WO2021246956A1

WO2021246956A1 - Wearable fluid leakage detection device, system, and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021246956A1
Application number: PCT/SG2021/050190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Choo Boon Alvin NG
Original assignee: Ng Choo Boon Alvin
Priority date: 2020-06-01
Filing date: 2021-04-06
Publication date: 2021-12-09

Abstract

A wearable fluid leakage detection device (10) is disclosed, which is configured to be removably attachable to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe. The wearable fluid leakage detection device (10) comprises a sensor (11) configured to detect fluid flow in the pipe without requiring the sensor (11) to come into contact with the fluid. By monitoring fluid flow parameter during a target period which is outside a period associated with a normal operation consumption pattern, data abnormality may be detected to identify potential leakage issue and notified to at least one user for further investigation. If the data abnormality is verified a false anomaly, it may be incorporated into the normal operation consumption pattern.

Description

WEARABLE FLUID LEAKAGE DETECTION DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND

METHOD THEREOF

Technical Field [0001] Various embodiments relate to wearable devices, systems, and methods for detecting and/or managing leakage of fluid, e.g. water, gas, from pipes.

Background

[0002] Traditionally, monitoring of water leakage in a piping network may be performed by one of several methods. In one example, a sensor may be arranged inside a pipe to trace the source of leakage. In another example, a sensor may be arranged at a strategic position and appropriate signals will be generated when the sensor comes into contact with water. In yet another example, water consumption may be constantly monitored, via a water meter, to detect a spike before launching a thorough investigation to identify the source of leakage.

[0003] These methods are inflexible, very time consuming, expensive and labour intensive. More often than not, the leakage is left unnoticed and results in wastage of precious commodity water. [0004] Using water metering, either digital or manual, to track consumption pattern can only reveal unusual consumption pattern. In a large piping network, tracing the source of leakage will require sub meters to be installed in the network which is an expensive, laborious and time consuming exercise. Furthermore, alteration of pipework is required to facilitate the installation of sub meters.

Summary

[0005] According to one aspect, a wearable fluid leakage detection device is provided and comprises: a conformable body configured to be removably attachable to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe; a housing operably coupled to the conformable body and comprising a sensor configured to detect fluid flow in the pipe without contacting a fluid flowing in the pipe and when the conformable body is removably attached thereto; a device memory module; and a device processor communicably coupled to the sensor and the device memory module, wherein the device processor is configured to: receive fluid flow data from the sensor and store the fluid flow data in the device memory module.

[0006] In some embodiments, the detection device further comprises: a device communication module configured to transmit to and/or receive data; and a device timer module configured to provide at least one time parameter, wherein the device communication module and the device timer module are communicably coupled to the device processor, wherein the device processor is configured to: receive, via the device communication module, the time parameter defined by a prescribed user; ascertain a presence of data abnormality if the fluid flow data associated with the time parameter breaches a predetermined threshold derived from a normal operation consumption pattern; transmit, via the device communication module, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user.

[0007] In some embodiments, the time parameter includes at least one of a target period of low demand for the fluid, wherein the target period is outside a period which is associated with the normal operation consumption pattern.

[0008] In some embodiments, the device processor is configured to: receive, via the device communication module, an updated normal operation consumption pattern which incorporates the data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern; and replace, in the device memory module, the normal operation consumption pattern with the updated normal operation consumption pattern. [0009] In some embodiments, the detection device further comprises: a security seal operably coupled to the conformable body and configured to be removably secured when the conformable body is removably attached to the pipe; a tamper detector operably coupled to the security seal and the device processor, wherein the tamper detector is configured to detect tampering of the security seal and generate a tamper signal to provide to the device processor upon detection of tampering of the security seal, wherein the device processor is configured to transmit, via the device communication module, the tamper signal to the at least one user and/or transmit the tamper signal to an alarm module which is communicably coupled to the device processor, to provide a visual output and/or an audio output at the device. [0010] In some embodiments, the device communication module includes at least one of Wi-Fi module, GPS module, or Bluetooth module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the device communication module is configured to locate Wi-Fi or GPS channel available to the device and utilize the located Wi-Fi or GPS channel for transmitting the fluid flow data to the at least one user.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one user includes a mobile phone or a mobile computer.

[0013] In some embodiments, the detection device further comprises: a display module communicably coupled to the device processor and configured to display the fluid flow data and/or an operation status of the device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pipe is a water pipe or a gas pipe.

[0015] According to another aspect, a method for detecting fluid leakage is provided and comprises: while a conformable body of a wearable fluid leakage detection device is removably attached to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe, receiving, by a device processor of the detection device, fluid flow data from a sensor of the detection device, wherein the sensor is accommodated in a housing operably coupled to the conformable body; and storing, by a device memory module communicably coupled to the device processor, the fluid flow data.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: ascertaining, by the device processor, a data abnormality if the fluid flow data associated with a time parameter defined by a prescribed user breaches a predetermined threshold derived from a normal operation consumption pattern; and transmitting, via a device communication module communicably coupled to the device processor, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user. [0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving, via the device communication module, an updated normal operation consumption pattern which incorporates the ascertained data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern; and replacing, in the device memory module, the normal operation consumption pattern with the updated normal operation consumption pattern. [0018] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: before receiving the fluid flow data, removably attaching the conformable body to the pipe, including removably securing a security seal which is coupled to the conformable body; detecting, by a tamper detector operably coupled to the security seal and the device processor, a tampering of the security seal and generating a tamper signal to provide to the device processor; transmitting the tamper signal to an alarm module communicably coupled to the device processor; and providing, by the alarm module, a visual output and/or an audio output. [0019] According to yet another aspect, a controller comprises: a controller communication module communicably coupled to a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices which are removably attached to a plurality of pipes without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe; a controller time module configured to provide at least one time parameter; a controller processor communicably coupled to the controller communication module and configured to: retrieve, from a controller memory module communicably coupled to the controller processor, a normal operation consumption pattern based on the time parameter; ascertain a data abnormality if a fluid flow data which is received from one of the wearable fluid leakage detection devices and associated with the time parameter breaches a predetermined threshold derived from the normal operation consumption pattern; and upon ascertaining of the data abnormality, transmit, via the controller communication module, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller processor is configured to: receive, via the controller communication module, a determination from the at least one user that the ascertained data abnormality is a false anomaly; based on the determination, incorporate the ascertained data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern and generate an updated normal operation consumption pattern; and transmit, via the controller communication module, the updated normal operation consumption pattern to at least the one of the wearable fluid leakage detection devices.

[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the pipes is a discharge pipe of a water tank, a pipe which is installed with a fluid consumption meter, and/or a pipe leading to a fluid flow control apparatus.

[0022] According to yet another aspect, a fluid leakage detection and management system is provided and comprises: the controller according to any of the aforementioned embodiments; and a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices, each according to any one of the aforementioned embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to like parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1A shows a schematic representation of a fluid leakage detection system comprising a wearable fluid leakage detection device and a controller (command centre), according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 1 B shows a schematic representation of a controller of Figure 1 A; [0026] Figure 2A shows a schematic arrangement of wearable fluid leakage detection devices in a piping network, according to some embodiments; [0027] Figure 2B shows another schematic arrangement of wearable fluid leakage detection devices in another piping network, according to other embodiments;

[0028] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a fluid leakage detection and/or management method, according to some embodiments.

Detailed Description

[0029] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0030] Embodiments described in the context of one of the methods or devices are analogously valid for the other methods or devices. Similarly, embodiments described in the context of a method are analogously valid for a device, and vice versa. [0031] Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and/or combinations and/or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0032] As used herein, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements.

[0033] As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase of the form of “at least one of A or B” may include A or B or both A and B. Correspondingly, the phrase of the form of “at least one of A or B or C”, or including further listed items, may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] As used herein, the phrases “configured to”, “arranged to”, “adapted to”, “constructed and arranged to” may be used interchangeably. [0036] As used herein, the term “coupled” and related terms are used in an operational sense and are not necessarily limited to a direct physical connection or coupling. Thus, for example, two devices may be coupled directly, or via one or more intermediary devices. In certain examples, devices may be suitably coupled such that information or signal can be passed there between, while not sharing any physical connection with each other. For example, two devices may be communicably coupled via a wired or wireless connection. Based on the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate a variety of ways in which coupling exists in accordance with the aforementioned definition. [0037] As used herein, the term “attach” and related terms may refer to strap, wrap, adhere, and wear.

[0038] As used therein, the term “user” and related terms may refer to a controller (command centre) and/or a human operator. They may be represented by a mobile phone, a computer workstation, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, or other suitable computing device. [0039] Embodiments may provide a wearable fluid leakage detection device (or may be referred to as “detection device”). The detection device may detect water or gas leakage. The detection device will be described with reference to the accompanying Figures which are illustrative only and may be suitably modified in other embodiments. [0040] The wearable fluid leakage detection device 10 comprises a housing and a conformable body operably coupled thereto. The housing may accommodate some or all of the electrical, electronic and/or mechanical components which will be described in detail. At least one portion of the conformable body is configured to be removably attachable to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe. At least another portion of the conformable body may be fixedly or removably attached to the housing. Attachment of the conformable body to a pipe may be implemented by strapping, wrapping, adhering, wearing, mounting, or by other suitable attachment method. Any of these attachment methods may result in the conformable body making contact with at most a portion of, or a full external circumference or perimeter of a pipe but does not alter the pipe or affect the structural integrity of the pipe. The conformable body may comprise an elastomeric material and/or non-elastomeric material. [0041] The wearable fluid leakage detection device 10 may comprise a sensor

11, a device memory module 12, a device processor 18, a device timer module 13, a device communication module 14, a device output management module 15, a device charging module 16. The detection device 10 may further comprise a security seal and a tamper detector. However, it is to be appreciated that the detection device 10 may comprise only some of the foregoing modules/components, according to some embodiments.

[0042] The sensor 11 is configured to detect a fluid flow parameter, e.g. speed, movement, of a fluid in a pipe when the conformable body is attached thereto and without requiring the sensor 11 to contact the fluid in the pipe. The sensor 11 may employ a suitable technology, e.g. ultrasound, electromagnetic waves, audio waves, for detection of fluid flow parameter. The sensor 11 is configured to transfer the detected fluid flow parameter (or may be referred to as fluid flow data) to the device processor 18.

[0043] The device memory module 12 is configured to receive fluid flow data from the device processor 18 and store the received fluid flow data.

[0044] The device timer module 13 is configured to provide at least one time parameter which may be adjustable and received from the device processor 18. The time parameter may be prescribed by at least one user.

[0045] The device communication module 14 is configured to transmit data from the device processor to at least one user, and receive other data from the same at least one user, and/or other user. In some examples, the communication module may comprise a wireless networking (Wi-Fi) module and/or a location tracking (Global Positioning System, GPS) module. Such wireless networking module and/or location tracking module is configured to locate communication network or channel available to the detection device 10 and utilise the located network or channel to transmit and/or receive data. In some examples, the device communication module 14 may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a short- range wireless communication (Bluetooth) module to transmit data to and/or receive data from at least one user. In some examples, the device communication module 14 may additionally be configured to transmit and receive data by wired connection.

[0046] The device output management module 15 is configured to provide a visual and/or audio output. The device output management module 15 may comprise a display unit, e.g. LED display panel, for displaying data selected from at least one of the group consisting of: time parameter, fluid flow data, operation status of the detection device 10. The device output management module 15 may comprise an alarm module to provide a visual and/or audio output at the detection device 10. [0047] The device charging module 16 is configured to provide power supply to the device processor 18 and various modules. The device charging module 16 may provide circuitry for wireless and/or wired charging.

[0048] The device power management module 17 may provide circuitry for battery management and power management functions to the device processor 18.

[0049] The device processor 18 is communicably coupled to the foregoing modules of the detection device 10 and configured to perform logic operations, including at least some operations described by Figure 3. The device processor may include any type of computing processor such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, or another processor.

[0050] The aforementioned modules and/or device processor 10 may be implemented with discrete logic or components, or a combination of other types of analogue or digital circuitry, combined on a single integrated circuit or distributed among multiple integrated circuits.

[0051] The security seal (not shown) may be operably coupled to the conformable body and provide a locked state, an unlocked state, and a tampered state. The security seal is in the locked state, i.e. removably secured, when the confomable body is attached to a pipe; the security seal is in the authorised unlocked state when it is unsecured using its appropriate unlocking key or mechanism; the security seal is in the tampered state when it is unsecured without using its appropriate unlocking key or mechanism, e.g. forced open.

[0052] The tamper detector (not shown) may be operably coupled to the security seal and the device processor 18. When the security seal is in the tampered state, the tamper detector detects the tampered state, generates a tamper signal, and provides the tamper signal to the device processor 18 which in turn activates the alarm module to provide a visual and/or audio output. The device processor 18 may alternatively or additionally transmit, via the device communication module 14, a notification of the tampered state to at least one user.

[0053] It is to be appreciated that modifications to the foregoing may be made in other embodiments.

[0054] In one example, the detection device 10 may comprise the sensor 11 , device memory module 12, and device processor 18. In another example, the detection device 10 may additionally comprise the device communication module 14, and device timer module 13. In another example, the detection device 10 may additionally comprise the security seal, tamper detector, and alarm module. Other examples are possible. In the above examples, the charging module 16 and power management module 17 may be housed within the detction device 10 or external thereof.

[0055] Embodiments may provide a fluid leakage detection and management system comprising: a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices 10 (as described), a controller 20 and a memory storage communicably coupled to the controller 20. [0056] The controller 20 may comprise at least a controller communication module 24, a controller memory module 22a and/or 22b, a controller timer module 23, and a controller processor 28.

[0057] The controller communication module 24 is configured to transmit data from the controller to at least one wearable device for fluid leakage detection and/or other device, and receive data from the same at least one wearable fluid leakage detection device 10 and/or other device.

[0058] The controller timer module 23 is configured to provide at least one time parameter which may be adjustable and received from the controller processor. The time parameter may be prescribed by at least one user and may preferably be the same as that in the detection device 10 or, in some examples, different. [0059] The controller processor 28 is communicably coupled to the foregoing modules of the controller and configured to perform logic operations, including operations described by Figure 3. [0060] The controller memory module may comprise a cloud storage 22b and/or a local memory storage 22a at the controller location or other location.

[0061] It is to be appreciated that modifications to the foregoing may be made in other embodiments.

[0062] In one example, the controller 20 may comprise the controller memory module 22a and/or 22b, and a controller processor 28. In another example, the controller 20 may additionally comprise the controller communication module 24, and a controller timer module 23. Other examples are possible.

[0063] Figures 2A and 2B show schematic arrangements of the wearable fluid leakage detection devices 10, according to some embodiments. The arrangements are illustrated and described with reference to water pipes but may be suitably adapted to other fluid transport pipes, e.g. gas pipes.

[0064] In Figure 2A, a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices 10 are arranged at various locations of a piping network. The piping network may extend over one or more geographical locations involving multiple buildings. In Figure 2B, a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices 10 are arranged at various locations, e.g. levels, within a building. In Figures 2A and 2B, fluid consumption measurement meters, e.g. water meters, are appropriately arranged to ascertain fluid consumption. One or more wearable fluid leakage detection devices 10 may be arranged at various locations, including but not limited to at a same pipe having installed with a fluid consumption measurement meter, at other pipe(s) without fluid consumption measurement meter, at a pipe transferring fluid into and/or out of a fluid storage tank such as a water storage tank, at pipes of different levels of the building, at pipes leading to a habitable unit of the building, at pipes leading to a fluid flow control apparatus such as a faucet, urinal, and a flushing system. The detection devices 10 may be communicably coupled to the controller 20 by wireless and/or wired connection. The controller 20 is communicably coupled to at least one user.

[0065] Figure 3 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for fluid leakage detection and/or management. The method will be described with reference to water but may be suitably adapted to other fluid, e.g. gas.

[0066] The method comprises block 302 to block 316B which are performed at one or more wearable fluid leakage detection devices, and block 402 to block 416 which are performed at a controller, e.g. command centre. [0067] In block 302, a wearable fluid leakage detection device is attached to a pipe and powered on. Block 302 proceeds to block 304.

[0068] In block 304, initialization of the device may be performed. Block 304 proceeds to block 306. [0069] In block 306, a sensor of the device is activated. Block 306 proceeds to block 308.

[0070] In block 308, the sensor detects a fluid flow parameter, e.g. speed, of a fluid in or being transported along the pipe. The detection may be performed continuously or periodically throughout the day, or during a target period (which will be explained later), and/or target intervals during the target period. Block 308 proceeds to blocks 310A and 310B.

[0071] In block 310A, the detected fluid flow parameter (or referred to as fluid flow data) may be presented on a display unit of the device.

[0072] In block 310B, the fluid flow data is stored in a device memory module as and when it is ascertained by the sensor. Block 310B proceeds to block 312.

[0073] The fluid flow data obtained in respect of normal operation hours may be transmitted to at least one user, e.g. controller, either in real-time or otherwise, to provide a normal operation consumption pattern for the particular location installed with the detection device (this step is not illustrated in the flow chart). Normal operation hours refer to one or more periods of high demand during which fluid is expected to flow through the pipes for a prolonged period. For example, normal operation hours of a commercial building may be from 7am to 10pm daily. The normal operation consumption pattern may be updated on a periodic basis using newly-acquired fluid flow data from the same detection device and/or consumption pattern from another detection device from another location having similar characteristic(s), e.g. usage, size. The updated normal operation consumption pattern may be transmitted to the relevant device for subsequent comparison. Accordingly, after normal operation hours refer to one or more periods of low demand during which fluid is not expected to flow through the pipes for a prolonged period. This period of after normal operation hours (or may be referred to as “target period”), e.g. from 10pm to 7am daily, may be monitored to ascertain fluid leakage.

[0074] In block 312, a device timer module starts or operates based on one or more prescribed time parameters, such as a target period, a target interval, or both. For illustrative purpose only, subsequent blocks of the flow chart will be described for a device timer module prescribed to operate during a target period of 10pm to 7am and a target interval of 15 minutes during the target period. Block 312 proceeds to block 314. [0075] In block 314, the device timer module reaches the end of the prescribed time parameter(s), e.g. current time has passed the target period of 10pm to 7am, or timer countdown has reached zero. Block 314 proceeds to block 316. [0076] In block 316, the fluid flow data associated with or obtained during the prescribed time parameter(s) is checked for presence of data abnormality using one or more methods. For example, data abnormality may be ascertained present if any of the fluid flow data obtained during the target period breaches a predetermined threshold which may be derived from the normal operation consumption pattern; or data abnormality may be ascertained present if the fluid flow data obtained during the target period breaches the predetermined threshold for an entire target interval. If data abnormality is ascertained present, block 316 proceeds to block 317. Otherwise, if data abnormality is not present or is ascertained absent, block 316 proceeds to block 308.

[0077] In block 317, the device processor transmits, via the device communication module, a notification of the data abnormality (abnormal fluid flow data) and any other data to a controller and/or at least one user for further evaluation. Block 317 proceeds to block 318.

[0078] In block 318, the device timer module, e.g. the target interval, may be reset and thereafter the block 318 proceeds to block 312.

[0079] In block 402, the fluid flow data transmitted to a controller in block 316A is received by a communication module, e.g. receiving module, of the controller. Block 402 proceeds to block 404.

[0080] In block 404, the received fluid flow data may be converted to appropriate analytical unit(s), if necessary, in order to perform comparison or further processing by the controller. Block 404 proceeds to block 406. [0081] In block 406, the converted fluid flow data, and optionally the received fluid flow data, are stored in a controller memory module. Block 406 proceeds to block 408. [0082] In block 408, a controller timer module operates based on one or more prescribed parameters, such as a target period, a target interval, which may be synchronized with or may be different from that of the device timer module. Block 408 proceeds to block 410. [0083] In block 410, the controller timer module reaches the end of the prescribed time parameter(s), e.g. current time has passed the target period of 10pm to 7am, or timer countdown has reached zero. Block 410 proceeds to block 412. [0084] In block 412, the converted fluid flow data is checked for presence of data abnormality using one or more methods such as those described for block 316. The methods performed in block 316 and block 412 may be the same or different. If data abnormality is ascertained present in the converted fluid flow data associated with or obtained during the prescribed time parameters, block 412 proceeds to block 413. Otherwise, if data abnormality is not present or is ascertained absent, block 412 proceeds to block 406. [0085] In block 413, the controller transmits, via the controller communication module, a notification of the detected data abnormality to at least one user to inform the user of the data abnormality.

[0086] Regardless of detection of data abnormality in block 412, block 412 additionally proceeds to block 414 wherein the data abnormality (abnormal fluid flow data), other fluid flow data and/or any other data may be transmitted, via the controller communication module or otherwise, to a cloud storage. Block 414 proceeds to block 416.

[0087] In block 416, the controller timer module is reset and block 416 proceeds to block 408. [0088] It should be appreciated that the user(s) notified in block 413 may investigate and/or evaluate whether the data abnormality is a false anomaly, e.g. the increase in fluid consumption is due to an ad-hoc event and not a genuine fluid leakage and/or the increase in fluid consumption is due to an increase in number of dwellers in a residential unit or headcount in a commercial unit. In cases of false anomaly, the false data abnormality may be incorporated into the normal operation consumption pattern to generate an updated normal operation consumption pattern for the particular location for future comparison by the controller and/or detection device. The updated normal operation consumption pattern may be stored at the controller memory module and/or device memory module of at least the detection device which transmitted the false data abnormality, and may replace the previous normal operation consumption pattern stored therein.

[0089] It is to be appreciated that, in some examples, target period may be normal operation hours.

[0090] It is to be appreciated that, in some examples, target interval may be outside target period.

[0091] It is to be appreciated that block 302, wherein a wearable fluid leakage detection device is attached to a pipe, may include securing a security seal which is coupled to the conformable body at the time of attachment to the pipe. The security seal is thus provided in a locked state. Thereafter, during the aforementioned blocks or at other times, if the security seal is tampered with, e.g. forced open, or unsecured by inappropriate unlocking key or mechanism, and thereby provided in a tampered state, a tamper detector detects the tampered state and generates a tamper signal to provide to the device processor. The device processor transmits the tamper signal to an alarm module which provides a visual output and/or an audio output. Alternatively or additionally, the device processor may transmit, via a device communication module, a notification of the tampered state to at least one user, e.g. controller (command centre). [0092] Embodiments of the invention provide several advantages at least as follows:

[0093] The wearable feature of the detection device allows removable attachment to a pipe and interchangeable attachment to other pipes without altering said pipes or affecting the structural integrity of said pipes. The wearable feature of the detection device obviates a need for the sensor to come into contact with a measured fluid in the pipe. As such, the device may be employed/installed and redeployed/reinstalled easily and conveniently without having to alter pipe(s). This is particularly useful for isolating and identifying a leaky pipe location in a complex piping network. This is also less labour intensive in mounting and dismantling the detection device, and more cost effective or competitive than conventional methods.

[0094] Detection of data abnormality at the device and notification of the data abnormality to relevant user(s) allow a potential leakage situation to be notified, investigated and/or identified in real-time or within short notice, without having to wait for delayed feedback, e.g. consumer complaint, utilities bill or periodic consumption report. Delay in feedback could potentially result in an enormous waste of fluid. No on-site manpower is required to monitor consumption.

[0095] Detection of data abnormality during a period of lower consumption demand, which is outside a period associated with a normal operation consumption pattern, allows identification of leakages which may be difficult to detect due to underground locations or prolonged leakages which would appear normal in utilities bill or periodic consumption report.

[0096] If the detected data abnormality is determined as a false anomaly, it may be incorporated into the normal operation consumption pattern so that the updated operation consumption pattern may be used for future detection of data abnormality.

[0097] The security seal and tamper detector report tampering of the detection device and ensure integrity of the fluid leakage detection and management system.

[0098] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. A wearable fluid leakage detection device comprising: a conformable body configured to be removably attachable to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe; a housing operably coupled to the conformable body and comprising a sensor configured to detect fluid flow in the pipe without contacting a fluid flowing in the pipe and when the conformable body is removably attached thereto; a device memory module; and a device processor communicably coupled to the sensor and the device memory module, wherein the device processor is configured to: receive fluid flow data from the sensor and store the fluid flow data in the device memory module.

2. The detection device of claim 1 , further comprising: a device communication module configured to transmit to and/or receive data; and a device timer module configured to provide at least one time parameter, wherein the device communication module and the device timer module are communicably coupled to the device processor, wherein the device processor is configured to: receive, via the device communication module, the time parameter defined by a prescribed user; ascertain a presence of data abnormality if the fluid flow data associated with the time parameter breaches a predetermined threshold derived from a normal operation consumption pattern; transmit, via the device communication module, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user.

3. The detection device of claim 2, wherein the time parameter includes at least one of a target period of low demand for the fluid, wherein the target period is outside a period which is associated with the normal operation consumption pattern.

4. The detection device of any one of claim 2 to claim 3, wherein the device processor is configured to: receive, via the device communication module, an updated normal operation consumption pattern which incorporates the data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern; and replace, in the device memory module, the normal operation consumption pattern with the updated normal operation consumption pattern.

5. The detection device of any one of claim 2 to claim 4, further comprising: a security seal operably coupled to the conformable body and configured to be removably secured when the conformable body is removably attached to the pipe; a tamper detector operably coupled to the security seal and the device processor, wherein the tamper detector is configured to detect tampering of the security seal and generate a tamper signal to provide to the device processor upon detection of tampering of the security seal, wherein the device processor is configured to transmit, via the device communication module, the tamper signal to the at least one user and/or transmit the tamper signal to an alarm module which is communicably coupled to the device processor, to provide a visual output and/or an audio output at the device.

6. The detection device of any one of claim 2 to claim 5, wherein the device communication module includes at least one of Wi-Fi module, GPS module, or Bluetooth module.

7. The detection device of any one of claim 2 to claim 5, wherein the device communication module is configured to locate Wi-Fi or GPS channel available to the device and utilize the located Wi-Fi or GPS channel for transmitting the fluid flow data to the at least one user.

8. The detection device of any one of claim 2 to claim 7, where the at least one user includes a mobile phone or a mobile computer.

9. The detection device of any one of claim 1 to claim 8, further comprising: a display module communicably coupled to the device processor and configured to display the fluid flow data and/or an operation status of the device.

10. The detection device of any one of claim 1 to claim 9, wherein the pipe is a water pipe or a gas pipe.

11. A method for detecting fluid leakage, the method comprising: while a conformable body of a wearable fluid leakage detection device is removably attached to a pipe without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe, receiving, by a device processor of the detection device, fluid flow data from a sensor of the detection device, wherein the sensor is accommodated in a housing operably coupled to the conformable body; and storing, by a device memory module communicably coupled to the device processor, the fluid flow data.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising: ascertaining, by the device processor, a data abnormality if the fluid flow data associated with a time parameter defined by a prescribed user breaches a predetermined threshold derived from a normal operation consumption pattern; and transmitting, via a device communication module communicably coupled to the device processor, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving, via the device communication module, an updated normal operation consumption pattern which incorporates the ascertained data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern; and replacing, in the device memory module, the normal operation consumption pattern with the updated normal operation consumption pattern.

14. The method of any one of claim 11 to claim 13, further comprising: before receiving the fluid flow data, removably attaching the conformable body to the pipe, including removably securing a security seal which is coupled to the conformable body; detecting, by a tamper detector operably coupled to the security seal and the device processor, a tampering of the security seal and generating a tamper signal to provide to the device processor; transmitting the tamper signal to an alarm module communicably coupled to the device processor; and providing, by the alarm module, a visual output and/or an audio output.

15. The method of any one of claim 10 to claim 14, wherein the pipe is a water pipe or a gas pipe.

16. A controller comprising: a controller communication module communicably coupled to a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices which are removably attached to a plurality of pipes without alteration thereto and interchangeably attachable to another pipe; a controller time module configured to provide at least one time parameter; a controller processor communicably coupled to the controller communication module and configured to: retrieve, from a controller memory module communicably coupled to the controller processor, a normal operation consumption pattern based on the time parameter; ascertain a data abnormality if a fluid flow data which is received from one of the wearable fluid leakage detection devices and associated with the time parameter breaches a predetermined threshold derived from the normal operation consumption pattern; and upon ascertaining of the data abnormality, transmit, via the controller communication module, a notification of the ascertained data abnormality to at least one user.

17. The controller of claim 16, wherein the controller processor is configured to: receive, via the controller communication module, a determination from the at least one user that the ascertained data abnormality is a false anomaly; based on the determination, incorporate the ascertained data abnormality into the normal operation consumption pattern and generate an updated normal operation consumption pattern; and transmit, via the controller communication module, the updated normal operation consumption pattern to at least the one of the wearable fluid leakage detection devices.

18. The controller of any one of claim 16 to claim 17, wherein at least one of the pipes is a discharge pipe of a water tank, a pipe which is installed with a fluid consumption meter, and/or a pipe leading to a fluid flow control apparatus.

19. The controller of any one of claim 16 to claim 17, wherein the pipes are water pipes or gas pipes.

20. A fluid leakage detection and management system comprising: the controller according to any of claim 16 to claim 19; and a plurality of wearable fluid leakage detection devices, each according to any one of claim 1 to claim 10.