US20140312253A1

US20140312253A1 - Compact self powered and automated attachment to a fluid system

Info

Publication number: US20140312253A1
Application number: US14/318,696
Authority: US
Inventors: Livne Gan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-05
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2014-10-23

Abstract

An attachment mechanism to a fluid system is provided herein. The mechanism may include: a turbine positioned in a cavity within said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the fluid system flowing through the cavity; at least one magnet and at least one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at least one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a relative rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at least one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical current; a current rectifier configured to rectify the generated alternating electrical current; a capacitor configured to be charged by the rectified current; a control unit configured to discharge the capacitor via at least one actuating solenoid having an actuating magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and at least one valve plunger each coupled to the respective at least one actuating solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet and configured to close or open a valve of the fluid system responsive to displacement of the actuating solenoid or the actuating magnet due to the control signal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/310,820, filed Dec. 5, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to fluid systems, more particularly to a self-powered and automated mechanism attachable to a fluid system for controlling same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recent growing awareness of the environment and of conservation of natural resources, such as fluid and energy, has led to the development and spread of alternative technologies and methods for minimizing harm to the environment while maximizing production of energy for widespread use. Indeed, methods used in renewable energies and other green technologies have taken center stage in the last decade or so for addressing the growing need throughout the globe for conserving natural resources. Particularly, such technologies include hydroelectric power produced and harnessed mainly through the large scale use of dams and wind turbine farms, most of which require a substantial logistical infrastructure and the availability of large areas of land.
Nevertheless, with growing populations, the wide use of energy and fluid, as well as the growing need for conserving resources appears to currently outweigh the pace at which conservation methods are developing. For example, water, as a natural resource and as a fundamental necessity, is obliviously consumed by every society to the extent that it is consumed without any attention paid to the quantity or the frequency of its use. Undoubtedly, the over use of water in certain settings such as homes, offices, industrial institutions, gardens, public institutions and other facilities may typically be due to a lack of judgment, absent mindedness or otherwise to the inability of monitoring and/or regulation of its use. Accordingly, without alleviating such shortcomings, continued waste of water and similar resources is likely to grow, thereby leading to unnecessary waste of valuable resources.
Some known automatic faucets operate upon detection of presence under the faucet opening, thus obviating the need to touch the faucet and operate it manually. These automatic faucets may be more hygienic by preventing infection that may occur by touching the faucet. Additionally, such faucet may reduce costs of mechanical maintenance, and the overall consumption of fluid

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an attachment to fluid system, in accordance with and exemplary embodiment of the present technique;

FIG. 3 a schematic illustration of the self-powered hydroelectric system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of different exemplary arrangements of locationally and/or mechanically integrated power generator and valve actuator;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of two different states of an exemplary self-powered system according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic illustrations of other exemplary systems according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique;

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; and

FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view of the hydroelectric system shown in FIGS. 8-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to consume minimal space. In some embodiments, same components of the system may be used for more than one function, thus providing more efficiency. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient system, which may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring energy from any external source. Therefore, the enhanced hygiene and reduced maintenance provided by an automatic faucet may be made even more beneficial by embodiments of the present invention.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and side views of a hydroelectric fluid system 10, i.e., faucet, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although the faucet 10 depicted by the FIG. 1 may resemble one generally used in homes, offices, restaurants and the like, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present technique may be applicable to a variety of faucets, liquid outlets, and or other liquid delivering devices. It may further be appreciated that the present technique can be applied to the delivery and use of various types of liquids, including but not limited to fluid, oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and the like.
Accordingly, the hydroelectric faucet 10 includes a fluid outlet/spout 12 coupled to a base 14. Further, on top of the base 14, there is disposed a handle 16, generally adapted for manual operation of the faucet 10. As further depicted by FIG. 1, at the tip of the fluid extension outlet 12, there is disposed an attachable hydroelectric mechanism 18, adapted to be attached to the spout 12, and further adapted for automatically controlling the flow of fluid through the outlet 18 and faucet 10 in general.
As will be described further below, in an exemplary embodiment, the hydroelectric mechanism 18 may include a miniature hydroelectric generator having a miniature turbine actuated by fluid flowing through fluid extension outlet 12 and, ultimately, through the mechanism 18. As will be shown further below, the illustrated embodiment takes advantage of the flowing fluid produced by fluid pressure ranging between 2-6 atmospheres as the fluid attains sufficient kinetic energy for rotating a turbine, also part of the aforementioned hydroelectric generator. As appreciated by those skilled in the art, such a generator can include a turbine having hydrodynamic design for efficiently rotating a rotor equipped with magnet or similar device (not shown) for yielding storable energy through the stator winding. Hence, such energy can be stored, for example, by a capacitor, from which such energy can be used for operating the fluid system. In addition, the capacitor can also harness the energy for an indefinite amount of time so that it may be retrieved in the future for further use. As will be further shown and discussed below, the aforementioned mechanism 18 may further include a sensor for generally detecting the presence of an object located near or in the vicinity of the facet 10. Thus, when detecting such a presence, the sensor can be used to provide feedback signals to a control unit for actuating a valve that could, for example, initiate or terminate the flow of fluid through the faucet 10. Thus, the sensor, the control unit and/or the valve may be functionally powered through the hydroelectric energy obtained by the faucet 10 and the system 18. As described in detail below, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling the flow and/or heat of fluid.
As shown in FIG. 2, a fluid system 30 is fitted with a hydroelectric system 34 adapted for converting fluid flowing though the outlet 12 and tip 32 into electrical power. As described above, such hydroelectric power obtained by a hydroelectric generator disposed within the system 34 can be used mainly for operating a control unit and/or a sensor, the sensor is adapted to provide feedback signals to the control unit for controlling the operation of the fluid system 30. Thus, the sensor and the control unit disposed within the unit 34 draw their operating energy from the hydroelectric power provided by the fluid flowing through the hydroelectric system 34.
Accordingly, while the attachment system 34 is similar the hydroelectric system 18, described by FIG. 1, the system 34 is an independent unit that is separable from the faucet 30. Hence, the system 34 can be fitted onto the tip 32 of system 30 so that it can operate as an integral part of the system 30. In fact, the attachment system 34 can be adapted in a manner that would enable a retrofitting of the system 34 onto wide variety of faucets and/or other fluid outlets or pipes. Such retrofitting could be achieved by having screwing, clamping, or otherwise pressurizing the hydroelectric system onto the spout 32 of fluid system 30.
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to consume minimal space. Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention may enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient system, which may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring energy from any external source.
Turning now to FIG. 3, which is a schematic illustration of the self-powered hydroelectric system 34 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling the flow and/or heat of fluid. The hydroelectric mechanism 34 includes a casing 40 adapted for housing multiple internal units of hydroelectric system 34 as described further below. The casing 40 also includes openings 42 and 44, whereby the opening 42 is adapted to be affixed to or incorporated with a fluid outlet, such as those shown by FIGS. 1 and 2 described herein. As shown by fluid flow arrows 46, the opening 42 is further adapted to receive incoming fluid from the faucet tip, i.e., fluid tips 18 or 32, for enabling the fluid 46 to traverse through the system 34 and out the opening 44.
Hydroelectric system 34 includes a cavity 56, through which the incoming fluid 46 from opening 42 may flow towards opening 44. Further, Hydroelectric system 34 includes a valve or valves 50, an electromagnet actuator (or actuators) 52, control unit 54, a miniature hydroelectric generator 58 and a sensor 60.
Valve or valves 50 may include, for example, one or more plungers, and/or may be coupled to an electromagnet actuator 52. Accordingly, valve 50 may be actuated by electromagnet 52 for opening or closing the fluid path extending from the opening 42 to the cavity 56. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, valve(s) 50 may be actuated by electromagnet (or electromagnet) 52 to control the intensity of the flow of fluid and/or the heat of the fluid, e.g. by enabling different intensities of cold and hot fluid. As described in detail herein, electromagnet(s) 52 may be operated by control unit 54, for example in response to signals received from a sensor 60.
Hydroelectric generator 58 may be located within cavity 56, for example in the surrounding periphery of valve 50 and/or locationally integrated with valve 50. The hydroelectric generator 58 may include a turbine, typically made up of a central cylinder 59 (or a shaft) and rotating blades 57 that extend radially from cylinder 59. When fluid 46 flows down through cavity 56, the flow of fluid may hit blades 57 and cause rotation of turbine 57. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various turbine and blade designs may be fabricated so that sufficient rotational speed of the blades 57 may be achieved for producing a suitable amount of energy which can further be harnessed and used when needed. In one exemplary embodiment, fluid pressure ranging between 2-6 atmospheres may be sufficient enough for producing the desired liquid flow to attain the needed electrical power for operating the system 34. Nonetheless, the present invention may be extended to include hydroelectric generators and turbines having other designs that could make use of varying liquid pressure, some of which may be higher or lower than those mentioned above.
As described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the hydroelectric generator 58 may further include miniature or small rotator and stator and/or a small magnet for enabling the production of electrical energy resulting from the mechanical rotational energy obtained by the blades 57 as they rotate. The resulting produced electrical energy may be stored in an accumulator, for example, a capacitor 53 that may be included in control unit 54 or in another location within system 34, and may be used in some embodiments of the present invention to power sensor 60, control unit 54 and/or the actuation of valve 50 by actuator(s) 52. It should further be borne in mind that, while the illustrated mechanism 34 in general and, the hydroelectric generator 58 in particular, mainly exploit the gravitational fall of the fluid to produce energy, the aforementioned systems can also be used to exploit liquid flow produced via pressure changes occurring along a pipe or other fluid delivery pathways experiencing pressure changes, some of which may be caused by artificial means, such as pumps and the like. The hydroelectric generator 58 may further be built using a different technique, such as using piezoelectric mechanism to produce electrical power from the fluid flow throughout the hydroelectric system 34.
Sensor 60 may be disposed at the bottom of the housing 40, for example close to the bottom opening 44. Sensor 60 may be a general sensor, such as an infrared sensor, CMOS sensor, image sensor, pressure sensor, touch sensor, electrostatic sensor and/or any similar device, as appreciated by those skilled in the art. Sensor 60 may be arranged in several separate sensor units around the hydroelectric system 34. Sensor 60 is adapted to detect the presence of an object, or lack thereof, and provide corresponding signals to the control unit 54 for closing or opening the valve(s) 50, thereby controlling the flow and/or temperature of fluid through the system 34 and the faucet, i.e., faucets 18 and 30 of the above FIGS. 1 and 2, to which the system 34 is attached.
Accordingly, the control unit 54 may be made up of a processing device, such as an FPGA, microcontroller and/or other solid state devices, adapted for executing certain algorithms based on reception of electrical signals from the sensor 60. The control unit may further employ such algorithms for actuating the valve(s) 50 by actuator(s) 52, thereby controlling the flow of fluid 46 through the device 34 and the faucet to which it is affixed and/or temperature of fluid 46 corning out of the device. It should be born in mind that actuator(s) 52, control unit 54 and sensor 60 may all be powered by the electricity stored in the capacitor obtained through the operation of the hydroelectric generator 58. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrical energy obtained from the hydroelectric generator can be stored using a capacitor and that such energy can be retrieved at any point in time from the capacitor.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4C, which are schematic illustrations of different exemplary arrangements 400 a, 400 b and 400 c of locationally and/or mechanically integrated hydroelectric generator 58 and valve actuator 52. As shown in FIG. 4A, exemplary arrangement 400 a may include coils 200 and magnets 59 on the main rotor 50, which may be included in hydroelectric generator 58 described herein. Magnets 59 may be located on, for example on central cylinder 50 (also shown in FIG. 3). When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator turbine 58 to rotate, magnets 59 that rotate together with central cylinder 50, then the transformation coils 200/202 may transform the rotational magnetic field, to electric power. Coils 200/202 may transmit the created electric power to capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric energy. Additionally, exemplary arrangement 400 a may include valve plunger 53 attached to the cylinder 50 and electromagnet actuator 52. Valve plunger 53 may be moveably located within cylinder 50, and/or may be actuated to move along the longitudinal axis of cylinder 50. When a suitable signal is received from sensor 60, control unit 54 may operate actuator 52 to move valve plunger 53, to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more detail herein. For example, control unit 54 may transmit electric current through electromagnet 52, thus creating a magnetic field that may cause plunger 53 to move.
As shown in FIG. 4B, another exemplary arrangement 400 b may include magnets 204 on cylinder 59 a, which may rotate together with hydroelectric generator turbine 58. Magnets 204 may be arranged on cylinder 59 a around electromagnet 52. When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator 58 to rotate, magnets 204 that rotate together with central cylinder 59 may transform the rotational motion to magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed to electric power by electromagnet 52. Electromagnet 52 may charge capacitor 53, e.g., transmit the created electric power to capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric energy. When a suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor 60, control unit 54 may operate electromagnet actuator 52 to move valve plunger 50, to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more detail herein. For example, control unit 54 may transmit electric current through electromagnet 52, thus creating a magnetic field that may cause plunger 50 to move and close the fluid path, for example, once there is no movement/object below opening 44 sensed by sensor 60.
In another example shown in FIG. 4C, arrangement 400 c may include rotator plate 252 and stator plate 254. Rotor plate 252 may be integral part of hydroelectric generator 58 and/or rotate together with turbine. On rotor plate 252, arrangement 400 c may include multiple magnets 206 in multiple locations on rotor plate 252, for example around a central cylinder 59 b. Further, arrangement 400 c may include multiple electromagnets 208 to transform the rotating magnetic field to rotating magnetic current, for example located on stator plate 254 against or in corresponding locations to the locations of magnets 206 on plate 252. Additionally, arrangement 400 c may include a central electromagnet 210, for example against the central cylinder 59 b, at a central cylinder 212 of plate 254 (as shown in FIG. 4C). A plunger 50, or any of the alternative exemplary plungers 53 a or any other suitable possible plunger may extend out of plate 254 in the direction of the fluid path(s), as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A-6C, and/or according to the principles of operation described with reference to these figures.
When a suitable signal is received from sensor 60, plates 252 and 254 may be adjoined, for example by gravity (for example, plate 254 may be placed above 252) and/or by magnetic field and/or by any other suitable method. This may cause plunger 53 to open the fluid paths. When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator 58 to rotate, magnets 206 that rotate together with turbine 57, may provide rotating magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed to electric power by electromagnet 208. electromagnet 208 may charge capacitor 53, e.g., may transmit the created electric power to capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric energy. When a suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor 60, control unit 54 may operate electromagnet actuator 210 and/or electromagnet 208 to produce magnetic field, which may repel plate 254 from plate 252. The movement of plate 254 away from plate 252 may cause the attached plunger 50 to close the fluid paths, thus, for example, ceasing the rotation of turbine 57 and the production of electric power. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of plungers 50 may be controlled by one or more electromagnet actuators 210 to control the flow/heat of the fluid as described in more detail herein.
In one embodiment, valve plunger 53 may only be connected to the electromagnetic core of electromagnet actuator 210 and upon receiving an electric signal, only electromagnet actuator 210 is configured to open or close the faucet.
In another embodiment, plunger 53 may be connected to entire stator 254, such that, whereupon receiving an electrical signal, stator 254 in its entirety is displaced for opening or closing the faucet. In this embodiment, both electromagnet 210 and magnet 59B are eliminated.
It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that some embodiments of the present invention may include other arrangements of electromagnet and magnets. For example, electromagnet 210 may be used for charging of capacitor 53 and/or electromagnet 208 may be used for creation repelling/drawing magnetic field that may repel plate 254 from plate 252 or draw plate 254 towards plate 252.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are schematic illustrations of two different states of an exemplary self-powered system 500 according to some embodiments of the present invention. System 500 may be at least partially similar to system 34 described above. For example, similarly to system 34, system 500 may include openings 42 and 44 and turbine 58 which may function as described above. Additionally, system 500 may include a fluid path 300 from opening 42 towards turbine 58, through path 302 and opening 304 to the cavity 56 of the turbine 58. Additionally, system 500 may include a plunger 50 a extending from stator plate 252. Plunger 50 a may be a valve plunger configured for closing and opening the fluid path 300 to allow or prevent flow of fluid from passing towards path 302. Path 300 may include an opening 306 through which plunger 50 a may be inserted perpendicularly to the direction of flow of fluid, to block path 300. Plunger 50 a may include an aperture 350. When plunger 50 a is inserted to a certain extent into opening 306, aperture 350 may be located in path 300 in the direction of the flow, so that the flow of fluid may go through aperture 350 towards path 302. When inserted to another extent into opening 50 a, for example when inserted further into opening 306, the plunger 50 a may block path 300 and/or the passing of fluid towards 302. System 500 may further include stator plates 252 and rotor plate 254, for example in the configuration described in detail above, although other configurations are possible according to embodiments of the present invention. As long as no object is detected by sensor 600, a rotating magnetic field may be created at rotor plate 254 that repels the stator plate 254, to a position away from stator plate 252 as shown in FIG. 5A. Plunger 50 a that extends from stator plate 252 may then close path 300 and block the passing of fluid towards path 302. Once sensor 60 detects movement/object below opening 44, the magnetic field on stator plate 252 may be ceased or changed, so that stator plate 252 may move towards rotor plate 254 to a position adjacent to/upon rotor plate 254, as shown in FIG. 5B. When moved to this position, fluid path 300 may be opened for flow of fluid towards path 302. Fluid may then go through opening 304 into the cavity 56 of turbine 58 and then out of the system through opening 44. When going through turbine 58, fluid may produce rotation of turbine 58. Magnets attached to turbine 58 may create rotating magnetic field and electromagnet may transform the magnetic field to electric energy and transmit the electric energy to storage in a capacitor, as known in the art and/or as described in detail herein above. The energy stored in the capacitor, may then be used for the operation and/or movement of stator plate 252 as described herein.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6C, which are schematic illustrations of other exemplary systems 500 a, 500 b and 500 c according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6A, system 500 a may include all the elements of system 500 which may function similarly to the elements described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Additionally, system 50 a may include a modular plunger 50 b. At least a portion of modular plunger 50 b may slide within stator plate 252, so that when rotor plate 254 moves away from stator plate 252, which remains stationary, a portion of plunger 50 b may remain adjacent to rotor plate 254. This portion of plunger 50 b may include a solenoid which may continue and charge the capacitor even when rotor plate 254 moves away from stator plate 252, for example as long as energy is provided by turbine 58. When a magnetic field is applied at the solenoids of stator plate 252, rotor plate 254 begins moving and thus also moved plunger 50 b. In some embodiments, there are several rotors and stators and several plungers, each plunger coupled to its respective rotor. In operation, each rotor relatively moves with its respective plunger, thus controlling one or more flows in the fluid system. One possible example is controlling both hot and cold water in the same mechanism.
FIG. 6B shows an exemplary system 600 c, which may enable control of the temperature of fluid. System 600 c may include, for example further to elements already described above, two paths of fluid 300 a and 300 b, one for hot fluid and one for cold fluid. Each of paths 300 a and 300 b may include an opening 306 a or 306 b, similar to opening 306 described above. System 600 c may further include a modular plunger, including plunger 50 d and plunger 50 e, which may slide through plunger 50 d. Each plunger may include an aperture 350 a or 350 b similar to aperture 350 describe above. Plunger 50 d may open or close path 300 a, and plunger 50 e may open or close path 300 b, thus controlling flow and the temperature of fluid going through path 302. Each of plungers 50 d and 50 e may be controlled, for example, by a solenoid similar to solenoid 52 described herein. The invention is not limited to two paths of different temperatures and more paths of different temperatures and corresponding plungers may be used.
FIG. 6C shows an exemplary system 600 b, which may enable control of the amount of fluid. System 600 b may include, for example further to elements already described above, a split fluid path 300, split to two or more paths. In the example of FIG. 6C, two splits are shown, although the invention is not limited in that respect. Any suitable number of splits from path 300 may be used. Each of the splits may include an opening 306 a or 306 b, similar to opening 306 described above. System 600 c may further include a modular plunger 50 c, which may include a number of modules as the number of splits, the modules may, for example slide one within another. Each module of plunger 50 c may include an aperture 350 a or 350 b similar to aperture 350 describe above. Each of the modules of plunger 50 c may open or close one of the splits of path 300, thus controlling flow and the amount of fluid going through path 302. Each of the modules of plunger 50 c may be controlled, for example, by a solenoid similar to solenoid 52 described herein.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present technique. Accordingly, block diagram 70 is a functional depiction of the above described components included within a hydroelectric system, such the system 34 depicted by FIG. 3. It should be borne in mind that functional components illustrated by block diagram 70 are only exemplary and that other components and implementations can be realized by a hydroelectric system similar the system 34 described above.
Thus, as illustrated by diagram 70, in a preferred embodiment, the hydroelectric generator 58 is coupled to energy storage unit, i.e., capacitor 57. In turn, the capacitor is then coupled to a control unit 54, further coupled to sensor 60 and actuator 52. Accordingly, actuator 52 is also coupled to the valve 50. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the hydroelectric generator 56 provides electric power to capacitor 57 which, in turn, stores and provides the power to the control unit 54. As further illustrated, the control unit 54 distributes the power to the actuator 52 and sensor 60, respectively. Thus, it should be born in mind that the connections by the various components, as depicted by the diagram 70, may include transfer of mechanical and data signals between mechanically and electrically operating components, respectively, as well as transfer of power signals, all of which originate from the hydroelectric generator 58. Alternating current created by hydroelectric generator 58 may be converted to direct charging current as known in the art, in order to charge capacitor 57. Thus, power to the other components shown by the diagram 70 may be provided directly by the aforementioned energy storing devices.
Accordingly, during operation, a user wishing to open a faucet, such as the fluid system 10 of FIG. 1 may place a hand or other object close to the sensor 60. In so doing, the senor may detect the presence of the user and, consequently, provide an electrical signal to the control 54. The control 54 intakes such a signal and perform certain processing to provide an output to actuator 52 which, in turn, actuates the valve 50 for opening the hydroelectric system 18 and enabling to flow through the hydroelectric system 34. Upon removal of the user's hand or upon a sensing, as performed by the sensor 60, that the user is no longer in the vicinity of the faucet, the control unit 54 may instruct the actuator 52 to actuate the valve once more, so as to close the hydroelectric system 34 and cease the fluid flow.
FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various perspective views of a hydroelectric system 80 in accordance with another embodiment of the present technique. Particularly, FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the system 80, showing additional features of the hydroelectric system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present technique. The system 80 is a hydroelectric system incorporated within the above discussed and illustrated systems attachable to a fluid system, such as the hydroelectric system 10 of FIG. 1. The system 80 is made up of various components adapted to intake a fluid, i.e., fluid, whereby the fluid can be delivered through various components, such as those adapted to utilize motion of the fluid for generating hydroelectric power. Accordingly, the system 80 includes an opening 82 adapted to intake fluid flowing from a faucet, or other piping to which the system 80 is coupled. The intake 82 is coupled to an adjustable connector 84 adapted to sway the system 80 through various angles for positioning the system 80 into various desirable positions, as may occur when the system 80 is coupled to the faucet 12. In other words, the adjustable connector 84 can be used by a user to direct the flow of fluid of the faucet and the attachment (e.g., attachment 34, FIG. 1) at various angles.
The system 80 further includes a tube casing 86 connecting the members 82 and 84 to tube 88, through which the incoming fluid flows to turn a turbine wheel and which eventually exits through outlet 92, as further shown in FIG. 9. Further, the casing 86 is also adapted to house a motor (not shown), such as the motor 52, illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the motor 52 is adapted to actuate a pinch valve 100 disposed adjacent to casing 86. As illustrated, the pinch valve 100 is formed of a rotatable member disposed on an axis, enabling the valve 100 to be rotated through one or more angels. In so doing, the pinch valve 100 can be controlled to apply pressure to the tube 88 for blocking and/or opening the tube 88 to fluid flow. In so doing, the pinch valve 100 is adapted to control fluid flow through the system 80. As illustrated, the tube 88 extends through a passage to connector 90, such that the pinch valve can compress or otherwise bring about the expansion of the tube 88 for controlling fluid flow through the system 80. Advantageously, the pinch valve 100 is adapted to come in contact with only the tube 88 such that the valve 100 does not directly contact the fluid itself as it flows through the system 80. Hence, such a system enables a more clean and sterile control of the fluid flow, one which minimizes contaminations to the fluid or, alternatively, minimizes any corrosion or degrading effects caused to the various portions of the system 80 as a result of contact made by the fluid and the system 80. In addition, by not making direct contact with the fluid passing through tube 88, the use of the pinch valve in accordance with the present technique further enables using the system 80 with a variety liquids having varying degrees of chemical concentration, salinity, acidity, mineral levels, viscosity, and/or other properties.
Furthermore, the pinch valve 100 can be controlled via the motor 52 to apply various degrees of pressure to regulate the amount of fluid that passes through the fluid. In turn, this operation may also control the motion of the turbine wheel 104 (FIG. 9) in generating hydroelectric power used for powering sensors or other devices to which the system 80 may be coupled. As further illustrated, a stopper 98 is adjacent to pinch valve 100. Accordingly, the stopper 98 may be adjusted in length so that during operation, the valve 100 does not over extend and is proper brought to a stop by the stopper 98. Hence, such operation of the stopper 98 may minimize any unwanted or excessive movement of the valve 100 so as to minimize or otherwise eliminate any damages to the system that could be caused by an overextension of the valve 100. As further illustrated, the illustrated stopper 98 provides a mechanical mechanism for controlling the movement of the valve 100. In addition, such mechanical set up obviates the need for using any elaborate electrical or other electro-mechanical device for controlling the movement of the valve 100.
Further illustrated is a hydroelectric generator 96 fitted and disposed directly beneath the casing 86 and above base member 94. In this configuration, the system 80 provides a small and compact hydroelectric system that can be fitted within an attachable system, i.e., system 34, adapted to be attached to a faucet. Hence, the system 80 utilizes the fluid flowing throughout the operating the hydroelectric systems incorporated therein for producing power. Such power may be used for actuating certain valves, i.e., pinch valve 100, as well as other sensing devices, i.e., sensor 60, also adapted to control the fluid flow. Further, the valve 100 may be continuously controlled either through the motor 52, or control unit 54 for varying the amount of fluid flowing through the system 80. It should be borne in mind that control of the fluids systems, as disclosed herein is adapted to perform various operations and functionalities. For example the control unit 54 includes a user interface enabling adjustment of sensitivity of the sensor 60 coupled thereto. The control unit may further have a user interface adapted to sense fluid temperature and provide indication of the temperature via a colored light emitting diode (LED). By further example, the control unit has user interface that enables manual operation of a pinch valve. Further, the control unit has a user interface that enables final positioning of the pinch valve for regulating the fluid flow. The control unit has a user interface that enable sensing energy accumulated on the capacitor resulting from the operation of the hydrogenerator. The interface further provides indicating the amount of energy utilizing a colored LED. The control unit further includes an interface and sensing mechanisms adapted to provide an indication of fluid pressure sustained with the above attachment fluid system.
As further illustrated by FIG. 9, the hydroelectric system 80 includes a turbine housing 94 in which turbine 104 is housed. There is also illustrated fluid outlets 102 adapted to output the out flowing liquid as it impinges the turbine 104. In so doing, the exiting fluid rotates the turbine 104 as sufficiently rates so that its mechanical rotational energy transform to electrical energy, as performed by the above hydroelectric generator. Those skilled in the art that the turbine may be formed of different materials and have various shapes and sizes in accordance with various known standards and specifications for providing optimal rotational speeds for yielding a desirable output power. As further illustrated by FIG. 10, the system 80 includes a protective shell 106, as well as, one more sensor unit 108. The sensor units are adapted to detect a presence of an object which can prompt the actuation of the system 80 to provide fluid out the outlet 92. As further illustrated by FIGS. 10 and 11, a push button guide 112 is disposed on shell 106. The guide 112 enables manual actuation of the valve, and some interface to change the sensor detection range and threshold. The guide 112 is also adapted to interface with the control unit.
Adjacent to the guide 112 there is disposed an electrical board 114 of the control unit, having various electrical components adapted for controlling the operation of the hydroelectric system 80. As further illustrated by FIG. 11, a capacitor 116 is disposed on or near board 114. Hence, the capacitor 116 is adapted to harness any electrical power resulting from the operation of the turbine wheel 104. On top of the board 114 there is also disposed a push button tactile switch 118, which is part of the control unit.

Claims

1. An attachment mechanism to a fluid system, comprising:

a turbine positioned in a cavity within said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the fluid system flowing through the cavity;

at least one magnet and at least one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at least one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a relative rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at least one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical current;

a voltage rectifier configured to rectify the generated alternating electrical current;

an accumulator configured to be charged by the rectified current;

a control unit configured to discharge the accumulator via at least one actuating solenoid having an actuating magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and

at least one valve plunger coupled to the respective at least one actuating solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet, which is not coupled to said turbine, and configured to close or open a valve of the fluid system responsive, wherein the at least one valve plunger is actuated by changing the magnetic field between the rotating magnet and the power solenoid, based on the control signal.

2. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein said coupling to said turbine comprises indirect coupling through magnetic coupling.

3. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one power solenoid and the at least one actuating solenoid are same.

4. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one power magnet and the at least one actuating magnet are same.

5. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the at least valve plunger comprises two or more valve plungers each associated with a different valve of the fluid system, and wherein each of the two or more valve plungers is coupled to a different magnet or solenoid.

6. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to sense the presence of an object near an opening of the fluid system, and to send a suitable signal to control the actuator.

7. The attachment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the sensor receives power from the accumulator.

8. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein said valve includes one or more plungers actuated by the actuator for opening or closing a fluid path extending from an entrance opening of the mechanism to the cavity of the turbine.

9. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the turbine is located in the surrounding periphery of the valve.

10. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the turbine includes a central cylinder, wherein magnets are located on the central cylinder or shaft to transform the rotational movement of the turbine to rotating magnetic field, and power solenoid are located adjacently to the magnets to transform the magnetic field to electric power.

11. The attachment mechanism of claim 10, wherein the actuator includes a power solenoid on the stator actuating the plunger, the solenoid is located within the central cylinder, and wherein said solenoid operates also as the coil charging the accumulator when the magnets rotates below the solenoid.

12. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, comprising:

a rotator plate integral with the turbine, including multiple magnets on multiple locations on the plate around a central cylinder, the magnets are configured to create a rotating magnetic field when the turbine rotates; and

a stator plate including multiple solenoids and a plunger to control the flow of fluid in the mechanism, the multiple solenoids are configured to transform the rotating magnetic field to electric power for storage in the accumulator,

wherein, when a suitable signal is received, at least one of the solenoids is configured to produce magnetic field to repel the stator plate from the rotator plate, thus causing the plunger to close the fluid paths.

13. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the plunger is connected to the magnet plate in a case the magnet plate is the stator plate.

14. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the stator plate comprises two or more stator plate each coupled to the plunger.

15. The attachment according to claim 12, further comprising a second plunger, wherein the rotor is coupled to the plunger and wherein the stator is coupled to the second plunger.