Water management system

A water management system is provided. The system includes a manifold with ports adapted to connect the manifold to piping that connects to various water fixtures in a home or building. Each port has a flow sensor and an actuated valve configured to shut off flow to a fixture in the event of a leak in order to mitigate damage from the leak. Water flow occurring due to a leak may be detected and mitigated based on input provided by the flow sensor and a motion sensor, a button switch, or a timer switch.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to a water management system. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a water management system for managing water supply from a water source to a plurality of fixtures.

BACKGROUND

Traditional piping systems based on copper or hard metal pipes and rigid connectors are giving way to new methods. One new method for water distribution gaining acceptance in the home and commercial building industry is the use of manifold plumbing systems. Unlike the conventional copper-pipe trunk and branch infrastructure, manifold plumbing systems function like circuit breakers for water.

Manifold plumbing systems are control centers for hot and cold water that feed flexible cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) supply lines to individual fixtures. Manifolds, together with PEX lines, offer installation-related cost advantages over conventional rigid pipe plumbing systems. The unique features of PEX piping make it ideal for use in manifold-type system designs, commonly referred to as home-run plumbing systems. In this design, all fixtures are fed from dedicated piping that runs directly and unbroken from a central manifold or manifolds.

Whether a manifold or conventional plumbing system, the first step in stopping a leaking fixture or pipe is notification that a leak exists. Generally, a water leak is silent, or very quiet. Attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,347 and U.S. Publication Nos. 10/0315245 and 06/0208912. However each one of these references suffers from disadvantages. Primarily, an audio or visual alarm cannot automatically shut down the leaking water supply system. An alarm is simply made to notify the user responsible for correcting the leak. Because an alarm is useless if no one is there to hear it, leak detection systems based on audio or visual alarms must be equipped with other shut-off elements. Furthermore, the types of alarms available measure leakage from only one pipe or fixture. Thus, a complicated system of alarms must be equipped to fully analyze leakage from the various fixtures and appliances present in a home, apartment complex, or commercial building.

Because alarms alone cannot automatically shut off water supplies, attempts have been made to solve this problem as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,826 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 13/0092242. However, each of these references suffers disadvantages. First, the disclosures are used to measure one, or only a few, water lines. Additionally, the disclosures require adding additional pieces to the water line and/or fixture. Furthermore, if a leak is detected, the entire water supply is shut-off, thus shutting off water to other fixtures and appliances.

Of all the fixtures and appliances, one of the most dangerous and destructive is a leaking or burst hot water heater or hot water heater pipe. Not only does a hot water heater generally hold a large amount of water, but the water contained therein is extremely hot. A sudden discharge of the hot water stored inside of the water heater could cause extreme burning to people or domestic animals. In addition, a large amount of rushing water could quickly flood basements or other areas of the home.

Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,345,224; 5,229,750; and 4,572,113; and U.S. Publication Nos. 12/0275927 and 04/0206405. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more disadvantages.

First, the holding reservoir used in many of the disclosures may also have an undetected leak. Additionally, the reservoir may overflow if a pipe bursts, thus creating a more dangerous situation, as an increased rush of hot water will be released when the reservoir overflows. Another disadvantage is that some systems were created for draining water from the system before leaving the home or building for an extended period of time during the winter, not quickly detecting and draining leaks. Other systems do not automatically shut off a leaking or burst hot water heater. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not drain the water left in the water heater. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not automatically turn off the hot water heater when a leak has been detected, or when the water heater has been drained. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not automatically turn the power back on when the tank has been refilled.

As noted from the foregoing, problems exist in the field relating to leak detection, leak control, and water management systems. Thus, a need exists in the art for a water management system that overcomes the disadvantages of the current systems and methods.

SUMMARY

A water management system and method for managing water supply from a water source to a plurality of fixtures are provided. The system is generally designed to automatically detect leaks in water lines and to automatically shut off water flow to any line in which a leak is detected in order to mitigate damage caused by water leaks. The system includes a manifold having an inlet adapted to receive water from a water source and a plurality of ports for supplying water from the manifold to a plurality of fixtures. Each port within the manifold has an actuated valve for regulating water flow from an interior of the manifold to the port to which the actuated valve corresponds and, in turn, the fixture to which the port supplies water. The actuated valve of each port is operably connected to a switch and/or one or more sensors and is adapted to transition to a closed configuration based on input provided by the switch and/or one or more sensors. The use and type of switch and/or one or more sensors operably connected to the actuated of valve of each port may be based on the type of fixture to which the port is supplying or is intended to supply. In some embodiments, the use and type of switch and/or one or more sensors for operable connection to an actuated valve may be selected based on whether the fixture is a manually operated indoor fixture, a manually operated outdoor fixture, or a fixture that operates on a cycle.

The foregoing summary has outlined some features of the system and methods of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the pertinent art may better understand the detailed description that follows. Additional features that form the subject of the claims will be described hereinafter. Those skilled in the pertinent art should appreciate that they can readily utilize these features for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the system and methods disclosed herein. Those skilled in the pertinent art should also realize that such equivalent designs or modifications do not depart from the scope of the system and methods of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components, or can contain at least one component chosen from A, B, or C.

Turning now to the drawings,FIGS. 1-9illustrate preferred embodiments of a water management system or certain components thereof. The system is designed to automatically detect leaks in water lines and to automatically shut off water flow to any line in which a leak is detected in order to mitigate damage caused by water leaks. The system includes a water distribution manifold10having a plurality of individual ports20that supply water to a designated water fixture, e.g., a sink, bathtub, shower, toilet, or dishwasher. The manifold10has at least one chamber, which may be a pipe or other type of vessel, that branches off into the individual ports20.

In some embodiments, the manifold20have two chambers, a hot water chamber19and a cold water chamber17, for supplying hot and/or cold water to a designated fixture. Both chambers17,19may be contained within a common housing unit18. The manifold10has a cold water inlet12that supplies water to the manifold10from a water source, such as a municipal water supply. The cold water inlet12is fluidly connected to the cold water chamber17, which, in turn, is fluidly connected to and supplies cold water directly to ports20intended for fixtures35requiring cold water. In some embodiments, the system may further comprise a water heater100. In such embodiments, the cold water chamber17may have an outlet14fluidly connected thereto that supplies water to a water heater100. Cold water supplied to the water heater100from the cold water chamber17may be heated and subsequently directed to the hot water chamber19via an inlet16fluidly interconnecting the water heater100and hot water chamber19. The hot water chamber17is fluidly connected to and supplies hot water directly to ports20intended for fixtures35requiring hot water.

Each port20, which includes both cold water and hot water ports, supplies water to a designated fixture35. Some fixtures35, such as a shower, are supplied with water from both a cold water port and a hot water port. Other fixtures, such as a toilet, may be supplied by only a cold water port. Each port20includes an actuated valve22, such as a solenoid valve, which is normally in an open configuration, for controlling water flow through the port20automatically. Each port20may further include a manual shut off valve24for controlling water flow through the port manually. In some embodiments, each individual port20may have a label28associated therewith that identifies the fixture35supplied by the port20. In one embodiment, the labels28associated with the ports20may be of red or blue coloration to identify whether the port20supplies hot or cold water, respectively. In some embodiments, each individual port20preferably may have a light associated therewith that indicates when the actuated valve22corresponding to the port20is closed due to a leak detected in a water line connected to the port20.

FIG. 1shows a water distribution manifold10in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure that may be utilized with the present water management system. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 9, the cold water inlet12supplies water from a water source to the cold water chamber19contained within the housing unit18along with the hot water chamber19. Each port20within the plurality of ports is either connected to the cold water chamber17or hot water chamber19. Each port ma extend outside the housing unit18so that water lines may be connected to the ports20to supply water to designated fixtures35.FIG. 7shows a side view of the manifold's10housing unit18with a plurality of ports20to which water lines may be connected when the system is installed. As further shown inFIG. 7, in some embodiments, the housing unit18may have one or more brackets70for mounting the housing unit18to a wall or other structure. The cold water outlet14fluidly connects the cold water chamber17to a water heater100. The hot water inlet16fluidly connects the water heater100to the hot water chamber19and supplies hot water to the hot water chamber19. In some embodiments, the cold water inlet12and outlet14and hot water inlet16may each include a manual valve15A-15C for manual control of water flow. In an embodiment, the cold water inlet12is a 1-inch inlet while the cold water outlet14and hot water inlet16are each ¾ inches in diameter. In some embodiments, each port20may include a manual valve24for manually controlling water flow through the port20.

As shown inFIG. 1, in some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of labels28. Each label within the plurality of labels28may be positioned adjacent and correspond to an individual port20within the manifold10. The labels28may contain indicia that indicates to users what specific water fixture35is supplied by a given port20. In some instances, such as with “Shower1” and “Shower2” shown inFIG. 1, a single fixture35(in this case, a shower head) has two designated ports20. In this example, the port20labeled “Shower1” supplies cold water to the shower head, and the port20labeled “Shower2” supplies hot water to the same shower head.

In some embodiments, the actuated valve22associated with each port20may retain a default, open configuration such that water within the interior of the manifold10may be freely pass through the port20. In some embodiments, each actuated valve22within the manifold20may comprise a solenoid valve. Each actuated valve22may be adapted to transition from the default, open configuration to a closed configuration that blockades passage of water through its corresponding port20upon receiving an electrical signal. In some embodiments, transmission of an electrical signal to each actuated valve22may be based on input provided by a switch and/or one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the each actuated valve22is operably connected to a flow sensor30and may be further operably connected to a motion sensor33, a button switch44, or timer switch32, depending on the fixture35supplied by the port20to which the actuated valve22corresponds. As shown inFIG. 8, in some embodiments, the system may include a processor55that operably connects the flow sensor30, motion sensor33, button switch44, and timer switch32to the actuated valves22. In such embodiments, the processor55is configured to receive input from the flow sensor30, motion sensor33, button switch44, and timer switch32, and subsequently process the same. If the input received and processed from the flow sensor30, motion sensor33, button switch44, and timer switch32meet a defined set of conditions for closure of an actuated valve22, the processor55transmits a signal to the actuated valve22causing it to transition to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the conditions required for transmission of a signal from the processor55to an actuated valve22may be based, at least in part, on the type of fixture35supplied by the port20to which the actuated valve22corresponds.

In an embodiment a flow sensor30adapted to detect water movement may be utilized for and operably connected to each actuated valve22within the manifold10.FIG. 2shows a detailed view of a port20having a flow sensor30in series with an actuated valve22. For actuated valves22corresponding to ports20supplying manually operated indoor fixtures35, such as sinks or bathtubs, one or more motion sensors33are installed near each fixture35and positioned to detect motion of a person who is manually operating the fixture35and/or utilizing water supplied from the fixture35. In such embodiments, the motion sensor33and the flow sensor30are each operably connected to the actuated valve22. When the motion sensor33detects motion, the normally open actuated valve22will not close regardless of whether the flow sensor30detects water flow through the port20. Conversely, if the motion sensor33does not detect motion, the actuated valve22will automatically transition to a closed if the flow sensor30detects water flow through the port20. Thus, when a user is operating the fixture, the actuated valve22will remain open. However, when a leak occurs, water flow will be detected due to the leak but motion will not be detected, which will cause the actuated valve22to automatically close, thereby limiting the amount of water discharged due to the leak. One or more lights26may be operably connected to the actuated valve22. In such embodiments, the one or more lights may be configured to illuminate when the actuated valve22is closed due to a leak in order to indicate to a user that the actuated valve22is closed. In this way, the present system may prevent major damage caused by a break in water piping. Once the actuated valve22is closed, only water remaining in the pipe will leak, thereby limiting damage.

For manually operated outdoor fixtures35, such as hose bibbs40, a motion sensor33is typically not practical due to the potential to detect the motion of people or animals near an outdoor fixture that are not actively operating the fixture or using water supplied by the fixture. Instead, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, outdoor fixtures40may have a flow sensor30installed on the water supply port20and a push button switch44installed near the outdoor fixture40, typically on a plate installed on a wall above or adjacent to the fixture. The button switch44and flow sensor30are each operably connected to the actuated valve22.FIG. 3shows wiring46that may be utilized to connect the button switch44to the processor55or to the actuated valve22direct.FIG. 3further shows piping42that connects the outdoor fixture40to a port20on the manifold10. To use the outdoor fixture40, a user first presses the button of the push button switch44, which disarms the actuated valve22, meaning that the normally open actuated valve22will not close regardless of whether the flow sensor30detects water flow through the port20corresponding to the actuated valve22. After the user is finished using the outdoor fixture40, the user then presses the button of the button switch44again to arm the actuated valve22, which is the default state when the fixture is not in use. When the actuated valve22is armed, water flowing through the port20indicates the presence of a leak. Thus, if the flow sensor30detects water flow while the actuated valve22is armed, the actuated valve22will automatically close to shut off the flow, thereby limiting damage from the leak.

Alternatively, for a manually operated fixture utilizing a button switch44, the actuated valve22may be in a normally closed position when the fixture is not being operated. In this embodiment, the user presses the button of the button switch44to open the normally closed actuated valve22to allow water flow so that the port20may be used to supply water. When the user is finished using the fixture, the user may then press the button of the button switch44again to move the valve back to the closed position, which will limit any amount of water that may leak from the piping in the event of a leak.

For ports20supplying fixtures35that operate on cycles, such as dishwashers, ice makers, washing machines, a timer switch32may be installed on the port20and operably connected to an actuated valve22.FIG. 4shows a detailed view of a port20having a timer switch32in series with an actuated valve22. In some embodiments, the flow sensor30associated with the actuated valve22corresponding to a port20supplying a fixtures operating on cycles may be operably connected to the timer switch32as well as the actuated valve22itself. Each timer switch32may be set for a specified period of time that is adequate to allow the fixture35to run a complete cycle. For instance, a toilet typically takes about one minute, and an ice maker typically takes about 5-10 seconds to run a complete cycle. Once water begins to flow for a cycle, the water is allowed to flow only for the amount of time set on the timer switch32. In the event of a leak, the leak will cause water to continue to flow for a period of time longer than the time set on the timer switch32. If a leak occurs, the flow sensor30is configured to send a input to the processor55, which when processed, results in the processor55transmitting a signal to the actuated valve22that causes it to transition to a closed configuration, thereby limiting water damage from the leak. In other embodiments, the flow sensor30may be directly connected to the actuated valve22.

In embodiments wherein the system includes a water heater100, the cold water outlet14and the hot water inlet16may also each be equipped with an actuated valve22having a default, open configuration. In such embodiments, a drain pan may be disposed at the bottom of the water heater. A water sensor may be disposed within the bottom of the drain pan to detect the presence of water in the pan. In the event that the water heater100or associated piping leaks or bursts, the leaking water will collect in the pan and will be detected by the water sensor. In such embodiments, upon detecting water, the water sensor will then send a signal to at least one of the normally open actuated valve22on the cold water inlet14supplying water to the water heater100or a processor55operably connected to the actuated valve22, which will cause the actuated valve22to close in order to limit the amount of water that leaks. The water sensor may also send a signal to at least one of the actuated valve22on the hot water inlet16or a processor55operably connected to the actuated valve22to close the actuated valve22and prevent backflow from the hot water chamber19of the manifold10into the water heater100. Thus, the water heater100will be isolated in the event of a leak.

FIGS. 5-7show an illustrative example of a water distribution manifold10in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The manifold10is housed within a housing unit18having an external touch screen52operably connected to and configured to operate the system. As shown inFIG. 5, the touch screen52may display one or more screen tiles54that correspond to a fixture35to which the manifold10supplies water. The tile54for a fixture35may allow a user to utilize various function of the tile by pressing on the tile54. For instance, in some embodiments, the touch screen52may be operably connected to the actuated valve22of each port20within the manifold10so that users may close or open the actuated valve22of a port by interacting with the touch screen52. In some embodiments, the touch screen may be operably connected to the actuated valves22within the manifold10via a processor55, as shown inFIG. 8. In some embodiments, the manual valves24of the ports20, actuated valves22, flow sensors30, and timer switches32may be located inside the housing unit18, while the ports20extend outside the housing unit and connect to water lines50that each connect to individual fixtures35.

FIG. 5shows an illustrative display of the touch screen52showing a plurality of tiles54, each corresponding to a fixture35supplied by the manifold10or to other features of the system, such as a general system settings tile, a data tile that displays system data, a water pressure tile that displays water pressure readings taken within the water distribution system, a “tips” tile that displays user tips, a tech support tile that connects a user to technical support, an introduction tile that provides instructions on using the system, and a trouble shooting tile. It is understood, however, that the touch screen42shown inFIG. 5is illustrative and may contain additional, different, or modified tiles relating to additional or different fixtures or system features. As shown inFIG. 7, in some embodiments, the housing unit18may include a power jack, which may utilize a three-prong detachable electronics power cord, and may have USB and/or HDMI ports for servicing the system or transferring system data to a drive. In case of a power outage, the system preferably has a backup battery.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 5, the touch screen52may be adapted to displays a “home” screen that can be reached by a user at any point by pressing a home button56. The home screen allows the user to access all of the features of the system. For example, in some embodiments, the user can press on one of the tiles54to obtain various information relating to the fixture35associated with the pressed tile.FIG. 6illustrates an example screen that may be displayed on the touch screen52when pressing a tile54, in this case the “Master Lay1” tile on the home screen. As shown inFIG. 6, a complete specification sheet relating to a designated water fixture installed in the master lavatory is displayed. The touch screen52may be adapted in some embodiments to display information such as the model number, brand, and series of a fixture35supplied by the manifold10. In some instances, the touch screen52may be further adapted to display related parts and part numbers for use with a specific fixture35associated with a user-selected tile54. In an embodiment, the system may further include memory for storing various data related to all fixtures35supplied by the manifold10. In one embodiment, the touch screen52and memory may be operably connected such that a user may input and store data into memory by interacting with the touch screen52. In some embodiments, water flow data, water pressure data, and other types of system data may be collected via one or more sensors or switches provided herein, compiled, and subsequently stored within the system so that such data may be accessed via the touch screen52by selecting one or more tiles54. In some instances the touch screen may be configured to show current operating data and/or historic data of the system.

In some embodiments, one or more components of the system, such as the display screen52, may have Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth capability so that the system may connect to the internet. In such embodiments, the system may provide options for ordering new fixtures or other parts via the touch screen52. Further, in such embodiments, internet connectivity may allow the user to connect to technical support via the “tech support” tile on the home screen. In some instances, one or more software application may also be associated with the system such that users can connect to the system via the internet. The one or more software applications may be downloaded to a remote computer or smartphone so that the remote device may be used to control the system remotely via the internet connection. In such embodiments, the remote device may be used to control all features of the system that may be controlled using the touch screen.

In an embodiment, as shown inFIG. 5, each tile54may have one or more lights associated therewith. In one such embodiment, each tile54may have a red and a green light associated therewith. The green light illuminates when a specific fixture35supplied by the manifold10is in use, and the red light illuminates when the specific fixture35is not in use, based on flow data from a flow sensor30. In addition, the touch screen52may display an additional light adjacent to each tile54that illuminates when the normally open actuated valve22is closed due to a leak. Optionally, a designated alert may appear on the touch screen52when an actuated valve is closed due to a leak. The alert may also be sent to a remote device such as a smartphone on which a software application for the system is installed. Once the leak has been repaired, the actuated valve22may be reset via the touch screen52or the software application.

The touch screen52may perform various additional functions relating to each of the fixtures35supplied by the manifold10or to the system as a whole. For instance, for fixtures operating on a cycle and having a timer switch32, the user may change the cycle time set on the timer switch32via the touch screen52. In addition, some fixtures35supplied by the manifold10may have an additional automated valve operably connected to the system that allows the user to operate the fixture via the touch screen or remotely via the software application. For instance, in one embodiment, a user may remotely turn on a sprinkler system to water a lawn via the software application.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application to enable one of skill in the art to utilize the present disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.