Non-contact system and method for detecting fluid flow
AssigneeZurn Water, LLC
InventorsLong Larry Le, Michael Pynn, Thushan Kapilajith Hemanchandra
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A plumbing fixture assembly including a fluid flow detection system for monitoring fluid flow and flow characteristics through plumbing fixtures without contacting the fluid. The fluid flow detection system communicates collected data related to the plumbing fixtures to a water management system, which analyzes the data and provides information to a user through a portal and user interface. The fluid flow detection system also tracks users of the plumbing fixtures for compliance with a hand washing routine. The hand washing compliance data is communicated to the water management system as well.
Claims20
A faucet comprising:
- a spout in fluid communication with a fluid source;
- a handle configured to control flow of fluid from the fluid source through the spout;
- a magnet positioned on the handle;
- a first sensor configured to detect a position of the magnet as the handle is moved;
- a controller in communication with the first sensor, the controller including
- a memory configured to store instructions, and
- a processor coupled to the memory and configured, via execution of the instructions, to:
- determine whether a hand-washing activity is in compliance with a predetermined hand washing routine based on the first sensor detecting how long the handle is maintained at an ON position from the position of the magnet;
- wherein the controller is configured to
- determine at least one flow condition of the faucet upon activation of the handle to generate fluid flow through the spout, the at least one flow condition based on a position of the magnet;
- and
- a user interface in connection with the controller, wherein the user interface is configured to display the at least one flow condition and whether the hand-washing activity is in compliance with the hand washing routine.
A plumbing fixture assembly comprising:
- a plumbing fixture including a handle;
- a first sensor positioned on the handle;
- a soap dispenser including a second sensor to activate the soap dispenser;
- a controller in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller including
- a memory configured to store instructions, and
- a processor coupled to the memory and configured, via execution of the instructions, to:
- determine whether a hand-washing activity is in compliance with a predetermined hand washing routine based on the first sensor detecting how long the handle is maintained at an ON position and whether the second sensor is triggered after the handle turned to an ON position;
- and
- a user interface in communication with the controller, wherein the user interface is configured to display whether the hand-washing activity is in compliance with the hand washing routine.
A method of detecting flow through a faucet, the method comprising:
- detecting an angular position of a magnet disposed on a handle of the faucet;
- determining, with a controller, whether water is flowing through the faucet based on the position of the magnet;
- determining, with the controller, a predicted rate of flow through the faucet when water is flowing through the faucet based on the position of the magnet;
- and
- displaying the predicted rate of flow on a user interface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.