector 460 and washing machine 462. Third region pipe 466 also includes fifth flow actuation control device 424 and sixth flow actuation control device 426, wherein fifth flow actuation control device 424 is disposed between three-way connector 460 and third region drain pipe 468 and wherein sixth flow actuation control device 426 is disposed between third region drain pipe outlet 470 and third region pipe 466.

Similarly, three-way connector 460 is connected with sink 464 via a fourth region pipe 472 which includes a fourth region drain pipe 474 having a fourth region drain pipe outlet 476, wherein fourth region drain pipe 474 is disposed between three-way connector 460 and sink 464. Fourth region pipe 472 also includes seventh flow actuation control device 428 and eighth flow actuation control device 430, wherein seventh flow actuation control device 428 is disposed between three-way connector 460 and fourth region drain pipe 474 and wherein eighth flow actuation control device 430 is disposed between fourth region drain pipe outlet 476 and fourth region pipe 472. Furthermore, second fluid source inlet pipe 458 includes ninth flow actuation control device 432 which is disposed between four-way connector 436 and three-way connector 460.

As shown, each of the plurality of flow actuation control devices 414 are communicated with processing device 106 via wireless communication. This allows processing device 106 to control plurality of flow actuation devices 414 individually. Thus, if a leak occurs in any of the devices connected to plumbing system 400, the appropriate fluid flow actuation control device can be controlled to shut off water. For example, consider the situation where first faucet 404 is an external faucet and the outside air temperature is beginning to fall below freezing. If first faucet 404 is closed and water is allowed to flow to first faucet 404, then water within first region pipe 442 will be static, i.e. not flowing. As such, the water contained within the portion of first region pipe 442 closest to first faucet 404 will be exposed to sub-freezing temperatures. If the water is not removed from first region pipe 442, then the water contained with the pipe will be susceptible to freezing and thus, damaging the pipe. As such, first flow actuation control device 416 is actuated via processing device 106 such that first flow actuation device 416 is closed, blocking the flow of water in first region pipe 442. At this point though, there is still water contained within first region pipe 442 and the only way to reduce the risk of damage due to freezing is to remove the remaining water which is contained within first region pipe 442 between first faucet 404 and first flow actuation device 416. To do this, second flow actuation device 418 is actuated to open, thus allowing the water contained within first region pipe 442 to flow through first region drain pipe 444 and out of first region drain pipe outlet 446. It should be appreciated that each of the plurality of flow actuation control devices 414 may be communicated with processing device 106 via a hardwired connection and/or an Internet connection or/and an Intranet connection, as shown in FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram illustrating a method 600 for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device is shown and includes monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, as shown in block 602, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source. The flow actuation device is controlled in a manner responsive to the at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from the at least one fluid source, as shown in block 604. The predetermined section of the pipe system may then be drained of fluid by controlling the flow actuation device, as shown in block 606.

Referring to FIG. 7, a side view of an additional embodiment of fluid actuation device 702 is shown and includes a device 720 which defines a device cavity 722 and includes a device inlet 724 communicated with a first device outlet 726 and a second device outlet 728 via device cavity 722. Disposed within device cavity 722, adjacent first device outlet 726, is a first flow actuator 730 which is communicated with an actuator control device 704. Additionally, disposed within device cavity 722, adjacent second device outlet 728, is a second flow actuator 732 which also is communicated with an actuator control device 704. Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, first flow actuator 730 is configurable between a first flow open configuration 734 and a first flow closed configuration 736 and second flow actuator 732 is configurable between a second flow open configuration 738 and a second flow closed configuration 740. It should be appreciated that first flow actuator 730 and second flow actuator 732 may be configured separately, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 and/or individually as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. This allows fluid actuation device 702 the capability to totally restrict the flow of fluid and/or allow the flow of fluid through one or both of first flow actuator 730 and second flow actuator 732. Moreover, both first flow actuator 730 and second flow actuator 732 may be communicated with actuator control device 104 such that actuator control device 104 may control the configurability of at least one of first flow actuator 730 and second flow actuator 732.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, processing of the Figures may be implemented through a processing device operating in response to a computer program. In order to perform the prescribed functions and desired processing, as well as the computations therefore (e.g., the execution of fourier analysis algorithm(s), the control processes prescribed herein, and the like), the controller may include, but not be limited to, a processor(s), computer(s), memory, storage, register(s), timing, interrupt(s), communication interfaces, and input/output signal interfaces, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. For example, the controller may include signal input signal filtering to enable accurate sampling and conversion or acquisitions of such signals from communications interfaces. It should also be considered within the scope of the invention that the processing of the Figures may be implemented by a controller located remotely from the processing device.

Moreover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the above embodiment(s) may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. The above may also be embodied in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Existing systems having reprogrammable storage (e.g., flash memory) can be updated to implement the invention. The above can also be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and/or additions may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

Claims

1. A fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system, the flow actuation device comprising:

a flow actuation device, wherein said flow actuation device is disposed within the flow path of the pipe system and wherein said flow actuation device is configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration;

an actuator control device, wherein said actuator control device is associated with said flow actuation device; and

a processing device, wherein said processing device is communicated with said actuator control device to cause said flow actuation device to be configured between said open configuration and said closed configuration.

2. The device of claim 1, further including a sensing device associated with the pipe system to sense at least one characteristic of the fluid.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said at least one characteristic includes temperature of the fluid.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein said at least one characteristic includes rate of flow of the fluid through the pipe system.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said processing is communicated with said actuator control device via at least one of a wireless connection and a hardwired connection.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said processing device is communicated with a remote device via an Internet connection to allow said flow actuation device to be controlled remotely.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein said flow actuation device includes a first flow device and a second flow device and wherein said open configuration includes at least one of said first flow device and said second flow device being configured to allow fluid flow past said at least one of said first flow device and said second flow device.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said closed configuration includes at least one of said first flow device and said second flow device being configured to block fluid flow past said at least one of said first flow device and said second flow device.

9. A method for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device, the method comprising:

monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source;

controlling the flow actuation device responsive to said at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from said at least one fluid source; and

draining said predetermined section of the pipe system of fluid by controlling said flow actuation device.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one desired characteristic includes fluid temperature of the fluid flowing within the pipe system.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein said at least one desired characteristic includes fluid rate of flow within the pipe system.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein said controlling includes controlling the flow actuation device via a processing device.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said processing device is communicated with the flow actuation device via at least one of a wireless connection and a hard wired connection.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said processing device is communicated with the flow actuation device via at least one of an Internet connection and an Intranet connection.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein said draining includes controlling the flow actuation device to cause fluid contained within said predetermined section to flow out of said predetermined section.

16. A machine-readable computer program code, wherein the program code includes instructions for causing a controller to implement a method for controlling the flow of fluid within a pipe system using a flow actuation device, wherein the method comprises:

monitoring a pipe system for at least one desired characteristic, wherein the pipe system is supplied by at least one fluid source;

controlling the flow actuation device responsive to said at least one desired characteristic such that a predetermined section of the pipe system is fluidically isolated from said at least one fluid source; and

draining said predetermined section of the pipe system of fluid by controlling said flow actuation device.

17. The machine-readable computer program code of claim 16, wherein the machine-readable computer program code is encoded onto a storage medium.