Fluid Monitoring And Control System
Patent No. US12314063 (titled "Fluid Monitoring And Control System") was filed by Fortune Brands Water Innovations Llc on Aug 11, 2023.
What is this patent about?
’063 is related to the field of fluid monitoring and control systems, specifically addressing the need for improved leak detection and automated fluid management in residential and commercial buildings. Traditional plumbing systems lack sophisticated monitoring capabilities, leading to undetected leaks, water damage, and inefficient resource consumption. The invention aims to provide a comprehensive solution for remotely monitoring and controlling fluid flow, temperature, and pressure.
The underlying idea behind ’063 is to integrate a suite of sensors (temperature, pressure, and flow rate) with a motorized valve and a control processor within a fluid pipe section. This integrated unit can be inserted into existing plumbing to provide real-time monitoring and control. The control processor analyzes sensor data and actuates the valve to shut off fluid flow when predefined thresholds are exceeded, preventing damage from leaks or other anomalies. A key aspect is the ability to wirelessly communicate with a central hub for remote monitoring and control.
The claims of ’063 focus on a fluid control device comprising a fluid pipe section with a fluid valve, an electric motor mechanically connected to the valve, and temperature, pressure, and flow rate sensors connected to the fluid pipe section. A control device processor is electrically connected to the motor and sensors. The processor is configured to operate the motor to close the valve when the flow rate sensor indicates a flow condition exceeding a preset threshold. The claims also cover the physical arrangement of these components, including the placement of sensors and the enclosure of the motor and processor.
In practice, the device is installed in-line with existing plumbing. The sensors continuously monitor the fluid's condition, and the control processor compares these readings against pre-programmed thresholds. If, for example, a sudden increase in flow rate is detected, indicating a burst pipe, the processor immediately signals the electric motor to close the valve, stopping the flow and preventing further damage. The device can also be configured to monitor for slow leaks by analyzing pressure decay over time when the valve is closed.
The invention differentiates itself from prior approaches by providing a fully integrated, self-contained unit that combines sensing, control, and communication capabilities. Unlike traditional systems that rely on manual inspection or simple flow meters, ’063 offers real-time monitoring and automated shutoff , minimizing damage and improving resource management. The pre-occupancy mode is a further innovation, allowing builders to protect properties from water damage during construction, even before a permanent internet connection is established.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the early 2010s when ’063 was filed, fluid control systems were at a time when wireless communication between devices was increasingly common, but widespread adoption of integrated, automated monitoring and control was still developing. At this time, systems commonly relied on wired connections for critical infrastructure, and wireless sensor networks were becoming more prevalent, but hardware or software constraints made real-time, closed-loop control of fluid systems using solely wireless communication non-trivial.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Claims 1-15 were rejected. Claims 16-20 were objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form. The claims were rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting. The prosecution record does NOT describe the technical reasoning or specific claim changes that led to allowance.
Claims
This patent contains 22 claims, with claims 1 and 22 being independent. The independent claims are directed to a fluid control device comprising a fluid pipe section, a fluid valve, an electric motor, temperature, pressure, and flow rate sensors, and a control device processor configured to operate the valve based on sensor readings. The dependent claims generally elaborate on specific configurations, components, and functionalities of the fluid control device described in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
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Date
Description
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US12314063
- Application Number
- US18448655
- Filing Date
- Aug 11, 2023
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Feb 17, 2034
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents