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IOT-BASED WATER PUMP ACTIVATION SYSTEM

ORDINARY APPLICATION

Published

date

Filed on 26 November 2024

Abstract

The present invention discloses a water pump activation system (100) that includes an ultrasonic sensor (104) attached to a water tank (102), and a control unit (106). The ultrasonic sensor (104) measures the depth of the water level in the tank and generates a signal, which is received by the control unit. The control unit (106) extracts the level of water and activates the water pump when the level falls below a pre-set threshold. A notification is transmitted to a computing device (112), which allows the user to remotely control the activation and deactivation of a water pump (103). The system also includes features such as adjustable threshold, power supply by battery or solar panels, control of pump speed, monitoring of multiple tanks, and detection of debris and temperature. Additionally, the control unit can activate a valve to stop the flow of water when the maximum level is reached.

Patent Information

Application ID202441092077
Invention FieldCOMPUTER SCIENCE
Date of Application26/11/2024
Publication Number48/2024

Inventors

NameAddressCountryNationality
Dr. P. MathiyalaganProfessor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, J.J. College of Engineering and Technology Trichy-620009IndiaIndia
M. AmbikaAssistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, J.J. College of Engineering and Technology Trichy-620009IndiaIndia

Applicants

NameAddressCountryNationality
Dr. P. MathiyalaganProfessor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, J.J. College of Engineering and Technology Trichy-620009IndiaIndia

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of water management. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system to control activation and deactivation of a water pump automatically to save water, and also enables controlling of the water pump from a remote location.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Water pumps are an essential part of our daily lives, especially in areas where there is no access to a regular water supply. Conventional water pumps have been in use for decades and are primarily manually operated. A person needs to turn the pump on/off manually, which can be a hassle, especially when the user is not nearby. To address this issue, some automatic circuits have been developed, but they are not always feasible and can be complex.
[0004] The conventional water pumps are not always reliable, and there have been instances when the pumps have malfunctioned due to various reasons. In such cases, it is essential to have a backup system in place to avoid water scarcity. The existing automatic circuits are not foolproof and can fail, leading to water wastage and other issues.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need for a solution to operate water pump automatically and remotely, to save water and energy consumption.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system to ensure that the water pump is activated only when the water level in the tank is below a certain threshold, which helps to conserve water and prevent wastage.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system to control activation and deactivation of the water pump automatically from IoT based devices.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system that allows users to control the water pump remotely from a computing device and receive real-time notifications about the water level in the tank, making it easy to monitor and manage the water supply from anywhere.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system that allows the user to adjust the pre-set threshold for activating the water pump and control the speed of the pump based on the water level in the tank, providing flexibility and customization options.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system that measures temperature of the water and detects presence of debris in the tank, which help to maintain water quality and prevent damage to the pump.

SUMMARY
[0012] Various aspects of present disclosure relates to the field of water management. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system to control activation and deactivation of a water pump automatically to save water, and also enables controlling of the water pump from a remote location. The system conserves water and prevents wastage by activating the pump only when the water level in the tank falls below a certain threshold. It also allows for automatic control of the pump through IoT devices and remote control through computing devices, enabling real-time monitoring and management of the water supply. The system offers flexibility and customization options, with the ability to adjust the pre-set threshold for pump activation and control the pump speed based on the water level. Additionally, it provides measures to maintain water quality and prevent pump damage by measuring the water temperature and detecting debris in the tank. The system assists to conserve water, prevent wastage, and allowing users to remotely control and monitor their water supply.
[0013] An aspect of present disclosure pertains to a system that includes an ultrasonic sensor attached to a water tank to measure the depth of water and a control unit connected to the sensor. The control unit receives the signal from the sensor, extracts the water level and compares it to a pre-set threshold. If the water level falls below the threshold, the system activates the water pump and sends a notification to the user's computing device through a network. The pre-set threshold is adjustable from the computing device. The system can be powered by a battery or a set of solar panels.
[0014] In an aspect, the control unit can also control the speed of the water pump based on the water level in the tank.
[0015] In an aspect, the computing device can receive and store data from multiple water tanks and display it on a single user interface.
[0016] In an aspect, the ultrasonic sensor can measure the temperature of the water and detect the presence of debris in the tank, and transmit the data to the computing device.
[0017] In an aspect, the control unit can also activate a valve to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches a pre-set maximum level.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.
[0020] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram of a water pump activation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a flow chart for operating water pump using system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0024] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0025] Embodiments of present disclosure relates to the field of water management. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a system to control activation and deactivation of a water pump automatically to save water, and also enables controlling of the water pump from a remote location
[0026] An embodiment of present disclosure pertains to a system that includes an ultrasonic sensor attached to a water tank to measure the depth of water and a control unit connected to the sensor. The control unit receives the signal from the sensor, extracts the water level and compares it to a pre-set threshold. If the water level falls below the threshold, the system activates the water pump and sends a notification to the user's computing device through a network. The pre-set threshold is adjustable from the computing device. The system can be powered by a battery or a set of solar panels.
[0027] In an embodiment, the control unit can also control the speed of the water pump based on the water level in the tank.
[0028] In an embodiment, the computing device can receive and store data from multiple water tanks and display it on a single user interface.
[0029] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor can measure the temperature of the water and detect the presence of debris in the tank, and transmit the data to the computing device.
[0030] In an embodiment, the control unit can also activate a valve to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches a pre-set maximum level.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram of a water pump activation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] As illustrated, a water pump activation system 100 (interchangeably referred to as system, hereinafter) to save wastage of water and electricity is disclosed. The system includes an ultrasonic sensor 104 attached to a water tank 102, to measure depth of water level in the water tank and correspondingly generate a signal. Additionally, the system 100 includes a control unit 106 operatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor 104 to control activation and deactivation of the water tank 102 automatically upon receiving the signal from ultrasonic sensor 104. The system 100 allows for more efficient use of water and electricity, as it ensures that the water pump is only activated when needed, i.e., when the water level in the tank is below a certain threshold. This not only prevents wastage of water but also saves energy by avoiding unnecessary operation of the water pump.
[0033] As illustrated, control unit 106 can include one or more processor(s) that can be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, control unit 106 may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored a memory 108 of the system 100. The memory 108 can store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which can be fetched and executed to create or share the data units over a network service. The memory 108 can comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0034] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 receives the signal from the ultrasonic sensor 104, extracts level of the water in the water tank from the received signal, and compares the extracted level of water with a pre-set threshold. The pre-set threshold is adjustable by a user from a computing device 112. Further, upon detection of the level of water below the threshold, the control unit 106 activates a water pump 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 106 acts as a regulator for the water pump 103. It ensures that the water pump only activates when necessary, which helps to conserve water and prevent wastage. The pre-set threshold can be adjusted by the user, providing flexibility and customization options. By automating the process of activating and deactivating the water pump, the system 100 helps to save electricity as well.
[0035] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 may be further configured to activate a valve to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches a pre-set maximum level. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 106 of the system 100 is designed to not only activate the water pump 103 when the water level falls below a pre-set threshold, but also to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches a pre-set maximum level. This is achieved by programming the control unit 106 to activate a valve that controls the flow of water from the tank 102 when the water level in the tank 102 reaches a certain height. This feature helps to prevent overflow and water wastage, as well as potential damage to the pump 103 from overworking. By setting a maximum level, the control unit 106 can ensure that the water pump 103 only operates when it is necessary, conserving water and electricity. Overall, this feature provides an added layer of control and protection to the water pump activation system 100, making it more efficient and reliable.
[0036] In another embodiment of present disclosure, the control unit 106 is communicatively coupled to the computing device 112 through a network 110. The computing device 112 may include, but not limited to, any electrical, electronic, electro-mechanical or equipment or a combination of one or more of the above devices such as mobile phone, smartphone, Virtual Reality (VR) devices, Augmented Reality (AR) devices, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, mainframe computer, or any other mobile computing device. It may be appreciated that the computing device 112 may not be restricted to the mentioned devices and various other devices may be used.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the network 110 may include, by way of example but not limitation, one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a private network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a Public-Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, some combination thereof. Additionally, the network 110 may include, but are not limited to, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). Various devices in the system 100 can connect to the network 110 in accordance with various wired and wireless communication protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), and 2G, 3G, or 4G communication protocols.
[0038] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 may be configured to transmit a notification to the computing device 112 through the network 110. The notification may include level of water in the water tank 102. Further, the computing device 112 enables users to control activation and deactivation of the water pump 103 remotely.
[0039] In an embodiment, the computing device 112 may be configured to receive and store data from multiple water tanks and display the data on a single user interface.
[0040] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 may be further configured to control speed of the water pump based on the level of the water in the water tank. In an exemplary embodiment, In this embodiment, the control unit 106 may be programmed to control the speed of the water pump based on the level of water in the tank. This feature allows for more efficient use of energy, as the pump can operate at a lower speed when the water level is higher and require less power to pump water.
[0041] Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor 104 is equipped with an additional functionality to detect the presence of debris in the water tank. If debris is detected, the ultrasonic sensor will transmit a warning signal to the computing device 112. This feature alerts the user to the presence of debris in the tank and prompts them to take action to remove it before it causes damage to the pump or affects the quality of the water being pumped.
[0042] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic sensor 104 may be further configured to measure the temperature of the water in the tank and transmit the temperature data to the computing device. This allows the user to monitor the temperature of the water remotely and adjust the system accordingly if needed. For example, if the temperature of the water is too high, the user may want to adjust the pump speed or activate a cooling system.
[0043] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 may powered by a power supply unit (not shown), and the power supply unit includes any of a battery and a set of solar panels. The power supply unit can be any of a battery or a set of solar panels. This means that the system can operate even in areas where there is no access to electricity, as it can rely on battery power or solar power. The use of a solar panel as a power supply unit makes the system environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it uses renewable energy to power the water pump activation system.
[0044] In one embodiment, the water pump activation and monitoring system control unit 106 may be configured to measure the rate at which water fills the tank, thereby facilitating precise control over pump operation. The controller is further configured to calculate an estimated time required for the tank to reach full capacity based on the measured fill rate. For example, when water is directed into the tank, the controller continuously monitors the fill rate and, upon detection of any change in the fill rate-such as fluctuations caused by variable water pressure-the system recalculates the estimated time to reach full capacity.
[0045] In certain embodiments, this calculated fill time may be communicated to a user device, whereby a user is notified in advance of an anticipated overflow event. This notification may enable the user to remotely deactivate the water pump, thereby averting an overflow condition, or to modify the water level threshold in response to real-time data received from the controller. For instance, upon receiving a notification that the tank will reach full capacity in ten minutes, the user may elect to deactivate the pump remotely via an application interface or permit the filling process to continue until the tank approaches full capacity.
[0046] Additionally, in some embodiments, the system may be configured to store historical fill rates and water usage patterns within memory, enabling the controller to refine its overflow time calculations and deliver increasingly accurate predictions over extended use. Such functionality may be particularly advantageous in environments with variable water supply rates, such as agricultural fields where water pressure is subject to fluctuation due to multiple users on a shared line. These exemplary embodiments demonstrate the versatility of the system across a range of applications, making it suitable for both residential and industrial purposes.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of a flow chart for operating water pump using system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] As illustrated, a flow chart 200 for operating a water pump using system 100 is disclosed. At step 202, an ultrasonic sensor 104 attached to a water tank 102 sends a signal to a control unit 106. For example, the ultrasonic sensor 104 detects that the water level in the tank is at 5 feet.
[0049] At step 204, the control unit 106 extracts the water level from the received signal, for example, extracts that the water level in the tank is at 5 feet.
[0050] At step 206, the control unit 106 compares the extracted water level with the pre-set threshold. When the water level in the tank is detected below the threshold, the control unit 106 activates the water pump 103. In an exemplary embodiment, connection between control unit 106 (i.e. integrated circuit) attached to the and the water pump 103 (i.e. submersible pump) is wireless (2.4 GHz - 5 GHz) to avoid the wiring connection also for efficient and seamless connectivity.
[0051] At step 208, the water pump 103 may be activated and water flows from ground to the water tank 102.
[0052] At step 210, the control unit 106 further transmits a notification to a computing device 112 through a network 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit 106 transmits a notification to the user's smartphone through internet, indicating that the water pump has been activated and displays current water level in the tank.
[0053] At step 212, the user remotely deactivates the water pump 103 from the computing device 112, if available, else the water pump 103 can be deactivated automatically. In an exemplary embodiment, the user decides to deactivate the water pump since the tank is now full. The user can do this by sending a signal from their smartphone to the control unit, which will then deactivate the water pump.
[0054] At step 214, the control unit 106 receives the signal from the user's smartphone to stop the water pump. It then sends another signal to the water pump to turn it off.
[0055] At step 216, the control unit 106 activates a valve to stop the flow of water when the water level reaches the pre-set maximum level. In an exemplary embodiment, when pre-set maximum level of water in the water tank is set at 8 feet. When the water level in the tank reaches 8 feet, the control unit activates a valve that stops the flow of water into the tank. Thus, the system proposed in disclosure also provides remote monitoring and control, adjustable pre-set thresholds, and additional features such as temperature measurement and debris detection.
[0056] [0056] At step 216a, in one embodiment, the water pump activation and monitoring system may comprise a control unit 106 configured to measure the rate at which water fills the tank, thereby enabling precise control over pump operation. The control unit 106 is further configured to calculate an estimated time required for the tank to reach full capacity based on the measured fill rate. For example, as water is directed into the tank, the control unit 106 continuously monitors the fill rate and, upon detection of any change in the rate-such as fluctuations caused by variable water pressure-the system recalculates the estimated time to reach full capacity.
[0057] In certain embodiments, this calculated fill time may be communicated to a computing device, providing the user with prior notice of an anticipated overflow event. This notification may enable the user to remotely deactivate the water pump, thereby averting an overflow condition, or to modify the water level threshold in response to real-time data received from the control unit 106. For instance, upon receiving a notification that the tank will reach full capacity in ten minutes, the user may elect to deactivate the pump remotely through an application interface or permit the filling process to continue until the tank approaches full capacity.
[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, the system may be configured to store historical fill rates and water usage patterns within memory, enabling the control unit 106 to refine its overflow time calculations and deliver increasingly accurate predictions over extended use. Such functionality may be advantageous in environments with variable water supply rates, such as agricultural fields where water pressure fluctuates due to multiple users on a shared line. These exemplary embodiments further demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the system across various applications, making it suitable for both residential and industrial uses.
[0059] Above disclosed embodiments, describe the system that conserves water and prevents wastage by activating the pump only when the water level in the tank falls below a certain threshold. It also allows for automatic control of the pump through IoT devices and remote control through computing devices, enabling real-time monitoring and management of the water supply. The system offers flexibility and customization options, with the ability to adjust the pre-set threshold for pump activation and control the pump speed based on the water level. Additionally, it provides measures to maintain water quality and prevent pump damage by measuring the water temperature and detecting debris in the tank. Further, the system assists to conserve water, prevent wastage, and allowing users to remotely control and monitor their water supply.
[0060] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ….and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The present invention provides a system to ensure that the water pump is activated only when the water level in the tank is below a certain threshold, which helps to conserve water and prevent wastage.
[0063] The present invention provides a system to control activation and deactivation of the water pump automatically from IoT based devices.
[0064] The present invention provides a system that allows users to control the water pump remotely from a computing device and receive real-time notifications about the water level in the tank, making it easy to monitor and manage the water supply from anywhere.
[0065] The present invention provides a system that allows the user to adjust the pre-set threshold for activating the water pump and control the speed of the pump based on the water level in the tank, providing flexibility and customization options.
[0066] The present invention provides a system that measures temperature of the water and detects presence of debris in the tank, which help to maintain water quality and prevent damage to the pump.

, Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A water pump activation and monitoring system (100) comprising:
an ultrasonic sensor (104) attached to a water tank (102), configured to measure the depth of the water level in the water tank and correspondingly generate a signal;
a control unit (106) operatively coupled to the ultrasonic sensor (104), wherein the control unit includes a processor and a memory (108) storing a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit to:
receive the signal from the ultrasonic sensor;
extract the level of water in the water tank from the received signal;
compare the extracted water level with a pre-set threshold and activate a water pump (103) upon detecting the water level below the threshold;
measure the rate at which water is filling the tank and calculate an estimated time required to fill the tank completely;
transmit a notification to a computing device (112) through a network (110), wherein the notification comprises the water level, the estimated time to reach full capacity, and an alert regarding potential overflow; and
wherein the computing device enables a user to control activation and deactivation of the water pump remotely and receive alerts regarding overflow risk based on the estimated filling time.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sensor (104) is configured to take periodic measurements at pre-defined intervals to provide real-time water level monitoring.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) further includes a timer to monitor the duration of the pump's operation based on the extracted water level.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) is configured to store historical water usage data in the memory (108) to provide trends and predictive analytics for water consumption.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the notification to the computing device (112) includes an alert allowing the user to stop the water pump automatically before reaching the calculated overflow time.
6. A method for monitoring and controlling a water pump in a water tank system, the method comprising:
measuring, using an ultrasonic sensor (104), the depth of water in the water tank (102) and generating a corresponding signal;
receiving, by a control unit (106), the signal from the ultrasonic sensor and extracting the water level from the signal;
comparing the extracted water level to a pre-set threshold and activating a water pump (103) upon detecting that the water level is below the threshold;
calculating, by the control unit, the rate at which water fills the tank and determining an estimated time for the tank to reach full capacity;
transmitting a notification to a computing device (112) via a network (110), wherein the notification comprises the current water level, the estimated time until overflow, and a warning to prevent overflow; and
enabling the user to control the activation and deactivation of the water pump remotely through the computing device.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising periodically measuring the water level at specified intervals to ensure real-time accuracy of the water level data.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein calculating the estimated time to reach full capacity includes adjusting for historical fill rates stored in the memory to improve accuracy.
9. The method of claim 6, wherein transmitting a notification includes sending a series of alerts as the water level approaches the calculated overflow threshold.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein enabling user control includes allowing the user to set custom water level thresholds for automatic activation and deactivation of the water pump.

Documents

NameDate
202441092077-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-DRAWINGS [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-FORM 1 [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-FORM-9 [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-POWER OF AUTHORITY [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024
202441092077-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [26-11-2024(online)].pdf26/11/2024

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