WO2008096095A1

WO2008096095A1 - Valve assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2008096095A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean John Linden
Original assignee: The Linden Shield Limited
Priority date: 2007-02-07
Filing date: 2007-02-07
Publication date: 2008-08-14

Abstract

A valve assembly (10) comprises a valve (14) for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid supply. The valve has a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration is arranged to allow a greater mass flow rate to flow from a supply than the second configuration. The valve assembly comprises a sensor (18) arranged to sense liquid, such as water on a surface. The valve is arranged to be switchable by wireless control means fro the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa when liquid is sensed.

Description

VALVE ASSEMBLY

The invention relates to a valve assembly.

It is known for a valve assembly to have a sensor which senses water on the ground, and a valve which is shut off when water is sensed on the ground. Such a valve assembly is used in a lawn sprinkler.

An aim of the invention is to provide a valve assembly with greater controllability.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a valve assembly comprising a valve for controlling a flow of fluid from a supply, the valve having a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration arranged to allow a greater mass flow rate to flow from a supply than the second configuration, the valve assembly comprising a sensor arranged to sense liquid such as water on a surface, wherein the valve is arranged to be switchable by wireless control means from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa when liquid is sensed (or following liqueid being sensed).

A valve assembly in accordance with the invention may be used after a flood, where it is difficult or dangerous to locate and/or access the valve.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless control means allows the sensor to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise, when the sensor senses liquid.

The wireless control means may be operable when the valve is immersed in liquid. The wireless control means may be operable when a unit on which the sensor is mounted is immersed in liquid. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless control means allows a user to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise.

The wireless control means may be radio control. Alternatively, the wireless control means may be infra red.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a valve assembly comprising a valve for controlling flow of a fluid from a supply, the valve having a first configuration and a second configuration, the first valve configuration allowing a relatively greater mass flow rate to flow from a supply than the second configuration, the valve assembly comprising a sensor arranged to sense liquid, such as water, on a surface, wherein the valve is switchable by first control means from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa when the sensor senses liquid, the first control means allowing the sensor to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise, and the valve is switchable from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa by second control means, the second control means being wireless control means such as radio control, allowing a user to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise.

The valve may control the flow of a liquid such as water from a supply. The valve may control the flow of a gas such as air from a supply.

The valve assembly preferably comprises an inflatable object, such as a lifejacket or dinghy, and gas supply means, when the sensor senses liquid, gas is introduced into the inflatable object so as to increase its volume, enabling the inflatable object to become a buoyancy aid. The inflatable object may be connected to the ground, or a structure fixed to the ground, for example the inflatable object may be chained or tethered to a building. The inflatable object may be connected to the structure fixed to the ground at more than a predetermined distance, for example more than two metres. In this way, if there is a flash flood, the chain or other type of connection is out of the way of, and therefore not exposed to, the force of the water and the connection will keep its integrity. According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a boat comprising a hull, the hull comprising sensor means for sensing water inside the hull, and an inflatable object, the boat being arranged so that when the sensor senses liquid (or following the sensor sensing liquid), gas is introduced into the inflatable object. The hull may comprise a valve assembly in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention or any consistory clause relating thereto.

The boat may comprise a plurality of inflatable objects, each being separately inflatable.

Valve assemblies, a sink and tap assembly, and a boat in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a valve assembly in a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is another schematic view, in more detail, of the valve assembly of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a power supply means which can be used with the valve assemblies of Figures 1 to 3,

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a valve unit of one of the valve assemblies of Figures 1 to 3 having a signal generating and onward signal transmission means fitted thereto,

Figure 5 is a schematic view of a sink and tap assembly having a valve assembly in accordance with the invention fitted thereto, and

Figure 6 is a schematic view of a boat having a valve assembly in accordance with the invention fitted thereto.

Referring to Figure 1, a safety valve assembly 10 comprises a first part in the form of a sensor unit 12 and a second part in the form of a valve unit 14. The valve unit 14 can be arranged to regulate any fluid such as a mains water, mains oil, or a mains gas supply.

The sensor unit 12 comprises a battery 16, rated at 9 Volts, a water sensor 18, and a signal generating and transmission means 20.

The water sensor 18 comprises a first circuit A. The first circuit A comprises a first electrically conductive contact 22, a second electrically conductive contact 24 and an insulating part 26 (or a void) therebetween.The first contact 22 is connected to one terminal of the battery 16. The second contact 24 is connected to the other terminal of the battery 16, via a relay as descibed below. The water sensor 18 is configured in a vertical plane but can also be configured in a horizontal plane.

Referring to Figure 2, the signal generating and transmission means 20 comprises a second circuit B. The second circuit B comprises a relay 28, a signal generating means

30 and a signal transmitter 32, having an integrated 3 Volt battery power supply. The relay 28 has an inductor coil 34, and an electromagnet 36 arranged within the inductor coil 30. The electromagnet 32 is positioned to actuate an armature 38,of the relay 28.

The relay 28 has a first state 40 and a second state 42 which can be switched between when the armature 38 moves.

In the first state 36, the signal generating means 30 is inactive. In the second state 38, the signal generating means 30 generates a signal for the transmitter 32.

The signal transmitter 32 (or antenna or aerial) is arranged to send a wireless signal such as a radio signal to a receiver 44 of the valve unit 14.

Referring to Figure 3, the battery 16 of the sensor unit of the valve assembly (10) can be connected by wires to a mains power supply 60, typically rated at 240 Volts, so as to enable recharging of the battery 16 and prolong the life of the battery. Electrical charge is supplied from the power supply 60 to the battery 16 through a charge regulator 62. As shown in Figure 2, the battery 16 is connected to the sensor unit 18 and the signal generating and transmission means 20. In another embodiment of the invention, which is not shown for conciseness, the mains power supply 60 is directly connected to the sensor unit 18 and the signal generating and transmission means 20 of the valve assembly (10), again with appropriate charge regulation.

Referring to Figure 4, the receiver 44 of the valve unit 14 can be arranged to control a second relay 62. In particular the receipt of a signal at the receiver 44 can cause power to flow to a second inductor 70 of the second relay 62 arranged on the valve unit 14. The second inductor 70 is arranged to induce an electromagnet 72 to move an armature 74 of the second relay 62, so as to move the relay from a first state 78 to a second state 80. As above, a second signal generating means 82 and a second transmitter 84 can then send a signal on to a further object such as a further valve unit 14.

The valve assembly 10 can be connected to a telecommunications device or an internet enabled device such as an internet enabled personal computer, so as to permit a signal to be transmitted by the telecommunications device or the internet enabled device to a second telecommunications device or second internet enabled device, for example that of the house owner, plumber, or emergency services.

Referring to Figure 5, in another embodiment of the invention, a sink and tap assembly 90 comprises a sensor unit 12 mounted so as to detect water 100, for example on the ground or surface. The sensor unit 12 can be arranged so that the electrically conductive contacts 22 and 24 are lower most. Alternatively, the sensor unit 12 can be hermetically sealed so that water does not penetrate the unit 12 and prevent operation of the valve assembly 10.

hi another embodiment of the invention, the liquid sensing radio control valve assembly can be used to operate a valve so as to allow a gas to inflate an object such as a lifejacket. The inflatable object can be connected to the ground, or a structure fixed to the ground, for example the inflatable object can be chained or tethered to a building. The inflatable object can be connected to the structure fixed to the ground at more than a predetermined distance, for example more than two metres. In this way, if there is a flash flood, the chain or other type of connection is out of the way of, and therefore not exposed to, the force of the water and the connection will keep its integrity.

Referring to Figure 6, a boat 110 comprises a hull 112, on which, for example in which, is arranged the sensor unit 12 and valve unit 14 of the valve assembly 10. The valve unit 14 can be one of the valves described in earlier International Patent Application Numbers PCT/GB2002/004981 and PCT/GB2003/002422 and PCT/GB2005/001329 in the name of the Applicant, hi summary, the valve unit 14 is arranged to switch from an "on" configuration to an "off configuration or vice versa or between two different mass flow rates. In the "on" configuration, the valve unit 14 can release (pressurised) fluid (such as pressurised air) from a receptacle 114 along a first conduit 116 through the valve unit 14 and along a second conduit 118 and into an inflatable device 120 such as an airbag or flotation aid or a plurality of the same. The inflatable device(s) can be arranged inside the boat or externally. If arranged internally, the inflatable device(s) can optionally be designed to fill the hull space(s) or at least occupy a large part thereof. With the inflatable device(s) so restricted by movement from the hull, the boat can stay in its floating configuration for longer.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, in use, surface water or ground water or hull water 100 (shown in Figures 1, 5 and 6) can be detected by the sensor unit 12 and the sensor unit can transmit a radio signal to the valve unit 14. The signal that is transmitted can be one which causes either a reduction in the mass flow of fluid through the valve unit 14 or can increase in the mass flow of fluid through the valve unit 14. hi one preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve unit 14 is arranged to shut off the flow of a fluid once a signal has been transmitted thereto.

Referring to Figure 6, water can also be detected on part of a boat such as in a hull cavity causing similar operation of the valve assembly 12, 14. The sensor unit 12 can be arranged to signal the valve unit 14 by a wireless signal such as a radio signal, as described above, or, by a standard cable between the units. Referring to Figure I₅ a portable radio control device such as a radio control hand-held fob 200 can be arranged to transmit a wireless signal to the receiver 44 of the valve unit 14 so as to change the configuration of the valve unit, e.g from closed back to open configuration or vice versa. The fob 200 is easily portable and therefore can be easily taken to the site and used in resetting the system.

The water sensor 18 can be arranged to be triggered by any electrically conductive liquid, for example a water related ionic liquid. Indeed, any type of liquid sensor can be used to fulfil the aim of the invention.

It will be appreciated that the valve assemblies in accordance with the invention can be used to control valves when it is difficult or dangerous to locate them and, and/or see them and/or access them. Since this valve assembly enables control in these conditions the invention can obviate or at least reduce the risk of fires from flammable fluids, pollution to the environment, and waste of fluids such as mains water. Also, the valve assembly 110 of Figure 7 can assist buoyancy of a boat or persons.

Claims

1. A valve assembly comprising a valve for controlling a flow of fluid from a supply, the valve having a first configuration and a second configuration, the first configuration arranged to allow a greater mass flow rate to flow from a supply than the second configuration, the valve assembly comprising a sensor arranged to sense liquid, such as water, on a surface, wherein the valve is arranged to be switchable by wireless control means from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa when liquid is sensed.

2. A valve assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the wireless control means allows the sensor to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise, when the sensor senses liquid.

3. A valve assembly according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the wireless control means is operable when the valve is immersed in liquid.

4. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wireless control means is operable when a unit on which the sensor is mounted is immersed in liquid.

5. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the wireless control means allows a user to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise.

6. A valve assembly according to Claim 5, wherein the wireless control means is radio control.

7. A valve assembly comprising a valve for controlling flow of a fluid from a supply, the valve having a first configuration and a second configuration, the first valve configuration allowing a relatively greater mass flow rate to flow from a supply than the second configuration, the valve assembly comprising a sensor arranged to sense liquid, such as water, on a surface, wherein the valve is switchable by first control means from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa when the sensor senses liquid, the first control means allowing the sensor to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise, and the valve is switchable from the first configuration to the second configuration or vice versa by second control means, the second control means being wireless control means such as radio control, allowing a user to communicate a signal to the valve, directly or otherwise.

8. A valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve controls the flow of a liquid such as water from a supply.

9. A valve assembly according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the valve controls the flow of a gas such as air from a supply.

10. A valve assembly according to Claim 9, wherein the valve assembly comprises an inflatable object, such as a lifejacket or dinghy, and gas supply means, when the sensor senses liquid, gas is introduced into the inflatable object so as to increase its volume, enabling the inflatable object to become a buoyancy aid.

11. A sensor unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

12. A boat comprising a hull, the hull comprising sensor means for sensing water inside the hull, and an inflatable object, where the boat is arranged so that when the sensor senses liquid, gas is introduced into the inflatable object.

13. A boat according to Claim 12, wherein the boat comprises a plurality of inflatable objects, each being separately inflatable.

14. A valve assembly substantially as described herein with reference to any one or more of Figures 1 to 7.

15. A sink assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 6.

16. A boat substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 7.

17. A valve assembly according to any of Claims, wherein the wireless control means also comprises a portable radio control device to control the valve.

18. A valve assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the portable radio control device comprises a radio control hand-held fob.

19. A valve assembly according to Claim 17 or 18, wherein the portable radio control device is arranged to reset the valve following opertaion by the wireless control means.