Patent Application
20130270141
The present invention relates generally to a device and system for detecting and/or indicating a fluid leak, such as, for example, a device that identifies fluid leakage of a toilet.
Fluid leakages, especially leakages over time, may cause substantial damage to homes and businesses and result in time-consuming and expensive repair. Some fluid leakages need to be detected very early for adequate protection and response. However, most fluid leakage is stealthy and hard to detect in a timely manner. For example, minor leaks in and around valves in both old and modern hot water radiators when the fluid flow is adjusted or when the radiator is aired for adjustment. And, leakages in pipe joints, couplings, and fittings to household appliances, such as dish washers, washing machines, ice makers, and others may be difficult to detect, especially when built into a cabinet or otherwise hidden.
Leaks can take the form of drops, droplets, fine spray or mist of liquids, liquid films, and streams of liquids. Even condensation on pipes may cause moisture damage to surrounding surfaces. Frequently, minor leaks and condensation are not discovered until secondary damage is evident making the extent of the repair greater and more expensive.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a detection device to detect and/or indicate the fluid leakages of pipes, utilities and/or appliances to avoid the serious damage caused by long term leakages.
The aforementioned problems, and other problems, are reduced, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention, by a fluid detection device allowing manual or automatic detection and/or indication of the fluid leakage of a pipe, utility and/or appliance, such as, for example, the fluid leakage of a toilet. The fluid detection device includes a waterproof dam sheet and a moisture indicator. As an exemplary embodiment, in order to detect and/or indicate the fluid leakage of a toilet, the dam sheet is placed on the floor under the toilet and the moisture indicator is placed at a proximate edge of the toilet bottom.
In an exemplary embodiment, a moisture indicator of the fluid detection device comprises two portions of flat sheets, between which there is an absorbent gauze strip containing a water soluble blue dye. The blue dye is not sensitive to ambient humidity and the distinct color formed is resistant to being washed off or diluted in cases of abundant or repeated leakage. Each of the two portions of the sheets further has a clear sealed indication area for viewing the distinct color caused by liquid leakage.
In another exemplary embodiment, a moisture indicator comprises a smart moisture sensor connecting with a communications network (e.g. Smart Home Grid, Intranet, or cell phone) to provide real time alarming and/or notification. The smart moisture sensor continuously measures relative humidity of a utility or appliance. When the humidity increases beyond a preset threshold, an alert is communicated to any pre-defined recipients through an email notification, a call or electronic message to a cell phone, etc. Such a leak detection system also works with any security or building automation system, and the communication detecting the leak could be sent to a home or business monitoring service.
The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and, together with the description, serve to better explain the principles of the invention. It is to be noted that the figures illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention will admit to other equally effective embodiments.
This invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or perspective views illustrating some of this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may vary in shape, attachment, size, and other physical features. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary systems, and/or methods described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer or other relevant physical limitation (e.g., material).
For the purposes of this description, a toilet is used as an exemplary utility to which the fluid detection device applies, though the present invention applies to alternate embodiments including but not limited to toilets, septic tanks, and other utilities or appliances.
One added benefit to use of the liquid detection device according to the invention is that early detection of fluid leaks around a toilet can prevent significant damage to a household and provide certain health benefits because of the damage and harm done by leaking feces and urine. If there is a leak in the seal beneath a toilet, effluent from the toilet will be mixed with the water. Over time, the effluent can cause significant damage as it seeps into the floor beneath the toilet. This results in the formation of black mold and other harmful pathogens. Typically, the damaged material must be removed using bio-hazard techniques and then packaged and disposed of as medical waste. Early detection of a leak will prevent such damage and the increased costs associated therewith. It will also facilitate compliance with local plumbing codes for toilet installations.
The above described embodiments are directed towards a leak detection device to detect leaks from a toilet; however, as one of ordinary skill in the art recognizes, the leak detection device can be adapted to detect leaks from other utilities (e.g., showers, sinks, etc.), appliances (e.g., dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, freezer, etc.), radiators, hot water heaters, and/or areas surrounding pipes.
The lower end of the indicator 310 having the gauze strip 314 extending therefrom is arranged in the tank. The remaining portion of the indicator extends beyond the lid. When fluid within the tank reaches the top of the tank, it engages the gauze and wicks through the gauze to intersect the dye. Continued wicking of the fluid and die is visible in the viewing area 316 to indicate that the tank is full.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with references to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, each component of a liquid detection device may be made by alternative materials and may have alternative shapes and sizes. And the dam sheet and moisture indicator of the liquid detection device may be placed at any alternative location for a specific detection as well.
