Patent ID: 12196335

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems, methods, and computer-readable instructions disclosed herein may, inter alia, solve certain problems associated with automatically monitoring water supply systems and actuating water shut-off valves to prevent damage from leaks. While existing automatic shut-off systems provide either accurate leak detection or non-intrusive installation, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide both advantages. By using non-intrusive water flow sensors and communication with remote sensors, some embodiments of the automatic water shut-off systems and methods disclosed herein may provide accurate detection and testing of water supply systems without requiring intrusive in-line installation at or near a water shut-off valve, thereby enabling installation of the disclosed systems in existing water supply systems. Additionally, by monitoring such controlled actuations of the water shut-off valve, further embodiments of the automatic water shut-off systems and methods disclosed herein may prevent damage from leaks by detecting degradation of the water shut-off valve over time, thus enabling corrective action before a leak occurs.

While some embodiments described herein include in-line water pressure sensors installed at locations within the water supply system that are remote from the water shut-off valve, such in-line sensors may be easily installed at supply connections of faucets or other water appliances, such as between a threaded connector and a supply hose that is easily disconnected and connected without the use of specialized tools (e.g., at a supply line under a sink or at a washer unit). Thus, the disclosed automatic shut-off systems may be configured for improved installation by end users by avoiding the need for costly and time-consuming replacement of part of water supply systems to install an in-line automatic water shut-off valve in an existing water supply system.

Exemplary Water Supply System

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary water supply system100of a building102, in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The water supply system100comprises a plurality of pipes forming a network supplied by a water supply104(e.g., a supply of water into the building102from a municipal water system) and supplying a wastewater drain108(e.g., a drain for wastewater out of the building102to a municipal sewage system).

The input from the water supply104may be controlled by a water shut-off valve110at or near a connection to the water supply104. The water shut-off valve110enables an operator to disconnect the water supply104from the internal water supply system106of the building102by closing the water shut-off valve110. The water shut-off valve110may be therefore disposed in-line between pipes of the water supply104and the internal water supply system106. As illustrated, the water shut-off valve110may often be installed in a basement or other location that is difficult to access and may be cramped, thereby limiting accessibility for an operator to access the water shut-off valve110or limiting space for an automatic valve actuator to be installed.

The internal water supply system106supplies water received from the water supply104through the water shut-off valve110to various water appliances and outlets within the building102via a network of pipes. For example, the internal water supply system106may supply a water heater112A, a washer112B, a refrigerator112C, a kitchen sink112D, a bathtub112E, a bathroom sink112F, and a toilet112G. As illustrated, the water heater112A may additionally supply hot water to other components of the internal water supply system106, while various other components may provide wastewater to the wastewater drain108.

Exemplary Cross-Section View

FIG.2Aillustrates an exemplary cross-section view of a water shut-off valve110for controlling water flow of a water supply system, such as the water supply system100illustrated inFIG.1. The water shut-off valve110may be disposed between an input pipe supplying water from the water supply104and an output pipe of the internal water supply system106to control the flow of water through the pipes.

As illustrated, the water shut-off valve110comprises a ball122within a housing120, through which a stem126of the ball122protrudes. The stem126may be connected to a handle130comprising a lever, such that when the handle130is rotated with respect to a rotational axis128of the valve, the stem126and ball122rotate around the rotational axis128to open or close the valve. Such rotation opens or closes the water shut-off valve110by aligning a channel124within the ball122to either permit or block water flow through the valve. Thus, actuating the water shut-off valve110by applying a torque to the handle130either opens or closes the water shut-off valve110by transferring the torque through the stem126to the ball122within the housing120to align the channel124in either an open or closed position relative to the pipes.

Although illustrated as a ball valve, the water shut-off valve110may be any type of valve. For example, the water shut-off valve110may be a gate valve or a globe valve, in which case the handle130may be a handwheel to which a torque may be applied, such that multiple turns of the handwheel will fully open or close the valve. In such embodiments, however, water shut-off valve110nonetheless includes a handle130comprising a movable (e.g., rotatable) portion that may be moved by hand or by a valve actuator to open or close the water shut-off valve110.

Exemplary Perspective Views

FIG.2Billustrates an exemplary perspective view of an automatic shut-off system200attached to the water shut-off valve110to control opening and closing the water shut-off valve110in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The automatic shut-off system200comprises (i) a valve actuator140connected to the handle130of the water shut-off valve110via a valve handle coupling150, (ii) an actuator clamp142configured to clamp to a pipe in proximity to the water shut-off valve110in order to hold the valve actuator140in place relative to the water shut-off valve110, and (iii) one or more sensors, which may include one or more non-intrusive sensors170disposed at or near the water shut-off valve110and/or one or more remote sensors172disposed at or near other parts of the internal water supply system106. In some embodiments, the valve actuator140may be connected to the actuator clamp142via a baseplate148, which may have an adjustable portion144that is removably attached to the actuator clamp142via a bolt146in order to facilitate alignment of the rotor164of the motor162with the rotational axis128of the water shut-off valve110.

The valve actuator140comprises a controller160configured to control operation of the automatic shut-off system200by controlling operation of a motor162, the rotor164of which is connected to the valve handle coupling150. To determine control operations for the motor162, the controller160implements control logic to obtain and analyze sensor data from one or more sensors, such as non-intrusive sensors170or remote sensors172. Such sensors may be communicatively connected to the controller160via wired connections or wireless connections, and the valve actuator140may further comprise a communication interface166configured to send and receive electronic communications with the sensors via one or more wireless communication protocols to obtain the sensor data. The controller160controls operation of the motor162in order to actuate the water shut-off valve110by applying a torque to the handle130via the valve handle coupling150to rotate the ball122within the housing120.

The valve handle coupling150may be connected to the rotor164of motor162, such that the rotation of the rotor164causes the valve handle coupling150to rotate with respect to the stationary water shut-off valve110, connected pipes, and fixed body of the valve actuator140. The valve handle coupling150may be configured to fit over the handle130in order to apply a torque to the handle130, thereby enabling the valve actuator140to be installed over an existing water shut-off valve110to control opening and closing the water shut-off valve110without requiring modification or replacement of the water shut-off valve110. The valve handle coupling150may comprise a rigid member extending from a first end at which it is coupled to the rotor164to a second end at which it is coupled to the handle130(e.g., by prongs extending from the valve handle coupling150and the handle130). Thus, rotation of the rotor164causes the valve handle coupling150to apply a force to rotate the handle130.

As illustrated, in some embodiments, the handle130and the valve handle coupling150rotate about the rotational axis128, with the motor162being aligned such that its rotor164likewise rotates about the same rotational axis128. By controlling the motor162to apply a torque to the handle130via the valve handle coupling150, the controller160of the valve actuator140may thus be able to cause the water shut-off valve110to open or close in order to control flow of water through the water shut-off valve110and connected pipes. Thereby, the controller160may be configured to selectively control the water supply to the internal water supply system106.

The valve actuator140and its components may be powered by electricity received from a power source180(e.g., an electric power system of the building102, which may receive power from an electric power utility). In some embodiments, the valve actuator140includes or is connected to a battery168, which stores power received from the power source180. The battery168may thus serve as a secondary power source to operate the valve actuator140when primary power from the power source180is interrupted. In further embodiments, the battery168may be separate from the valve actuator140and connected via a power cable to the valve actuator140in order to reduce the size of the valve actuator140. Thus, the battery168may be disposed near but separate from the valve actuator140to save space, which may be beneficial in tight spaces.

Similarly, in further embodiments, the controller160may be separated from the valve actuator140and connected thereto by a wired connection. In some such embodiments, the controller160and battery168may be combined into a separate component of the automatic shut-off system200and connected to the valve actuator140via one or more wired connections.

Additionally or alternatively, the valve actuator140and its components may be powered by devices that generate (and store) electricity or power from vibration, such as MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) or piezoelectric devices. Other sources of power may be temperature gradient or solar based.

The valve actuator140further may include or be connected to one or more non-intrusive sensors170to measure water flow through the water shut-off valve110or through the pipes near the water shut-off valve110, which water flow data may be used by the controller160to monitor for leaks and control operation of the valve actuator140. The non-intrusive sensor170may be configured to measure the water flow when attached to an external surface of a pipe, such as by being clamped onto a pipe attached to the water shut-off valve110.

In some embodiments, the non-intrusive sensor170comprises an ultrasonic flow sensor that measures water flow through the attached pipe by detecting changes in conduction of ultrasonic signals through the pipe between transducers disposed at locations on the exterior surfaces of the pipe, which changes are indicative of a flow rate of water through the pipe. In addition to being in proximity to the valve actuator140, disposing the non-intrusive sensor170in proximity to the water shut-off valve110improves the accuracy of the measurements in many instances because the pipe segments to which the water shut-off valve110are attached are often made of copper and have superior conductivity for non-intrusive water flow measurement.

In some embodiments, therefore, the non-intrusive flow sensor is a separate component disposed in proximity to the water shut-off valve110and communicatively connected to the controller160via a wired connection. In further embodiments, non-intrusive flow sensor170is attached to or integrated into an actuator claim142that holds the valve actuator140in place with respect to the water shut-off valve110.

The automatic shut-off system200may include or communicate with remote sensors172via wired or wireless electronic communication to obtain additional sensor data, which may be further used by the controller160to monitor for leaks and control operation of the valve actuator140. The communication interface166may thus communicate with the one or more remote sensors172to provide additional sensor data from the remote sensors172to the controller160. Such communication between the communication interface166and the one or more remote sensors172may occur by transmitting and receiving wireless communication messages or signals using one or more wireless communication protocols. The communication interface166may thereby communicate wirelessly either directly with the remote sensors172or via an intermediary device, such as a smart home system hub. In various embodiments, the remote sensors172may be special purpose sensors installed within the building102, or the remote sensors172may be integrated within smart home devices (e.g., network-connected washers, refrigerators, or water heaters).

In some embodiments, the remote sensors172may include one or more in-line pressure sensors connected to pipes within the internal water supply system106to provide water pressure data at corresponding locations within the internal water supply system106. Each such in-line pressure sensor may be configured to measure water pressure levels at its installed location and transmit water pressure data to a remote processing device, such as a smart home system hub or the controller160. For example, such in-line pressure sensors may be installed at connections of any of the various water appliances and outlets within the building102(e.g., at a supply line of a washer112B, a refrigerator112C, a kitchen sink112D, a bathroom sink112F, or a toilet112G). Because the water supply line connections of such appliances and outlets are designed to be connected and disconnected without specialized tools or significant expertise, installing in-line pressure sensors at such locations reduces the time and skill required to install the automatic shut-off system200in an existing internal water supply system106.

In further embodiments, the remote sensors172may additionally or alternatively include one or more water presence sensors disposed below or near pipes of the internal water supply system106to detect the presence of water outside the pipes. Such water presence sensors may be disposed in locations where pipes or other components may be more likely to leak (e.g., such as at joints or connections) or where water from a leak is most likely to drip from a low point of a pipe in order to detect leaks based upon the presence of water (e.g., water dripping from pipes). For energy efficiency, the water presence sensors may be configured to transmit signals only upon detecting the presence of water in some embodiments.

In yet further embodiments, the remote sensors172may include one or more temperature sensors, which may be disposed at any location within the building102. In various embodiments, one or more temperature sensors may be incorporated within or connected to the valve actuator140or may be disposed within a smart thermostat within the building102.

FIG.2Cillustrates a further exemplary perspective view of an automatic shut-off system200attached to the water shut-off valve110to control opening and closing the water shut-off valve110, particularly illustrating adjustable connectors between the valve actuator140and a pipe, in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The automatic shut-off system200illustrated inFIG.2Cfurther comprises (i) a motor sensor174configured to measure an aspect of operation of the motor162, (ii) an extended baseplate148to facilitate greater adjustment of the positioning of the valve actuator140in the horizontal direction, and (iii) an extended adjustable portion of the actuator clamp142to facilitate greater adjustment of the positioning of the valve actuator140in the vertical direction. Other aspects of the automatic shut-off system200illustrated inFIG.2Cnot specifically discussed may be the same as or similar to those in other embodiments of the automatic shut-off system200described elsewhere herein.

The extended embodiments of the baseplate148and adjustable portion of the actuator clamp142may form components of an adjustable connector mechanism configured to enable a user (e.g., an installer or operator of the automatic shut-off system200) to adjust an operating position of the valve actuator140in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction relative to the water shut-off valve110(i.e., relative to a direction of water flow through the water shut-off valve110). Adjustment in the horizontal direction may be important in order to align the rotor164with the rotational axis128of the water shut-off valve110in order to maximize the efficiency of valve actuation by the motor162, particularly in situations in which the attachment locations of the actuator clamp142are limited by an extended valve housing120or characteristics of the pipes in proximity to the water shut-off valve110. Adjustment in the vertical direction may be important in order to provide sufficient clearance for the handle130of the water shut-off valve110, which may vary in height relative to the attached pipes, and to allow easy installation of the valve handle coupling150over the handle130.

To facilitate user adjustment of the operating position of the valve actuator140(e.g., to facilitate alignment of the rotor164with the rotational axis128of the water shut-off valve110), the baseplate148may include an elongated rotor opening149running in the horizontal direction along a portion of the length of the baseplate148to enable the operating position of the rotor164to be adjusted in the horizontal direction relative to the valve clamp142. For stability, the valve actuator140may be constrained with respect to the baseplate148to translational movement in one dimension, such as by the use of an overlapping flange or groove to limit movement of the valve actuator140relative to the baseplate148.

Similarly, to facilitate user adjustment of the operating position of the valve actuator140in the vertical direction, the adjustable portion of the actuator clamp142may include an elongated bolt opening147running in the vertical direction along the height of the adjustable portion of the actuator clamp142to enable the operating position of the rotor164to be adjusted in the vertical direction relative to the water shut-off valve110and the pipe to which the actuator clamp142is attached. For stability, the valve actuator140may be constrained with respect to the actuator clamp142to translational movement in one dimension, such as by the use of an overlapping flange, a groove, or a second bolt to limit movement of the valve actuator140to translational motion in the vertical direction relative to the actuator clamp142.

To further enable user adjustments to the effective positioning of the valve actuator140relative to the water shut-off valve110, the valve handle coupling150may include adjustable prongs151that may slide along the length of the valve handle coupling150to enable the user to adjust the point of contact between the handle130and the valve handle coupling150. Such adjustments may be useful, for example, in situations in which the rotor164cannot be fully aligned with the rotational axis128of the water shut-off valve110.

The motor sensor174is communicatively connected to the controller160and is configured to detect a characteristic or aspect associated with operation of the motor162, such as a torque applied by the motor162or a rotational position of the rotor164. In some embodiments, a plurality of motor sensors174may be used to measure different types of data relating to operation of the motor162. The one or more motor sensors174may comprise a torque sensor configured to detect the torque applied to the handle130of the water shut-off valve110by the motor162, which torque measurements may be used to determine operating metrics for the water shut-off valve110or for the valve actuator140relating to a force required from the motor162to actuate the water shut-off valve110. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more motor sensors174may comprise a position sensor configured to measure a rotational position of the rotor164of the motor162, which position measurements may be used to determine operating metrics for the water shut-off valve110or for the valve actuator140relating to the timing or extent of rotation of the rotor164while actuating the water shut-off valve110(e.g., maximum rotational position change due to valve actuation).

FIG.2Dillustrates a further exemplary perspective view of an automatic shut-off system200attached to the water shut-off valve110to control opening and closing the water shut-off valve110, illustrating an alternative handle130′ as a handwheel and a corresponding valve handle coupling150′ configured to turn such handwheel, in accordance with various embodiments described herein. As illustrated, the alternative handle130′ comprises a handwheel configured to open or close the water shut-off valve110by multiple rotations. In such embodiments, the alternative valve handle coupling150′ may be used to apply a torque to the alternative handle130′ via one or more prongs151′ configured to be inserted within gaps in the handwheel of alternative handle130′. Such configuration enables the motor162to apply a torque through multiple full rotations of the rotor164to open or close the water shut-off valve110. In some embodiments, the valve handle couplings150and150′ form part or all of a set of interchangeable couplings configured to be removably connected to the rotor164of the motor162(e.g., secured by a removable nut to a threaded portion of the rotor164), such that the valve handle coupling150or alternative valve handle coupling150′ may be selected by a user from the set of interchangeable couplings based upon the type of water shut-off valve110. For example, a lever handle coupling may be selected to actuate a lever handle of a ball valve (e.g., a valve handle coupling150may be connected to a handle130), while a handwheel coupling may be selected to actuate a handwheel of a gate valve or a globe valve (e.g., an alternative valve handle coupling150′ may be connected to an alternative handle130′). Other aspects of the automatic shut-off system200illustrated inFIG.2Dnot specifically discussed may be the same as or similar to those in other embodiments of the automatic shut-off system200described elsewhere herein.

FIG.2Eillustrates a further exemplary perspective view of an automatic shut-off system200attached to the water shut-off valve110to control opening and closing the water shut-off valve110, particularly illustrating adjustable connectors between the valve actuator140and multiple pipes, in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The automatic shut-off system200illustrated inFIG.2Ethus further comprises additional components of the adjustable connector mechanism in order to provide further adjustability in the operating position of the valve actuator140relative to the water shut-off valve110. Other aspects of the automatic shut-off system200illustrated inFIG.2Enot specifically discussed may be the same as or similar to those in other embodiments of the automatic shut-off system200described elsewhere herein.

To enable further adjustability of the operating position of the valve actuator140, the adjustable connector mechanism further comprises additional components enabling rotational adjustments or further translational adjustments relative to the attachment locations on one or more pipes attached to the water shut-off valve110. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable portion of the actuator clamp142includes a fixed portion184connected to a sliding portion186(containing the elongated bolt opening147to connect to the adjustable portion144of the baseplate148by the bolt146) by a ball joint182. The ball joint182may be configured to provide a range of rotation of at least approximately ninety degrees in at least one direction, while also being secured by a screw or other mechanism when in the desired position. By including one or more ball joints182, the adjustable connector mechanism enables the user additional degrees of freedom in placing the valve actuator140in the operating position relative to the water shut-off valve110, thereby facilitating the use of additional attachment locations on the pipes of the water supply104attached to the water shut-off valve110.

Additionally, the illustrated embodiment further includes a second actuator clamp143removably attached to a second attachment location of a second pipe of the internal water supply system106attached to the water shut-off valve110. Similar to the actuator clamp142, the second actuator clamp143secures the valve actuator140in an operating position relative to the water shut-off valve110by attaching to an attachment location of a pipe by a fixed portion184connected to a sliding portion186(containing another elongated bolt opening147to connect to another adjustable portion144of the baseplate148by another bolt146) by ball joints182. In order to provide additional distance and to allow connection to a pipe bent at an angle relative to the flow of water through the water shut-off valve110, however, such connection by the second actuator clamp143includes multiple ball joints182connected to an extension component188extending between the ball joints182. In some embodiments, the extension component188may be added or removed from the adjustable connector mechanism by the user, depending upon the distance between the attachment location of the second actuator clamp143and the baseplate148.

Although illustrated as being attached to a second pipe of the internal water supply system106attached to the water shut-off valve110, the second actuator clamp143may be attached at a different location on the same pipe of the water supply104as the actuator clamp142in further embodiments. In still further embodiments, the adjustable connector mechanism may include the second actuator clamp143and its associated components to connect to the baseplate148, while not including the actuator clamp142and its associated components to connect to the baseplate148.

Exemplary Control System

FIG.3illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary control system300comprising electrical and communication components of the automatic shut-off system200and related devices. The control system may include a controller160, a power source180, a battery168, a motor162, one or more sensors170, one or more motor sensors174, a communication interface166, and the following components communicating with the controller160through the communication interface166: one or more remote sensors172, a smart home system308, a network310, and a user device312. Additional, alternative, or fewer components may be included in various alternative embodiments.

The controller160may be configured to obtain and analyze data from various other components in order to control opening and closing of the water shut-off valve110. The controller160comprises one or more processors302, one or more memories304, and one or more input/output (I/O) circuits306. The one or more processors302may be microprocessors adapted and configured to execute one or more software applications defined by instructions stored in the one or more memories304. The one or more memories304may include volatile memory (e.g., random access memory) and non-volatile memory (e.g., program memory or data storage, such as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, or optically readable memories), which may store software applications and data for analysis according to the various embodiments described herein.

The one or more I/O circuits306handle input and output between the controller160and other components, such as the motor162, the communication interface166, and sensors170,172, or174. The power source180and the battery168may provide power to the controller160, which may in turn control the provision of power the motor162.

The communication interface166serves to connect the controller160to various communication devices in the controller system300, such as to remote sensors172, a hub of a smart home system308, a communication network310, or a user device312. To accomplish this, the communication interface166may comprise one or more transceivers to transmit and receive wireless communications with external devices, either directly or via a network using any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as wireless telephony (e.g., GSM, CDMA, LTE, etc.), Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11 standards), WiMAX, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, LoRa, near field communication (e.g., ISO/IEC 18092), etc.

The communication interface166may be further configured to communicate with a smart home hub of a smart home system308to obtain additional sensor data from sensors or smart home devices or to communicate with a user device312. The smart home system308may include various smart devices, such as smart thermostats, smart appliances (e.g., network-connected refrigerators, washers, or dryers), or user interface devices (e.g., displays or sound systems). In some embodiments, the smart home system308may be a cloud-based system that communicates with the user device312via the network310and may not include a local hub within the local environment of the building102.

In some embodiments, the communication interface166may communicate with the remote sensors172, a smart home system308, or a user device312via a network310, which network may comprise one or more nodes (e.g., routers, repeaters, modems, or gateways) connected by wireless or wired communication links, which may be static or dynamic. The communication interface166may be further configured to communicate with a user device312(e.g., a computer, smart phone, tablet, smart home display, or other fixed or mobile computing device) to receive control information from a user and/or to send notifications or alerts to a user (e.g., a homeowner of the building102).

Exemplary Leak Detection & Water Shut-Off Method

FIG.4illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary leak detection and water shut-off method400in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The method400may be performed by the various components of the automatic shut-off system200described above. Thus, one or more processors302of the controller160may be configured by executable instructions of one or more software applications stored in a memory304to monitor the internal water supply system106to detect leak conditions. The controller160may further perform periodic or occasional testing to determine a status of the internal water supply system106more generally, as discussed further with respect toFIG.5below. In some embodiments, the controller160may further communicate with a smart home system308or user device312to send and receive information relating to the internal water supply system106.

The leak detection and water shut-off method400may begin with the controller160obtaining water flow data indicating a level of water flow at the water shut-off valve110(block402) and obtaining additional sensor data from one or more remote sensors disposed at points along the internal water supply system106(block404). The water flow data and additional sensor data is then analyzed to determine whether a leak condition is detected (block406). When a leak condition is detected (block408), the valve actuator140is controlled to close the water shut-off valve110(block410) and, in some embodiments, a notification is sent to a user device312of a user (block412). When no leak condition is detected (block408), the controller160further determines whether to perform a test by determining whether test conditions are met (block414). When the test conditions are determined to be met, a water system test is performed to test the operation of the internal water supply system106(block416). When the water system test is failed (block418), the valve actuator140is controlled to close the water shut-off valve110(block410) and, in some embodiments, a notification is sent to a user device312of a user (block412). When the test conditions are not met (block414) or the water system test is passed (block418), the controller160continues to monitor and test the internal water supply system106by obtaining new water flow data (block402) and additional sensor data (block404) for analysis. Additional, fewer, or alternative actions may be included in various embodiments.

At block402, the controller160obtains water flow data indicating a level of water flow through the water shut-off valve110. Such water flow data may be obtained from the non-intrusive sensor170placed on a pipe directly connected to the water shut-off valve110, since the volume of water flowing through the water shut-off valve110equals the volume of water flowing through the pipes directly adjacent to the water shut-off valve110. As discussed above, the non-intrusive sensor170may be configured to detect water flow through a pipe when attached to an external surface of the pipe, thereby providing an indication of a level of water flow via non-intrusive measurements (e.g., ultrasonic measurements through a pipe) without requiring an in-line sensor (i.e., a sensor placed between pipe segments, joints, valves, connectors, or otherwise disposed to be in contact with the water being measured). Such water flow data may be obtained from the non-intrusive sensor170via a wired or wireless connection, which may include a direct connection or an indirect connection through the communication interface166.

At block404, the controller160may obtain additional sensor data from one or more remote sensors172disposed at additional locations within or near the internal water supply system106via the communication interface166. As discussed above, the remote sensors172may include in-line sensors, non-intrusive sensors, or other types of sensors. In some embodiments, the remote sensors172may include in-line pressure sensors connected to the internal water supply system106to provide pressure level measurements of the water at the locations at which they are installed (e.g., at faucet or appliance supply lines). Thus, the remote sensors172may provide water pressure data for the internal water supply system106at locations associated with various pipes without necessitating cutting or replacing any pipes.

In further embodiments, the remote sensors172may include water presence sensors disposed below or near pipes of the internal water supply system106to detect the presence of water outside the pipes, which may indicate a leak. In still further embodiments, the additional sensor data may include temperature data from one or more temperature sensors, which may be remote or integrated into or connected to a housing of the valve actuator140.

At block406, the controller160analyzes the water flow data and the additional sensor data to determine whether a leak condition is detected for the internal water supply system106. The analysis may include determining whether a sudden change in water flow has occurred that does not match a typical water flow profile associated with normal usage. For example, a sudden jump in the level of water flow may indicate a burst pipe somewhere within the internal water supply system106. Additionally or alternatively, the analysis may include determining whether a pressure level measured by an in-line pressure sensor has dropped below a pressure threshold indicative of a lowest level of water pressure expected from normal use.

In some embodiments, the analysis may combine water flow data with additional sensor data to attempt to detect a leak condition. For example, a sudden jump in the level of water flow may be combined with a sudden drop in a measured pressure level below a level expected from normal use to detect a leak condition. In further embodiments, the analysis may comprise determining whether a signal from a water presence sensor indicates the presence of water outside the internal water supply system106and associated appliances and outlets.

In various embodiments, a baseline profile or set of one or more levels (e.g., pressure levels, water flow levels, or changes in levels) may be established or determined for the particular internal water pressure system106. Such baseline levels may be determined based upon measured levels over an initial time interval, which may comprise weeks or months and may include information regarding timing of water use. In some embodiments, the baseline levels may be used to generate threshold levels indicative of leak conditions. Such baseline or threshold levels may be determined by application of machine learning models to the collected data to obtain thresholds specifically generated for the internal water supply system106that reflects typical use patterns for the specific building102.

At block408, when a leak condition has been detected, the method400continues to close the water shut-off valve110at block410. In some embodiments, the controller160may cause a notification to be sent to a user to alert the user prior to closing the water shut-off valve110in order to enable the user to delay or prevent the shut-off action. For example, the controller160may send an alert message to a user device312via communication interface166in direct communication with the user device132or in indirect communication with the user device132via a smart home system308or a network310, which alert message may prompt the user to intervene to prevent the shut-off operation within a predetermined time interval (e.g., five minute, two minute, or thirty seconds). If the user confirms the leak condition or does not respond within the predetermined time interval, the controller160then proceeds to close the water shut-off valve110at block410. If the user sends a command from the user device132to the controller160to prevent closing the water shut-off valve110, the controller160may clear the leak condition determination and prevent another leak condition from being determined during a reset time interval (e.g., one hour, twelve hours, or twenty-four hours). When the user thus prevents closing the water shut-off valve110, the method400may proceed to block414as though no leak condition has been detected.

At block410, the controller160controls the valve actuator140to close the water shut-off valve110by controlling operation of the motor162. By operating the motor162to transfer a torque to the valve handle coupling150via the rotor164, the controller160causes a torque to be applied to the handle130of the water shut-off valve110by the valve handle coupling150to close the water shut-off valve110. The method400may then send a notification to a user before ending, or the method400may simply end.

At block412, in some embodiments, the controller160further causes a notification to be sent to a user to alert the user to the water shut-off. Sending the notification may include sending a message to a user device312via communication interface166in direct communication with the user device132or in indirect communication with the user device132via a smart home system308or a network310. Additionally or alternatively, sending the notification may include sending a notification to a hub of a smart home system308, which hub may present the notification to the user.

The notification may alert the user to the water shut-off and may optionally include additional information, such as time of the shut-off or reason for the shut-off (e.g., likely leak detected, water dripping detected, or system test failed). In some embodiments, the user may be presented an option to override the water shut-off and cause the controller160to control the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110.

At block408, when no leak condition has been detected, the method400continues to block414. At block414, the controller160determines whether one or more test conditions are met. Such test conditions may include the passage of time between periodic testing, determination of a likelihood of a leak based upon the water flow data or additional sensor data obtained from the sensors, or determination of another triggering condition for the test. For example, test conditions may be determined to be met when a water flow level is determined to be negligible during a time when water is not typically used in the internal water supply system106, such as during the early morning, thus enabling testing without interruption of water usage. In some embodiments, the test conditions may include determining a power supply from a primary power source180has been disrupted, in which case testing may be performed using power from a battery168to determine whether to close the water shut-off valve110until primary power is restored (e.g., to prevent freezing of water in the pipes).

When the test conditions are determined not to be met at block414, the method400continues with obtaining and analyzing additional sensor data, including water flow data at block402and additional sensor data at block404. When the test conditions are determined to be met at block414, the method400continues with performing a water system test at block416. At block416, the controller160performs a test of the internal water supply system106to determine whether to close the water shut-off valve110or send a user a notification.

The water system test may be performed as described below with respect toFIG.5in order to test the integrity of the internal water supply system106, such as to determine whether maintenance should be performed or whether a slow leak may exist. In some embodiments, the water system test may determine whether a temperature level indicated by a temperature sensor is below a freeze risk threshold, such as when a power supply from a primary power source180has been disrupted. In such instances, the water shut-off valve110may be closed to reduce the risk of flooding due to frozen pipes. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the controller160may first send a notification to a user prior to closing the water shut-off valve110and may proceed to close the water shut-off valve110at block410only upon receiving a user confirmation or after receiving no user response during a predetermined time interval.

At block418, the controller160determines whether the test results indicate the water system test has been passed (i.e., test passing criteria have been met or test failing criteria have not been met). In some embodiments, the results of the water system test may be stored or sent to a user for review. For example, a summary of the test results may be periodically sent to the user as a report of the overall health of the internal water supply system106on a weekly or monthly basis, which report may include recommendations regarding maintenance actions to perform. When the water system test is determined to have been passed, the method400continues with obtaining and analyzing additional sensor data, including water flow data at block402and additional sensor data at block404. When the water system test is determined not to have been passed, the controller160may control the valve actuator140to close the water shut-off valve110at block410and optionally may send a notification to a user of the failed test at block412before ending the method400.

Exemplary Water System Testing Method

FIG.5illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary water system testing method500in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The method500may be performed by the various components of the automatic shut-off system200described above. Thus, one or more processors302of the controller160may be configured by executable instructions of one or more software applications stored in a memory304to perform a water system test for the internal water supply system106to determine a status of the internal water supply system106(e.g., by detecting slow leaks). In some embodiments, the controller160may communicate with a smart home system308or user device312to send and receive information relating to the internal water supply system106, such as providing information indicating test results. The method500may be performed separately or may be implemented as part of the leak detection and water shut-off method400discussed above.

The water system testing method500may begin, in some embodiments, with determining certain test conditions have been met (block502). Next, the controller160may begin the test by controlling the valve actuator140to close the water shut-off valve110(block504) and obtains pressure level data from one or more remote sensors172(block506). Using this pressure level data, the controller160may determine whether the measured pressure levels meet test criteria (block508).

When the test criteria are met (block510), the test is deemed passed, and the controller160causes the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110(block518) before ending the method500. When the test criteria are not met (block510), the controller160next determines whether shut-off criteria are met (block512). When the shut-off criteria are met (block512), the controller160leaves the water shut-off valve110closed and sends a notification to a user (block516) before ending the method500. When the shut-off criteria are not met (block512), the controller160causes the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110(block514) before sending a notification to the user (block516) before ending the method500. Additional, fewer, or alternative actions may be included in various embodiments.

At block502, in some embodiments, the controller160may determine one or more test conditions are met prior to performing a water system test for the internal water supply system106. Since the test may be periodic, event-driven, or opportunistic, the test conditions may include the passage of time, detection of a triggering event (e.g., an atypical sudden change in pressure), or detection of favorable conditions after expiration of a delay from a previous test (e.g., no measurable water flow during overnight hours at least a day after the last test). For example, the test criteria may include detecting a measurement from a non-intrusive sensor170of a level of water flow through a pipe to which the non-intrusive sensor170is attached is below a testing threshold (e.g., is at or near zero flow) during a time window associated with periodic testing (e.g., between the hours of 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM).

In some embodiments, the test conditions or thresholds may be automatically generated by a machine learning algorithm using past water system usage or sensor data. In further embodiments, the controller160may select a water system test from among a plurality of water system tests based upon test conditions associated with each water system test. Once the test conditions are determined to be met, the controller160causes the automatic shut-off system200to perform the water system test.

At block504, the controller160controls the valve actuator140to close the water shut-off valve110, as discussed elsewhere herein. Closing the water shut-off valve110separates the internal water supply system106from the water supply104to enable testing. For example, the water supply104may mask the water pressure drop caused by slow leaks in the internal water supply system106, so disconnecting the water supply104by closing the water shut-off valve110allows the test to detect leaks or other issues earlier and more accurately.

At block506, the controller160obtains pressure level data from one or more remote sensors172comprising in-line water pressure sensors. The pressure level data comprises indications of water pressure within the internal water supply system106while the water shut-off valve110is closed. In some embodiments, the pressure level data is obtained for a testing window lasting for a duration of seconds or minutes in order to detect changes in pressure following the time at which the water shut-off valve110is closed.

In further embodiments, the controller160obtains or stores additional pressure level data measured immediately prior to the water shut-off valve110being closed. In still further embodiments, additional non-pressure data (e.g., vibration or acoustic data) may also be obtained from one or more remote sensors172as part of the water system test.

At block508, the controller160analyzes the obtained pressure level data to determine whether the internal water supply system106passes the water system test. Analyzing the pressure level data may include determining whether the water pressure data meets test criteria of the water system test. Thus, one or more pressure levels indicated by the pressure level data (and, in some embodiments, the additional pressure level data) may be compared against one or more pressure thresholds specified by the test criteria. For example, the test criteria may require the measured pressure levels exceed a pressure threshold associated with a generally acceptable status of the internal water supply system106, which may be a leak risk pressure threshold indicative of an elevated risk of a leak somewhere in the internal water supply system106.

In some embodiments, the obtained sensor data may be compared against additional primary or secondary test criteria to determine whether the internal water supply system106passes the test or whether additional actions are needed. For example, the secondary test criteria may comprise shut-off criteria according to which the pressure levels may be compared to a shut-off pressure threshold lower than the leak risk pressure threshold in order to determine whether shut-off criteria are met, such that the water shut-off valve110may be reopened or left closed based upon the comparison.

In some embodiments, the pressure thresholds or other primary or secondary test criteria may be predetermined for the water system test. In further embodiments, the controller160may determine one or more pressure thresholds or other criteria based upon past data measured within the internal water supply system106, such as determining pressure thresholds based upon a plurality of past pressure levels measured by remote sensors172comprising in-line pressure sensors installed within the internal water supply system106. Such test criteria may be further determined based in part upon past water flow data measured by the non-intrusive sensor170or other sensors of the automatic shut-off system200.

When the test criteria are determined to be met at block510(e.g., the one or more pressure levels exceed the pressure threshold indicated by the test criteria), the method500continues with opening the water shut-off valve110at block518before ending the method500. At block518, the controller160controls the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110by operating the motor162to transfer a torque to the valve handle coupling150via the rotor164, the controller160causes a torque to be applied to the handle130of the water shut-off valve110by the valve handle coupling150to open the water shut-off valve110.

When the test criteria are determined not to be met at block510, the controller160next determines whether the shut-off criteria are met at block512. The shut-off criteria may be secondary criteria against which the obtained sensor data is compared to determine whether the risk of a significant leak in the internal water supply system106exceeds a threshold level for shutting off the water supply. Thus, determining whether the shut-off criteria are met may comprise determining whether one or more pressure levels in the obtained pressure level data fall below a minimum threshold level, where failure to meet or exceed the minimum threshold level indicates a high level of risk of a significant current leak in the internal water supply system106.

When the shut-off criteria are determined to be met at block512, the method500proceeds to sending a notification to a user at block516, without opening the water shut-off valve110. When the shut-off criteria are determined not to be met at block512, however, the controller160first controls the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110at block514before proceeding to send a notification to a user at block516.

At block516, the controller160sends a notification to a user regarding the failed water system test. Sending the notification may include sending a message to a user device312via communication interface166in direct communication with the user device132or in indirect communication with the user device132via a smart home system308or a network310.

Additionally or alternatively, sending the notification may include sending a notification to a hub of a smart home system308, which hub may present the notification to the user. The notification includes information regarding the failed water system test and may indicated recommended actions. If the shut-off criteria were determined not be have been met, the notification may include an alert notifying the user of the water shut-off and may optionally include additional information, such as time of the shut-off or reason for the shut-off. In some embodiments, the user may be presented an option to override the water shut-off and cause the controller160to control the valve actuator140to open the water shut-off valve110. Upon sending the notification to the user, the method500ends.

Exemplary Valve Operating Status Evaluation Method

FIG.6illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary valve operating status evaluation method600for determining the operating status or condition of a water shut-off valve110in accordance with various embodiments described herein. The method600may be performed each time the water shut-off valve110is actuated by the various components of the automatic shut-off system200described above. Thus, one or more processors302of the controller160may be configured by executable instructions of one or more software applications stored in a memory304to monitor and control operation of the water shut-off valve110. The controller160may perform periodic or occasional actuation of the water shut-off valve110, such as during testing or upon leak detection as discussed above. Whenever the water shut-off valve110is actuated, the controller160may monitor aspects of the opening or closing of the valve to determine an operating status of the valve. If necessary, action may be taken by the controller160based upon the determined operating status. In some embodiments, the controller160may communicate with a smart home system308or user device312to send and receive information relating to the operating status of the water shut-off valve110.

The valve operating status evaluation method600may begin with the controller160determining to actuate the water shut-off valve110(block602), either to evaluate the operating status of the valve or for another purpose. The controller160may then cause the motor162to open or close the water shut-off valve110(block604), while obtaining sensor data relating to the actuation of the valve (block606). Operating metrics may then be generated by the controller160based upon the sensor data (block608), which operating metrics may then be further analyzed to determine the operating status of the water shut-off valve110(block610). When an action is determined to be needed based upon the operating status of the water shut-off valve110(block612), the controller160determines and implements an appropriate action (block614). Otherwise, the method600ends. Additional, fewer, or alternative actions may be included in various embodiments.

At block502, in some embodiments, the controller160may determine to actuate the water shut-off valve110based upon one or more criteria. Such criteria may include occurrence of conditions causing the controller160to close or open the water shut-off valve110due to a leak condition or occurrence of one or more test conditions, as discussed above. Additionally or alternatively, such criteria may include the passage of time since the last actuation of the water shut-off valve110, a determination of an increased risk of valve degradation above a threshold level, receipt of a manual valve actuation or test command from a user (e.g., a command from a user device312or a smart home system308received via the communication interface166). In some embodiments, the controller160may determine to delay actuation of the water shut-off valve110due to environmental conditions, such as delaying closing the valve based upon a water flow level detected by a non-intrusive sensor170or delaying opening the valve based upon detection of a leak condition, such as the leak conditions discussed above.

At block604, the controller160controls the motor162of the valve actuator140to open or close the water shut-off valve110, as discussed elsewhere herein. The controller160may thus control the actuation of the water shut-off valve110by controlling the motor162to operate in a direction to apply a torque to the handle130via the valve handle coupling150over a time duration (e.g., several seconds) during which the handle130is rotated to open or close the water shut-off valve110. In some embodiments, such time duration may comprise a plurality of discrete times, at each of which discrete times the controller160may control the motor162to operate through one or more steps to perform a controlled rotation of the rotor164. In further embodiments, the controller160may control the motor162to operate for a predetermined time expected to be sufficient to open or close the water shut-off valve110or until sensor data from a motor sensor174indicates the valve has reached a fully actuated state (e.g., the handle130has reached a fully open or fully closed position, has reached a position in which the torque applied exceeds a threshold, or has reached a position in which no further movement is detected over a time interval).

At block606, the controller160obtains sensor data relating to the actuation of the water shut-off valve. Such sensor data may be obtained as measurement data from one or more motor sensors174, such as the torque sensor or position sensor discussed above. The sensor data may comprise a plurality of measurements at a plurality of times during the process of actuating the water shut-off valve110. Such sensor data measurements may be obtained to identify the force applied to or movement of the handle130at times during the process of actuating the water shut-off valve110. For example, the sensor data may comprise a plurality of torque measurements by a motor sensor174during operation of the motor162to open or close the water shut-off valve110. As another example, the sensor data may comprise a plurality of position measurements indicating rotational positions of the rotor164at the plurality of times. As yet another example, the sensor data may comprise voltage or current measurements for the motor162during actuation of the water shut-off valve.

In some embodiments, the sensor data may include water flow level measurements from a non-intrusive sensor170, such as an ultrasonic flow sensor configured to be clamped onto an external surface of a pipe in proximity to the water shut-off valve110. Such water flow level measurements may be obtained to identify whether and when water flow is restricted or halted by actuation of the water shut-off valve110. In further embodiments, the sensor data obtained by the controller160may comprise maximum, minimum, or average values of sensor measurements. For example, the sensor data may comprise maximum torque applied during the actuation process, a maximum rotational distance between the starting and ending positions of the rotor164, a final rotational position of the rotor164, a minimum level of water flow (e.g., a water flow level measured when the water shut-off valve110has been closed to the maximum extent possible by operation of the motor162), or similar data.

At block608, the controller160generates one or more operating metrics based upon the obtained sensor data. Such operating metrics may include a maximum torque, average torque, torque profile, final rotational position, total change in rotational position, total time to open or close the valve, maximum voltage, average voltage, voltage profile, maximum current, average current, current profile, shut valve water flow level, or water flow profile. The operating metrics may be generated for the valve actuation based upon a plurality of sensor measurements corresponding to a plurality of times during an actuation of the water shut-off valve110, or the operating metrics may be generated based upon a single measurement at a time or time interval associated with the valve actuation. Additionally or alternatively, one or more operating metrics may be generated based in part upon sensor data or operating metrics associated with one or more prior actuations of the water shut-off valve110, such as by generating an updated average or profile for a time window encompassing a plurality of valve actuations.

In some embodiments, the one or more operating metrics are generated for the entire actuation operation of the motor162to open or close the water shut-off valve110, such as a maximum torque measurement associated with the valve actuation or a maximum position measurement of rotation of the rotor164associated with the valve actuation. Such operating metrics may include metrics associated with a total time duration of the valve actuation, such as a time duration between beginning to close the water shut-off valve110(e.g., as determined based upon the operation of the motor162, detected by a motor sensor174, or based upon a time at which no water flow is detected by a non-intrusive sensor170). The one or more operating metrics may further include metrics associated with a degree of actuation of the water shut-off valve110at the end of the valve actuation operation, such as an ending position of the rotor164or a shut valve water flow level measured by a non-intrusive sensor170at a time during which the water shut-off valve110has been closed by the motor162to the maximum extent the motor162is capable of closing the water shut-off valve110under the system conditions.

In further embodiments, the one or more operating metrics may be generated for each of a plurality of times during the valve actuation. For example, an operating metric may be generated for each of a plurality of periods (e.g., every 0.05 seconds, 0.1 seconds, 0.2 seconds, etc.) throughout the duration of the valve actuation by the motor162. In some embodiments, one or more operating metrics may be generated using sensor data or operating statistics from previous valve actuations, such as operating metrics indicating changes of average or maximum measurements between valve actuations. In further embodiments, the operating metrics may be generated for time windows (e.g., weeks or months) covering multiple valve actuations by the valve actuator140. For example, averages across the multiple valve actuations of the maximum torques of each valve actuation may be generated by the controller160as an operating metric for the time window.

In some embodiments, one or more operating metrics may be combined into operating metric profiles indicating a plurality of data points at a plurality of times during the actuation of the water shut-off valve110. For example, a torque profile may be generated as a collection of operating metrics indicating torque applied to the handle130by the motor162at a plurality of times during opening or closing of the valve. As another example, a composite profile may be generated to include maximum, minimum, or average values of operating metrics throughout the duration of valve actuation (e.g., a collection of the following: maximum torque, average torque, initial rotational position of the rotor164, final rotational position of the rotor164, total time to open/close the valve, and shut valve water flow level). Such operating metric profiles may be used to collect and store a more detailed dataset of a valve actuation, which may be used to establish a baseline profile for the water shut-off valve110in order to detect changes in the operating condition of the valve.

At block610, the controller160determines an operating status of the water shut-off valve110by analyzing the one or more operating metrics. The operating status may be determined as an indication of the condition or quality of operation of the water shut-off valve110in order to detect degraded operation of the valve (e.g., healthy/unhealthy, good/moderate/bad, percentage effectiveness score, etc.). In various embodiments, the operating status may be determined based upon one or more current operating metrics generated for the most recent valve actuation, a change in operating metrics between valve actuations, or a projected level of operation based upon a trend in the operating metrics over time. Thus, the one or more operating metrics associated with a current or most recently completed valve actuation may be analyzed independently of previous operating metrics or may be analyzed together with operating metrics associated with previous actuations of the water shut-off valve110, such as by comparing the most recent operating metrics to past operating metrics to determine a change in the operation of the water shut-off valve110.

For example, the operating status may be determined based upon comparison of one or more current operating metrics (e.g., a maximum or average torque, a final position of the rotor164, or a total time to complete the actuation) against corresponding threshold levels. As another example, a plurality of operating metrics representing maximum torque measurements or maximum rotational positions or rotational distances for each of a plurality of actuations of the water shut-off valve110at a plurality of times may be analyzed to determine the operating status, such as by identifying changes in such maximum valves represented by the operating metrics associated with the plurality of valve actuations. The operating status may then be determined by determining whether a change in the operating metrics between two or more sets of the valve actuations exceeds a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the operating status may be determined by determining a trend for the one or more operating metrics, then generating projected future operating metrics and comparing the future operating metrics to one or more corresponding threshold levels.

In some embodiments, the operating status may be determined based upon sensor data relating to a degree to which the water shut-off valve110fully opens or closes when actuated by the motor162. Such operating status may indicate whether the automatic shut-off system200is able to fully close the water shut-off valve110. For example, the controller160may determine the operating status based at least in part upon one or more maximum position measurements of the rotor164as the relevant operating metrics generated from position measurements of the rotor164from a position sensor. In such example, the operating status of the water shut-off valve110may indicate whether the valve opens or closes completely when actuated by the motor162based upon comparison against known operating parameters (e.g., ball valves are known to typically have an operating range of ninety degrees between open and closed positions) or against past operating metrics generated for previous valve actuations. As another example, the degree to which the water shut-off valve110opens or closes may be determined using one or more operating metrics associated with water flow levels from a non-intrusive sensor170, such as a shut valve water flow level measured by an ultrasonic flow sensor at a time during which the water shut-off valve110has been closed to the maximum extent to which the motor162is capable of closing the valve. In some such examples, the controller160may determine whether the water shut-off valve110closes completely when actuated by the motor162by determining whether the minimum water flow level (e.g., the shut valve water flow level) exceeds a water flow threshold associated with negligible sensor measurements indicating no water flow through the water shut-off valve110.

In further embodiments, the operating status may be determined based upon a plurality of operating metrics associated with a plurality of valve actuations in one or more time windows (e.g., weeks or months). Such time window analysis may be useful in detecting slow changes in the operation of the water shut-off valve110or in situations where significant variation exists in the ordinary operation of the water shut-off valve110(e.g., for gate valves or for water systems with high variability in water pressure). Each of the time windows may be a fixed duration or a variable duration selected by the controller160, and each time window may cover a plurality of actuations of the water shut-off valve110by the valve actuator140. In some such embodiments, the controller160may determine averages, maximums, or minimums of the one or more operating metrics for each of the time windows, then determine the operating status by determining whether a change between the averages, maximums, or minimums of the respective time windows exceeds a change threshold. For example, the operating status may be determined by determining whether the difference between the averages of maximum torque measurements for a first month and a second month exceeds an absolute or percentage change threshold. Thus, if the change between the respective time windows exceeds the relevant change threshold, the controller160may determine the water shut-off valve110has a degraded operating status indicating current or potential reduction in the effectiveness of the water shut-off valve110.

In still further embodiments, determining the operating status may comprise scoring operating metric profiles or changes between operating metrics in such profiles associated with different times. The various operating metrics of such operating metric profiles may be weighted to produce a weighted score representative of the operating condition of the water shut-off valve110. In some embodiments, the operating status may be determined by applying or training a machine learning (ML) model to identify, weight, and/or score the operating metrics have explanatory power with respect to the operating status of the water shut-off valve110. Such ML models may be trained using sensor data from a plurality of water shut-off valves having similar characteristics (e.g., age, type, flow volume, water pressure, region, building type, or usage levels), or such ML models may be trained specifically for the water shut-off valve110to identify changes from baseline operations.

At block612, the controller160determine whether an action is needed based upon the determine operating status of the water shut-off valve110. When the operating status indicates the water shut-off valve110is operating correctly (e.g., the operating metrics are within an expected range and do not indicate a trend of performance degradation), the controller160may determine no action is needed, and the method600ends. When the operating status indicates the water shut-off valve110is not operating correctly (e.g., the operating metrics are outside an expected range or indicate a trend of performance degradation that is projected to take the operating metrics beyond the expected range), the controller160may determine action is needed, and the method600proceeds to block614before ending.

At block614, the controller160determines an action to implement based upon the operating status of the water shut-off valve110and causes the action to be implemented. The action may include notifying a user, generating a report, performing multiple valve actuation operations, or scheduling a plurality of future valve actuation operations. In some embodiments, the action may include performing additional valve actuation operations in an attempt to clear a blockage or accretions in the water shut-off valve110, in which case the controller160may either immediately or at one or more future times control the motor162to repeatedly actuate the valve through full cycles of closing and opening the water shut-off valve110. In further embodiments, the action may include notifying or alerting a user, in which case the controller160may generate and send a notification to the user by sending a message to a user device312via communication interface166in direct communication with the user device132or in indirect communication with the user device132via a smart home system308or a network310.

Additionally or alternatively, sending the notification may include sending a notification to a hub of a smart home system308, which hub may present the notification to the user. The notification may include a report containing operating metrics or other information relating to the operating status of the water shut-off valve110, which may further include time-series information for comparison by the user. In some embodiments, the notification may include one or more recommended actions to be taken by the user, such as checking or adjusting the alignment between the rotor164and the rotational axis128of the water shut-off valve110.

Additional Considerations

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and the operations may be performed in an order other than the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

Certain aspects of the systems and methods described herein are directed to an improvement to computer functionality, and improve the functioning of conventional computers. Additionally, certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of routines, subroutines, applications, or instructions. These may constitute either software (e.g., code embodied on a non-transitory, machine-readable medium) or hardware. In hardware, the routines, etc., are tangible units capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client, or server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special-purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the term “hardware module” or “module” should be understood to encompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physically constructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or to perform certain operations described herein. Considering embodiments in which hardware modules are temporarily configured (e.g., programmed), each of the hardware modules need not be configured or instantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where the hardware modules include a general-purpose processor configured using software, the general-purpose processor may be configured as respective different hardware modules at different times. Software may accordingly configure a processor, for example, to constitute a particular hardware module at one instance of time and to constitute a different hardware module at a different instance of time.

Hardware modules can provide information to, and receive information from, other hardware modules. Accordingly, the described hardware modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiple of such hardware modules exist contemporaneously, communications may be achieved through signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses) that connect the hardware modules. In embodiments in which multiple hardware modules are configured or instantiated at different times, communications between such hardware modules may be achieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of information in memory structures to which the multiple hardware modules have access. For example, one hardware module may perform an operation and store the output of that operation in a memory device to which it is communicatively coupled. A further hardware module may then, at a later time, access the memory device to retrieve and process the stored output. Hardware modules may also initiate communications with input or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection of information).

The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in some example embodiments, comprise processor-implemented modules.

Similarly, the methods or routines described herein may be at least partially processor-implemented. For example, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed by one or more processors or processor-implemented hardware modules. The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processor or processors may be located in a single location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment or as a server farm), while in other embodiments the processors may be distributed across a number of locations.

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based upon any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this disclosure is referred to in this disclosure in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the description. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also may include the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

This detailed description is to be construed as examples and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this application.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for evaluation properties, through the principles disclosed herein. Therefore, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

The patent claims at the end of this patent application are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as “means for” or “step for” language being explicitly recited in the claim(s). The systems and methods described herein are directed to an improvement to computer functionality, and improve the functioning of conventional computers.