Patent Application
20130025709
The present invention generally relates to plumbing, and more particularly, to an automated pipe freeze protection system.
In certain climates, hard freezes are very common, and the plumbing may not be designed to handle freezing temperatures. Some solutions include either insulating an exterior water spigot or heating the water lines. Insulating the exterior water spigot may only insulate a small section of pipe. The water pipe can freeze in a poorly insulated area of the home, for example. Wrapping the water line with heat tracing to heat the water lines to stop the water from freezing may not be energy efficient, and there can exist a potential fire hazard. Alternatively, a valve may be attached to the exterior water spigot. The drip of water from the spigot can freeze because it is exposed to the outside temperature. Dripping water on the ground can also cause a hazard.
Some other methods may include circulating water using moving parts. In order to circulate the water, a plumber may cut into an existing plumbing line to install some of the parts.
As can be seen, there is a need for a system of circulating water by anticipating freezing temperatures while avoiding exposure of the water source to a frozen environment.
In one aspect of the present invention, a system adaptable for fitting to a plumbing water source comprises tubing coupled to the water source; a valve coupled to the tubing configured to circulate unfrozen water out from the water source through the tubing; and a detector module connected to the valve, the detector adapted to sense temperature and configured to send a command signal to the valve to open, wherein the command signal is based on a sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature threshold.
In another aspect of the present invention, a system of preventing frozen plumbing comprises a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor configured to detect a first threshold temperature and a second threshold temperature; a wireless transmitter coupled to the temperature sensor; first and second hoses adaptable for tapping into respective hot and cold water sources, wherein the first and second hoses are joined into a common hose; a valve coupled to the common hose; and a wireless receiver attached to the valve, wherein the wireless receiver is configured to receive a wireless signal from the wireless transmitter, the wireless signal is based on detection of the first or second threshold temperatures by the temperature sensor, and the valve is adapted to open or close based on the wireless signal.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a system for prevention of frozen pipes. In one aspect, the system may tap into a typically warm or unfrozen water source that is protected from freezing conditions and may circulate unfrozen water into plumbing that is or may be in danger of freezing. In another aspect, the system may include a sensor and an automated valve that may be configured to detect when temperatures are approaching freezing points and may activate/deactivate supply of the unfrozen water source to other plumbing.
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The flow of water may be tapped into and drawn from water sources 64a and 64b in anticipation of freezing conditions. Water may be circulated through the system 10 into other plumbing sections (not shown) of a building (not shown) through tubing 50 depending on the open or closed status of the valve 18. The tubing 50 may include multiple portions, for example, hot water hose 50a, cold water hose 50b, common hose 50c, and drain hose 50d. The hot water hose 50a and cold water hose 50b may be connected to hot and cold water sources 64a and 64b respectively at a water hose and faucet connection assembly 62. While the following disclosure will be described primarily in the context of using both hot and cold water sources, it will be understood that the system 10 may also be employed using a single water source in some embodiments. The hoses 50a and 50b may be joined together to connect to and draw water into the common hose 50c at a junction 58.
The common hose 50 may be coupled to an entry side of the valve 18 and configured to feed water there through depending on the open or closed status of the valve. When closed, water may not be circulating through the system 10. When the valve 18 is open, water may circulate through the valve 18 into a drain hose 50d connected on an exit side of the valve 18 feeding water into a drain 54.
Referring now to
The sensor 42 may be configured to supply temperature level signals to the circuit board 40. The circuit board 40 may be configured to process the temperature level signals and determine whether the ambient temperature is above or below one or more threshold temperatures. For example, the circuit board 40 may be configured to determine if the ambient temperature is near a freezing point, for example, at 35° F. or below, and may supply a signal to open the valve 18. The circuit board 40 may also be configured to determine if the ambient temperature is 45° F. or higher, for example, and may supply a signal to the receiver 16 to close the valve 18 or maintain it closed in the event the valve 18 has been closed.
In one aspect the detector module 12 may be configured for wireless transmission of open/closed signals. For example, the detector module 12 may include a separate receiver unit 16 plugged into the wall socket 14. The receiver 16 may be connected to the valve 18. The receiver 16 may be configured to receive “open” or “close” command signals from the circuit board 40 thus providing an activation or deactivation of the valve 18. While the detector module 12 is shown primarily in the context of being disposed within a room with the wall 99, in another aspect, the detector module 12 may be disposed with the temperature sensor 42 disposed outside of the room with the wall 99, for example, outside of a building entirely.
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It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
