WO2015055980A1

WO2015055980A1 - Automatic water shut off apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015055980A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/000422
Authority: WO
Inventors: Narinderjit Singh Sunner
Original assignee: Narinderjit Singh Sunner
Priority date: 2013-10-17
Filing date: 2014-10-15
Publication date: 2015-04-23
Also published as: GB201407390D0; GB201318368D0; GB2519393A; GB2519393B

Abstract

Apparatus for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe (12) provided with an isolation valve (14) comprises a flow detector (18) for detecting water flow within the water supply pipe (12), a drive (16) for opening or closing the isolation valve (14), activated by the flow detector (18), and a switch (22,24) for activating the flow detector (18). In use, operation of the switch (22,24) activates the flow detector (18). Should flow within the water supply pipe (12) be detected, the flow detector (18) sends a signal to activate the drive (16), which closes the isolation valve (14), preventing further water flow.

Description

AUTOMATIC WATER SHUT OFF APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe, particularly in the event of a leak.

Background of the Invention

Damage caused by burst water pipes can be severe. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) estimate that their members pay out £2.5 million every day in "escape of water" claims, a significant proportion of which is a result of frozen pipes bursting or leaking in the winter. During the coldest period of 2010, ABI members dealt with 3,500 claims every day relating to burst water pipe damage. The average claim was for £7,000, but some claims ran into tens of thousands of pounds.

Damage can be particularly extensive where the burst, or leak, goes unnoticed for some time. This may often be the case where the business or domestic premises is unoccupied for a period.

Although repairing the damage caused by burst water pipes is usually covered by home or business insurance policies, these cannot compensate for the inconvenience and disruption that burst pipes can cause. Additionally, users may face increased insurance premiums and excessive water supply bills.

Devices which enable a business or domestic user to shut off the water flow in a water supply pipe are known. These overcome the issues caused by stopcock or isolation valves which are jammed open, or otherwise difficult to close, but such devices rely on the user to take action in the event of a leak or burst.

Water sensors are also known which often take the form of mats and which may be located under or near appliances such as washing machines, and which sound an alert should water be detected. However, in order to protect an entire domestic or business premises, a multitude of such sensors would be required. Furthermore, beyond alerting a user to a problem, they take no further action in preventing damage. It is hence an object of the present invention to provide an alternative to existing water shut-off and leak detection arrangements which obviates the above problems, and which provides a means of limiting the effects of a leak in unoccupied premises.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe provided with isolation valve means, comprising flow detection means for detecting water flow within the water supply pipe, the flow detection means having an activated and an inactivated condition; drive means for opening and closing said isolation valve means, said drive means being operable in response to a signal from said flow detection means; and automatically-operating switch means to activate said flow detection means, wherein if the flow detection means in its activated condition detects flow within the water supply pipe, it operates said drive means to close the isolation valve.

Preferably, the apparatus also comprises manual override means. Should the isolation valve means be closed, or the flow detection means be activated in error, the manual override means may be used to open the isolation valve means or to deactivate the flow detection means.

Advantageously, the switch means comprises a pressure-sensitive mat located adjacent an exit of a premises, the pressure-sensitive mat activating the flow detection means when said mat detects an increase in pressure.

When pressure is placed upon the pressure-sensitive mat as a result of a person or persons leaving the premises via an exit door, the flow detection means is activated and if flow within the water supply pipe is then detected, the isolation valve will be closed, preventing further water supply. The switch means may comprise a door lock mechanism provided within an exit door, the door lock mechanism activating the flow detection means when said door is locked. When the exit door is locked, the flow detection means will thus be activated.

Preferably, the switch means comprises both a pressure-sensitive mat located adjacent an exit of a premises and a door lock mechanism provided within an exit door.

Alternatively or additionally, the switch means may comprise a domestic or commercial intruder alarm system. The flow detection means may then be activated when the intruder alarm is switched on.

Preferably, the apparatus also comprises user control panel means. Advantageously, the user control panel means enables a user to selectably activate or deactivate said flow detection means.

The user control panel means may enable a user to open or close the isolation valve means as desired.

The user control panel enables a user to deactivate the flow detection means should it not be required, or if activated accidentally. The user control panel enables a user to open or close the isolation valve means regardless of whether flow is detected, for example, should the user wish to have work carried out on the water supply pipe or plumbing system. Preferably, the apparatus also comprises user alert means, whereby an alert is sent to a user via electronic communication means in the event of water flow being detected by the flow detection means. Receiving such an alert may prompt the user to return to the premises.

The user alert means may enable a user to open or close the isolation valve means, according to their preference, by responding to the alert. The user may prefer to have the option of deciding whether to close the isolation valve means or not, upon receiving the alert.

Preferably, the flow detection means activates the drive means wirelessly. Wireless communication between the flow detection means and the drive means reduces the need for wired connections.

Advantageously, the drive means is battery powered. A battery powered drive means reduces the need for wired connections.

The drive means may be powered by a mains electricity supply.

Preferably, the apparatus is adapted to be retrofitted to an existing water supply pipe.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water supply pipe provided with apparatus as described in the first aspect above. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe provided with isolation valve means, comprising the steps of: receiving apparatus as described in the first aspect above; and installing said apparatus in a water supply pipe provided with an isolation valve means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a conventional water supply pipe provided with a known isolation valve;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the water supply pipe of Figure 1 , further provided with a flow detector and a drive connected to the isolation valve, embodying the present invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a door provided with a sensor and a pressure-sensitive mat of the present invention; and

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a system comprising apparatus of the present invention for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventor. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances well known methods and structures are not described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a conventional water supply pipe (12), provided with an isolation valve, tap or stopcock (14). Such a water supply pipe (12) may be found in domestic or commercial premises, where the isolation valve (14) is often located in relatively difficult to access locations, such as under a kitchen sink. The isolation valve (14) may be closed to prevent further water supply, either from the mains water supply pipe entering the premises, or from a water supply pipe which serves a basin, bath, appliance or the like.

In this example, the water supply within the pipe (12) is isolated by manually turning the tap of the isolation valve (14) from an open to a fully closed position. Water supply may be resumed by reversing the operation.

A user may, for example, isolate the water supply in this way in the event of a leak or burst pipe, or if work on the plumbing system is to be carried out.

Figure 2

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the water supply pipe (12) and isolation valve, or stopcock (14), of Figure 1. In this example, the water supply pipe (12) is further provided with a flow detector (18) and a motorized drive (16), which can be activated in response to a signal from the flow detector (18) and can controllably close and open the isolation valve (14). The flow detector (18) may be in an active or inactive condition. When in an active condition, the flow detector (18) is capable of detecting flow within the water supply pipe (12). Should water flow be detected, the flow detector (18) sends a signal to activate the motorized drive (16), to close the isolation valve (14), thus preventing further water flow within the pipe (12).

In this example, the flow detector (18) sends a signal to the drive (16) in the case where non-zero flow is detected.

The motorized drive (16) in this example is battery-powered, but it may also be mains-powered or may utilize another power source.

The flow detector (18) is activated by a switch (not shown in Figure 2), which in an example is located in the lock mechanism of an exit door of a premises. In another example, the flow detector (18) may also be activated, or inactivated, as desired, by means of a user control panel (shown in Figure 4). Fiqure 3

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a door (20) provided with a locking mechanism (22). In this example, the locking mechanism (22) acts as a switch to activate the flow detector (18) of Figure 2 when the door (20) is locked. In this manner, the flow detector (18) is automatically placed into an active condition when the door (20) is locked. If water flow is subsequently detected within the water supply pipe (see Figure 2), the flow detector (18) of Figure 2 will send a signal to activate the motorized drive (16) and the isolation valve (14) will be turned off, preventing further water supply. When the door (20) is unlocked, the flow detector (18) is returned to an inactive condition.

In an alternative example, a pressure-sensitive mat (24) acts as the switch to activate the flow detector (18) of Figure 2. The mat (24) is positioned close to a door (20), either inside or outside the premises. Upon sensing an increase in pressure, for example, due to being stood upon by a person leaving the premises via the door (20), the pressure-sensitive mat (24) activates the flow detector (18). If water flow is subsequently detected within the water supply pipe (see Figure 2), the flow detector (18) will send a signal to activate the motorized drive (16) and the isolation valve (14) will be turned off, preventing further water supply.

In a third example, the pressure-sensitive mat (24) and the door lock mechanism (22) together comprise the switch which activates the flow detector (18). In this case, the flow detector (18) is not activated until both the door (20) is locked and the pressure sensitive mat (24) has detected increased pressure.

In a fourth example, the switch which activates the flow detector (18) comprises a domestic or commercial intruder alarm system. In this case, the flow detector (18) is activated when the alarm system is switched on, or set, and deactivated when the alarm system is switched off.

Figure 4

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a system comprising apparatus for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe ( 2) provided with an isolation valve (14). The apparatus comprises a flow detector (18) for detecting non-zero flow within the water supply pipe (12), a motorized drive (16) for opening and closing the isolation valve (14), and a switch (22,24) for activating the flow detector (18). In use, the switch (22,24), in this particular example a pressure-sensitive mat (24) placed near an exit (20) to a premises, activates the flow detector (18). This activates the motorized drive (16), should non-zero water flow within the water supply pipe (12) be detected. In this way, the isolation valve (14) is closed and further water supply is prevented.

In this example, the apparatus also comprises a user control panel (26). The user control panel (26) is connected to the switch (24) via a wired connection (28) and provides a manual override facility, whereby a user can open or close the isolation valve (14) as desired. The user control panel (26) also enables a user to manually activate or deactivate the flow detector (18), and is connected to the flow detector (18) via a wired connection (30).

A further feature of the user control panel (26) is the facility to send a user an alert, via electronic communication means, such as telephone call, text message or electronic mail, which alerts the user to the detection of water flow in the water supply pipe (12) by the flow detector (18), and the resulting closure of the isolation valve (14). The user may then decide whether to re-open the isolation valve (14) which can be done by replying to the alert in an appropriate manner over the electronic communication means.

In this example, the sensor for activating the flow detector (18) comprises a pressure-sensitive mat (24) located inside the premises, near a door (20). The mat (24) may instead be located outside the premises. The control panel (26) provides a means of deactivating the flow detector (18) should it be inadvertently activated, or upon returning to the premises.

In a further example, the user control panel (26) is connected wirelessly to the switch (24, 22) and the flow detector (18). Similarly, the flow detector (18) is connected by a wireless connection to the motorized drive (16).

The apparatus illustrated in Figure 4 may be retrofitted to an existing water supply pipe (12) and existing isolation valve (14).

The apparatus as described above in conjunction with the Figures enables the mains water supply to a premises to be automatically shut-off, if non-zero water flow is detected in the water supply pipe after the flow detector has been activated. When the premises is empty and therefore no water flow should occur, any flow would indicate a leak or a burst pipe. Since the activation of the flow detector will occur automatically when the user leaves the premises, no further steps need be taken to shut off the water supply should a pipe burst or leak, and damage caused by such a pipe burst or leak will be minimized. There is no requirement for the user to remember to activate the flow detector prior to leaving the premises, as the activation will occur automatically. The apparatus is therefore superior to systems which require direct user activation, such as a timer-based system.

Claims

1. Apparatus for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe provided with isolation valve means, comprising:

flow detection means for detecting water flow within the water supply pipe, said flow detection means having an activated and an inactivated condition,

drive means for opening or closing said isolation valve means, said drive means being operable in response to a signal from said flow detection means, and

automatically-operating switch means to activate said flow detection means,

wherein if the flow detection means in its activated condition detects flow within the water supply pipe, it operates said drive means to close the isolation valve means.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus also comprises manual override means.

3. Apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switch means comprises a pressure-sensitive mat located near an exit door of a premises, the pressure-sensitive mat activating the flow detection means when said mat detects an increase in pressure.

4. Apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the switch means comprises a door lock mechanism provided within an exit door of a premises, said door lock mechanism activating the flow detection means when said door is locked.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch means comprises both a pressure-sensitive mat located adjacent an exit door of a premises and a door lock mechanism provided within said exit door.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch means comprises a domestic or commercial intruder alarm system.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus also comprises user control panel means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said user control panel means enables a user to selectably activate or deactivate said flow detection means.

9. Apparatus according to either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said user control panel means enables a user to operate the drive means to open or close said isolation valve means as desired.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus also comprises user alert means, whereby an alert is sent to a user via electronic communication means in the event of water flow being detected by the flow detection means.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said flow detection means activates said drive means wirelessly.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said motorized drive means is battery powered.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus is adapted to be retrofitted to an existing water supply pipe.

14. A water supply pipe provided with apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.

15. A method for automatically shutting off water flow within a water supply pipe provided with an isolation valve, comprising the steps of:

a) receiving apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13; installing said apparatus in a water supply pipe, provided with isolation valve means.