Device mounting apparatus for a fluid control system

Abstract

A pump control system is provided and includes a tank communicated with a flow pipe via a tank port, wherein the flow pipe communicates a fluid source with a fluid destination. A sensing device disposed in proximity to the tank port is also provided and is configured to measure a characteristic of a fluid within the flow pipe. Furthermore, a pumping device and a pump control device communicated with the sensing device via a pump control interface link is provided to receive a signal responsive to the characteristic, wherein the pump control device is configurable to control power flow between a power source and the pumping device responsive to the signal, wherein the pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed remotely from the tank port.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a fluid delivery system and more particularly to an apparatus for mounting a pressure switch/control box remotely from the fluid delivery system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a typical well water system 100 for a building 102 in accordance with the prior art is shown. Typically, well water is drawn from a water source 104 located below the surface of the earth and stored in a storage tank 106 located close to or within the building 102. A pumping device 108 disposed between the water source 104 (which may be a well or a storage tank in the building) and the storage tank 106 is used to draw water from the water source 104 and deposit the water within the storage tank 106 for later use. The storage tank 106 is typically located within the cellar of the building 102 and may be connected to various points within the building 102 (e.g. faucets) from which water can be drawn as needed. As the stored water is drawn from the storage tank 106, the volume of the water within the tank 106 decreases and when the volume of water within the tank 106 has reached a predetermined volume or level, the pumping device 108 is operated to draw water from the well to replace the water that was drawn from the storage tank 106. The volume of the water in the storage tank 106 is thus monitored via a storage tank monitoring device 110 so that the pumping device 108 ‘knows’ when to begin replenishing the water being drawn from the storage tank 106. When the water within the storage tank 106 needs to be replenished, the pumping device 106 is turned on to pump water from the water source 104.

The pumping device 108 is electrically communicated with a power source 112 via a pump switching or control device 114 and is turned on and off via the pump control device 114. The pump control device 114 typically includes or is disposed within close proximity to the storage tank monitoring device 110. As the volume of water in the storage tank 106 falls depending on the water requirements of the building, the pump control device 114 turns the pumping device 108 on to draw more water from the water source 104 for storage in the storage tank 106. As the volume of water in the storage tank 106 increases to a predetermined level, the pump control device 114 turns the pumping device 108 off to stop drawing water from the water source 104. Thus, as water is being called by the building 102, the pumping device 108 is being cycled on and off to maintain a desired water volume within the storage tank 106.

Unfortunately, the pump control device 114, which is an electromechanical switching device, is typically disposed in close proximity to the outlet 116 of the storage tank 106 which is usually located near the bottom of the storage tank 106 in close proximity to the floor 117 of the cellar or basement. This is undesirable for several reasons. First, because a large number of basements are ‘wet’ basements, water accumulates on the floor of the cellar during wet seasons. And in some cases, these areas may become flooded causing the pump control device 114 to be exposed to or even disposed within water contained with the cellar. This can cause the components of the pump control device 114 to short circuit, become damaged and/or cease operating altogether. Thus, even if the pumping device 108 is a submersible-type device (i.e. able to operate under water), the pumping device 108 may not be able to operate because the control device 114 (which is typically not water-proof) may be damaged due to exposure to water.

Second, because the storage tank 106, storage tank monitoring device 110 and pump control device 114 are typically located out of the way and in space limited areas, it is usually very difficult and inconvenient to access and work on the pump control device 114 when needed. As the pump control device 114 is an electrical device, this limited accessibility can be a safety hazard to individuals working on the system 100. Third, because the pump control device 114, which is usually only covered by a non-sealed plastic cover that is easily removed by hand or via a screwdriver, are located close to the floor 117 of the basement, it is also easily accessible to children. And because there is electrical power running from the power source 112 to the device 114, this is extremely unsafe and can expose children or animals to electrocution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It should be appreciated that the following discussion merely summarizes only some embodiments of the present invention and is not meant as limitations of the invention.

An embodiment of a pump control system is provided and includes a fluid storage tank defining a tank cavity for partially containing a fluid, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet port for receiving the fluid from a fluid source and at least one fluid outlet port for dispersing the fluid. The system also includes a pressure sensing device disposed in proximity to the fluid outlet port, wherein the pressure sensing device is configured to measure the pressure associated with the fluid outlet port. Also provided is a pumping device in flow communication with the fluid source and the fluid inlet port and a pump control device communicated with the pressure sensing device to receive a signal responsive to the pressure associated with the fluid outlet port, wherein the pump control device is in electrical communication with a power source and the pumping device and is configurable to control power flow between the power source to the pumping device. Additionally, the pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed away from the fluid outlet port, wherein the pump control device is communicated with the pressure sensing device via a pump control interface link.

Furthermore, an additional embodiment of a pump control system is provided and includes a pressure tank communicated with a flow pipe via a tank pressure port, wherein the flow pipe communicates a fluid source with a fluid destination. Additionally, a pressure sensing device is provided and disposed in proximity to the tank pressure port, wherein the pressure sensing device is configured to measure the pressure within the flow pipe. Moreover, a pumping device in flow communication with the flow pipe is also provided along with a pump control device communicated with the pressure sensing device to receive a signal responsive to the pressure associated with the tank pressure port and/or the flow pipe, wherein the pump control device is in electrical communication with a power source and the pumping device. Furthermore, the pump control device is configurable to control the power flow between the power source and the pumping device, and is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed away from the tank pressure port and/or the flow pipe, wherein the pump control device is communicated with the pressure sensing device via a pump control interface link.

Additionally, another embodiment of a pump control system is provided and includes a tank communicated with a flow pipe via a tank port, wherein the flow pipe communicates a fluid source with a fluid destination. A sensing device disposed in proximity to the tank port is included, wherein the sensing device is configured to measure a characteristic of a fluid within the flow pipe. Additionally, a pumping device in flow communication with the flow pipe is provided. Moreover, a pump control device is provided and is communicated with the sensing device via a pump control interface link to receive a signal from the sensing device responsive to the characteristic, wherein the pump control device is configurable to control of the pumping device responsive to the signal, wherein the pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed remotely from the tank port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a building water system, in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a pump control system, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 mounted on a support;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 mounted on a support;

FIG. 5A is a side view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 prepared for mounting on a support;

FIG. 5B is a front view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 prepared for mounting on a support;

FIG. 5C is a side view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 mounted on a support;

FIG. 5D is a front view of the pump control device of the pump control system of FIG. 2 mounted on a support; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a second embodiment of a pump control system, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As referred to herein, the pump control device 212 may include any control or switching device used to start or stop the flow of fluid. As such, the terms control and switch may be used interchangeably herein.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first embodiment of a pump control system 200 for a building 102 is shown in accordance with the present invention and includes a water reservoir 104 in flow communication with a water storage tank 106 (or a water treatment device) and a pumping device 108. The pump control system 200 includes a monitoring device 210 associated with the storage tank 106 to monitor the level or pressure of the water contained within the storage tank 106. Although the monitoring device 210 is shown as being located in proximity to the storage tank outlet 116, the monitoring device 210 may be located at any point suitable to the desired end purpose, such as being located within or integrated with the storage tank 106, so long as the monitoring device 210 is able to accurately monitor the level or pressure of the water contained with the tank 106.

The pump control system 200 further includes a pump control device 212 that may be securely mounted to a support structure 214 via a device mounting apparatus 216, wherein the device mounting apparatus 216 may be securely associated with the support structure 214 via any securing means suitable to the desired end purpose, such as screws, bolts, clips and/or adhesive. Similarly, the pump control device 212 may be securely associated with the device mounting apparatus 216 via any securing means suitable to the desired end purpose, such as screws, bolts, clips and/or adhesive. An adapter interface device 218 is provided and is associated with the pump control device 212 and the monitoring device 210 to allow communication between the pump control device 212 and the monitoring device 210.

As shown in FIG. 2, the adapter interface device 218 is directly associated with the pump control device 212 and is associated with the monitoring device 210 via an interface link 215. Interface link 215 may be any communications link suitable to the desired end purpose, such as a wireless connection, an electrical connection and/or a mechanical connection (such as a pressure tube and/or a configurable mechanical linkage). This allows the monitoring device 210 to communicate the level and/or pressure of the water contained within the storage tank 106 to the pump control device 212. The pump control device 212 may also be in electrical communication with both the power source 112 and the pumping device 108 and may be controllably configurable to cycle the power to the pumping device 108 on and off in order to be able to turn the pumping device 108 on and off as needed. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the pump control device 212 is shown as being securingly mounted to a support structure 214 via a support device 216 and a means for associating the pump control device 212 to the support device 216. It should be appreciated that the interface link 215 is shown as being several feet in length to allow the pump control device 212 to be located away from the floor 117 of the building 102 and preferably at higher levels away from the reach of children.

In accordance with the present invention and referring again to FIG. 2, the pump control system 200 operates as follows. As water is called from various locations within the building 102, the water contained within the water storage tank 106 flows out of the storage tank outlet 116 to the required destination. This causes the level of water contained with the storage tank 106 to decrease thus causing the pressure within the tank 106 to decrease. This decrease in pressure is sensed by the monitoring device 210 which sends a signal responsive to the pressure level to the pump control device 212 via the interface link 215 and the interface device 218. When the pressure drops to a predetermined level, the pump control device 212 directs power from the power source 112 to the pumping device 108, causing the pumping device 108 to switch on to draw water from the water source 104 into the water storage tank 106. As the water in the water storage tank 106 increases, a corresponding increase in the pressure within the water storage tank 106 occurs. This increase in pressure is sensed by the monitoring device 210 which again sends a signal responsive to the pressure level to the pump control device 212 via the interface link 215 and the interface device 218. When the pressure increases to a predetermined level, the pump control device 212 disables the power flow between the power source 112 and the pumping device 108, causing the pumping device 108 to shut off and stop drawing water from the water source 104.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, the pump control device 212 is shown being associated with the support structure 214 via the device mounting apparatus 216, in accordance with one embodiment. Also, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the adapter interface device 218 is a device that receives/generates a signal (via pressure, electrical or mechanical means) and communicates this signal to the pump control device 212. For example, the adapter interface device 218 may be identical to the monitoring device 210 connected to the monitoring device 210 via a pressure tube 215. This allows the pump control device 212 to sense the pressure at the storage tank outlet 116 and act accordingly. As another example, the adapter interface device 218 may be connected to the monitoring device 210 via a wire connection 215. In this embodiment, the monitoring device 210 may sense the pressure at the storage tank outlet 116, generate an electrical signal responsive to that pressure and communicate that electrical signal to the pump control device 212 via an electrical connection, such as a wire 215. The pump control device 212 may then act responsive to the electrical signal. It is also contemplated that the pump control device 212 may be configured to control operation of the pumping device 108 via any configuration suitable to the desired end purpose. For example, the pump control device 212 may be configured to control power to the pumping device 108 at the power source 112 or the pump control device 212 may be configured to control power to the pumping device 108 at the pumping device 108 or the pump control device 212 may be configured to control operation of the pumping device 108 via control logic at the pumping device 108.

Referring to FIG. 6, a second embodiment of a pump control system 300 for a building 102 is shown in accordance with the present invention and includes a water reservoir 104 in flow communication with a pressure tank 302 and a pumping device 108 via a flow pipe 105. The pump control system 300 includes a monitoring device 210 associated with the flow pipe 105 to monitor the pressure of the flow within the flow pipe 105. Although the monitoring device 210 is shown as being located in proximity to the pressure tank outlet 304, the monitoring device 210 may be located at any point suitable to the desired end purpose, such as being located within or integrated with the pressure tank 302, so long as the monitoring device 210 is able to accurately monitor the pressure of the flow within the flow pipe 105.

The pump control system 300 further includes a pump control device 212 having a pump control interface device 218, wherein the pump control interface device 218 is in signal communication with the pump control device 212 and the monitoring device 210 via an interface link 215. This allows the monitoring device 210 to communicate the pressure of the flow within the flow pipe 105 to the pump control device 212. The pump control device 212 is also in electrical communication with both the power source 112 and the pumping device 108 and configured to be able to cycle the power to the pumping device 108 on and/or off in order to turn the pumping device 108 on/off as needed. Thus, the pump control device 212 can control the pumping device 108 responsive to the pressure within the flow pipe 105.

It should be appreciated that while the present invention has been described herein in terms of a building water system, the pump control system 200, 300 of the present invention may be used for any fluid system that has electronic controls located in an area that exposes the controls to moisture or access by children. Additionally, although the invention is discussed herein in terms of sensing pressure of a fluid, the invention may be practiced relative to any other suitable characteristic, such as fluid flow rate and/or fluid volume.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the 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. Furthermore, 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 pump control system, comprising:

a fluid storage tank defining a tank cavity for partially containing a fluid, wherein said fluid storage tank includes a fluid inlet port for receiving said fluid from a fluid source and a fluid outlet port for dispersing said fluid;

a pressure sensing device disposed in proximity to said fluid outlet port, wherein said pressure sensing device is configured to measure the pressure associated with said fluid outlet port;

a pumping device in flow communication with said fluid source and said fluid inlet port; and

a pump control device communicated with said pressure sensing device to receive a signal responsive to said pressure associated with said fluid outlet port, wherein said pump control device is in electrical communication with a power source and said pumping device and configurable to control power flow from said power source to said pumping device,

wherein said pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed away from said fluid outlet port, said pump control device being communicated with said pressure sensing device via a pump control interface link.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump control interface link is associated with said pump control device via an adapter interface device.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump control interface link is a pressure tube.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump control interface link is an electrical wire.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said pump control interface link includes a length sized to allow said pump control device to be located above said fluid storage tank.

6. A pump control system, comprising:

a pressure tank communicated with a flow pipe via a tank pressure port, wherein said flow pipe communicates a fluid source with a fluid destination;

a pressure sensing device disposed in proximity to said tank pressure port, wherein said pressure sensing device is configured to measure the pressure within said flow pipe;

a pumping device in flow communication with said flow pipe; and

a pump control device communicated with said pressure sensing device to receive a signal responsive to said pressure associated with said tank pressure port, wherein said pump control device is in electrical communication with a power source and said pumping device, said pump control device being configurable to control power flow between said power source and said pumping device,

wherein said pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed remotely from said tank pressure port, said pump control device being communicated with said pressure sensing device via a pump control interface link.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein said pump control interface link is associated with said pump control device via an adapter interface device.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein said pump control interface link is a pressure tube.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein said pump control interface link is an electrical wire.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein said pump control interface link includes a length sized to allow said pump control device to be located above said pressure tank.

11. A pump control system, comprising:

a tank communicated with a flow pipe via a tank port, wherein said flow pipe communicates a fluid source with a fluid destination;

a sensing device disposed in proximity to said tank port, wherein said sensing device is configured to measure a characteristic of a fluid within said flow pipe;

a pumping device in flow communication with said flow pipe; and

a pump control device communicated with said sensing device via a pump control interface link to receive a signal from said sensing device responsive to said characteristic, wherein said pump control device is configurable to control operation of said pumping device responsive to said signal,

wherein said pump control device is mounted to a support structure via a mounting device to be disposed remotely from said tank port.

12. The pump control system of claim 11, wherein said pump control interface link is associated with said pump control device via an adapter interface device.

13. The pump control system of claim 11, wherein said characteristic is a pressure.

14. The pump control system of claim 11, wherein said characteristic is a flow rate of said fluid.

15. The pump control system of claim 11, wherein said characteristic is a flow volume of said fluid.