U.S. patent application number 14/318696 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for compact self powered and automated attachment to a fluid system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Livne GAN. Invention is credited to Livne GAN.
Application Number | 20140312253 14/318696 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51728314 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140312253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GAN; Livne |
October 23, 2014 |
COMPACT SELF POWERED AND AUTOMATED ATTACHMENT TO A FLUID SYSTEM
Abstract
An attachment mechanism to a fluid system is provided herein.
The mechanism may include: a turbine positioned in a cavity within
said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the fluid
system flowing through the cavity; at least one magnet and at least
one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at least
one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a relative
rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at least
one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical current; a
current rectifier configured to rectify the generated alternating
electrical current; a capacitor configured to be charged by the
rectified current; a control unit configured to discharge the
capacitor via at least one actuating solenoid having an actuating
magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and at
least one valve plunger each coupled to the respective at least one
actuating solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet and
configured to close or open a valve of the fluid system responsive
to displacement of the actuating solenoid or the actuating magnet
due to the control signal.
Inventors: |
GAN; Livne; (Omer,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GAN; Livne |
Omer |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
51728314 |
Appl. No.: |
14/318696 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13310820 |
Dec 5, 2011 |
|
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14318696 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
251/129.15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 10/30 20130101;
E03C 1/055 20130101; E03C 2001/026 20130101; E03C 1/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
251/129.15 |
International
Class: |
E03C 1/086 20060101
E03C001/086 |
Claims
1. An attachment mechanism to a fluid system, comprising: a turbine
positioned in a cavity within said mechanism, configured to be
rotated by a fluid of the fluid system flowing through the cavity;
at least one magnet and at least one power solenoid wherein the at
least one magnet or the at least one power solenoid is coupled to
the turbine, wherein a relative rotational movement of the at least
one magnet over the at least one power solenoid generates an
alternating electrical current; a voltage rectifier configured to
rectify the generated alternating electrical current; an
accumulator configured to be charged by the rectified current; a
control unit configured to discharge the accumulator via at least
one actuating solenoid having an actuating magnet located
therethrough, responsive to a control signal; and at least one
valve plunger coupled to the respective at least one actuating
solenoid or to the at least one actuating magnet, which is not
coupled to said turbine, and configured to close or open a valve of
the fluid system responsive, wherein the at least one valve plunger
is actuated by changing the magnetic field between the rotating
magnet and the power solenoid, based on the control signal.
2. The attachment according to claim 1, wherein said coupling to
said turbine comprises indirect coupling through magnetic
coupling.
3. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one
power solenoid and the at least one actuating solenoid are
same.
4. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one
power magnet and the at least one actuating magnet are same.
5. The attachment mechanism of claim 1 wherein the at least valve
plunger comprises two or more valve plungers each associated with a
different valve of the fluid system, and wherein each of the two or
more valve plungers is coupled to a different magnet or
solenoid.
6. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a sensor
configured to sense the presence of an object near an opening of
the fluid system, and to send a suitable signal to control the
actuator.
7. The attachment mechanism of claim 6, wherein the sensor receives
power from the accumulator.
8. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein said valve includes
one or more plungers actuated by the actuator for opening or
closing a fluid path extending from an entrance opening of the
mechanism to the cavity of the turbine.
9. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the turbine is
located in the surrounding periphery of the valve.
10. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, wherein the turbine
includes a central cylinder, wherein magnets are located on the
central cylinder or shaft to transform the rotational movement of
the turbine to rotating magnetic field, and power solenoid are
located adjacently to the magnets to transform the magnetic field
to electric power.
11. The attachment mechanism of claim 10, wherein the actuator
includes a power solenoid on the stator actuating the plunger, the
solenoid is located within the central cylinder, and wherein said
solenoid operates also as the coil charging the accumulator when
the magnets rotates below the solenoid.
12. The attachment mechanism of claim 1, comprising: a rotator
plate integral with the turbine, including multiple magnets on
multiple locations on the plate around a central cylinder, the
magnets are configured to create a rotating magnetic field when the
turbine rotates; and a stator plate including multiple solenoids
and a plunger to control the flow of fluid in the mechanism, the
multiple solenoids are configured to transform the rotating
magnetic field to electric power for storage in the accumulator,
wherein, when a suitable signal is received, at least one of the
solenoids is configured to produce magnetic field to repel the
stator plate from the rotator plate, thus causing the plunger to
close the fluid paths.
13. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the plunger is
connected to the magnet plate in a case the magnet plate is the
stator plate.
14. The attachment according to claim 12, wherein the stator plate
comprises two or more stator plate each coupled to the plunger.
15. The attachment according to claim 12, further comprising a
second plunger, wherein the rotor is coupled to the plunger and
wherein the stator is coupled to the second plunger.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/310,820, filed Dec. 5, 2011, which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to fluid systems,
more particularly to a self-powered and automated mechanism
attachable to a fluid system for controlling same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recent growing awareness of the environment and of
conservation of natural resources, such as fluid and energy, has
led to the development and spread of alternative technologies and
methods for minimizing harm to the environment while maximizing
production of energy for widespread use. Indeed, methods used in
renewable energies and other green technologies have taken center
stage in the last decade or so for addressing the growing need
throughout the globe for conserving natural resources.
Particularly, such technologies include hydroelectric power
produced and harnessed mainly through the large scale use of dams
and wind turbine farms, most of which require a substantial
logistical infrastructure and the availability of large areas of
land.
[0004] Nevertheless, with growing populations, the wide use of
energy and fluid, as well as the growing need for conserving
resources appears to currently outweigh the pace at which
conservation methods are developing. For example, water, as a
natural resource and as a fundamental necessity, is obliviously
consumed by every society to the extent that it is consumed without
any attention paid to the quantity or the frequency of its use.
Undoubtedly, the over use of water in certain settings such as
homes, offices, industrial institutions, gardens, public
institutions and other facilities may typically be due to a lack of
judgment, absent mindedness or otherwise to the inability of
monitoring and/or regulation of its use. Accordingly, without
alleviating such shortcomings, continued waste of water and similar
resources is likely to grow, thereby leading to unnecessary waste
of valuable resources.
[0005] Some known automatic faucets operate upon detection of
presence under the faucet opening, thus obviating the need to touch
the faucet and operate it manually. These automatic faucets may be
more hygienic by preventing infection that may occur by touching
the faucet. Additionally, such faucet may reduce costs of
mechanical maintenance, and the overall consumption of fluid
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An attachment mechanism to a fluid system is provided
herein. The mechanism may include: a turbine positioned in a cavity
within said mechanism, configured to be rotated by a fluid of the
fluid system flowing through the cavity; at least one magnet and at
least one power solenoid wherein the at least one magnet or the at
least one power solenoid is coupled to the turbine, wherein a
relative rotational movement of the at least one magnet over the at
least one power solenoid generates an alternating electrical
current; a current rectifier configured to rectify the generated
alternating electrical current; a capacitor configured to be
charged by the rectified current; a control unit configured to
discharge the capacitor via at least one actuating solenoid having
an actuating magnet located therethrough, responsive to a control
signal; and at least one valve plunger each coupled to the
respective at least one actuating solenoid or to the at least one
actuating magnet and configured to close or open a valve of the
fluid system responsive to displacement of the actuating solenoid
or the actuating magnet due to the control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a better understanding of embodiments of the invention
and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will
now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings
in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections
throughout.
[0008] In the accompanying drawings:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid system, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
technique;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of an attachment to fluid system, in
accordance with and exemplary embodiment of the present
technique;
[0011] FIG. 3 a schematic illustration of the self-powered
hydroelectric system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0012] FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of different
exemplary arrangements of locationally and/or mechanically
integrated power generator and valve actuator;
[0013] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of two different
states of an exemplary self-powered system according to embodiments
of the present invention;
[0014] FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic illustrations of other exemplary
systems according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technique;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a hydroelectric system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technique;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the hydroelectric
system shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present technique;
[0018] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the hydroelectric
system shown in FIGS. 8 and 9; and
[0019] FIG. 11 is yet another perspective view of the hydroelectric
system shown in FIGS. 8-10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of
providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily
understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of
the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show
structural details of the invention in more detail than is
necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be
embodied in practice.
[0021] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried
out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0022] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a
self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the
power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to
consume minimal space. In some embodiments, same components of the
system may be used for more than one function, thus providing more
efficiency. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may
enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient system, which
may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring energy from
any external source. Therefore, the enhanced hygiene and reduced
maintenance provided by an automatic faucet may be made even more
beneficial by embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective and side views of a
hydroelectric fluid system 10, i.e., faucet, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although the faucet
10 depicted by the FIG. 1 may resemble one generally used in homes,
offices, restaurants and the like, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that the present technique may be applicable to a
variety of faucets, liquid outlets, and or other liquid delivering
devices. It may further be appreciated that the present technique
can be applied to the delivery and use of various types of liquids,
including but not limited to fluid, oil, gasoline, jet fuel, and
the like.
[0024] Accordingly, the hydroelectric faucet 10 includes a fluid
outlet/spout 12 coupled to a base 14. Further, on top of the base
14, there is disposed a handle 16, generally adapted for manual
operation of the faucet 10. As further depicted by FIG. 1, at the
tip of the fluid extension outlet 12, there is disposed an
attachable hydroelectric mechanism 18, adapted to be attached to
the spout 12, and further adapted for automatically controlling the
flow of fluid through the outlet 18 and faucet 10 in general.
[0025] As will be described further below, in an exemplary
embodiment, the hydroelectric mechanism 18 may include a miniature
hydroelectric generator having a miniature turbine actuated by
fluid flowing through fluid extension outlet 12 and, ultimately,
through the mechanism 18. As will be shown further below, the
illustrated embodiment takes advantage of the flowing fluid
produced by fluid pressure ranging between 2-6 atmospheres as the
fluid attains sufficient kinetic energy for rotating a turbine,
also part of the aforementioned hydroelectric generator. As
appreciated by those skilled in the art, such a generator can
include a turbine having hydrodynamic design for efficiently
rotating a rotor equipped with magnet or similar device (not shown)
for yielding storable energy through the stator winding. Hence,
such energy can be stored, for example, by a capacitor, from which
such energy can be used for operating the fluid system. In
addition, the capacitor can also harness the energy for an
indefinite amount of time so that it may be retrieved in the future
for further use. As will be further shown and discussed below, the
aforementioned mechanism 18 may further include a sensor for
generally detecting the presence of an object located near or in
the vicinity of the facet 10. Thus, when detecting such a presence,
the sensor can be used to provide feedback signals to a control
unit for actuating a valve that could, for example, initiate or
terminate the flow of fluid through the faucet 10. Thus, the
sensor, the control unit and/or the valve may be functionally
powered through the hydroelectric energy obtained by the faucet 10
and the system 18. As described in detail below, according to some
embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and
the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated
to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling
the flow and/or heat of fluid.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, a fluid system 30 is fitted with a
hydroelectric system 34 adapted for converting fluid flowing though
the outlet 12 and tip 32 into electrical power. As described above,
such hydroelectric power obtained by a hydroelectric generator
disposed within the system 34 can be used mainly for operating a
control unit and/or a sensor, the sensor is adapted to provide
feedback signals to the control unit for controlling the operation
of the fluid system 30. Thus, the sensor and the control unit
disposed within the unit 34 draw their operating energy from the
hydroelectric power provided by the fluid flowing through the
hydroelectric system 34.
[0027] Accordingly, while the attachment system 34 is similar the
hydroelectric system 18, described by FIG. 1, the system 34 is an
independent unit that is separable from the faucet 30. Hence, the
system 34 can be fitted onto the tip 32 of system 30 so that it can
operate as an integral part of the system 30. In fact, the
attachment system 34 can be adapted in a manner that would enable a
retrofitting of the system 34 onto wide variety of faucets and/or
other fluid outlets or pipes. Such retrofitting could be achieved
by having screwing, clamping, or otherwise pressurizing the
hydroelectric system onto the spout 32 of fluid system 30.
[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a
self-powered system for controlling fluid consumption, wherein the
power production and the fluid flow control are integrated to
consume minimal space. Therefore, some embodiments of the present
invention may enable arrangement of a very compact and efficient
system, which may reduce the consumption of fluid without requiring
energy from any external source.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, which is a schematic illustration of
the self-powered hydroelectric system 34 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to some
embodiments of the present invention, the hydroelectric system and
the control unit may be mechanically and/or locationally integrated
to enable a very compact and efficient arrangement for controlling
the flow and/or heat of fluid. The hydroelectric mechanism 34
includes a casing 40 adapted for housing multiple internal units of
hydroelectric system 34 as described further below. The casing 40
also includes openings 42 and 44, whereby the opening 42 is adapted
to be affixed to or incorporated with a fluid outlet, such as those
shown by FIGS. 1 and 2 described herein. As shown by fluid flow
arrows 46, the opening 42 is further adapted to receive incoming
fluid from the faucet tip, i.e., fluid tips 18 or 32, for enabling
the fluid 46 to traverse through the system 34 and out the opening
44.
[0030] Hydroelectric system 34 includes a cavity 56, through which
the incoming fluid 46 from opening 42 may flow towards opening 44.
Further, Hydroelectric system 34 includes a valve or valves 50, an
electromagnet actuator (or actuators) 52, control unit 54, a
miniature hydroelectric generator 58 and a sensor 60.
[0031] Valve or valves 50 may include, for example, one or more
plungers, and/or may be coupled to an electromagnet actuator 52.
Accordingly, valve 50 may be actuated by electromagnet 52 for
opening or closing the fluid path extending from the opening 42 to
the cavity 56. Further, in some embodiments of the present
invention, valve(s) 50 may be actuated by electromagnet (or
electromagnet) 52 to control the intensity of the flow of fluid
and/or the heat of the fluid, e.g. by enabling different
intensities of cold and hot fluid. As described in detail herein,
electromagnet(s) 52 may be operated by control unit 54, for example
in response to signals received from a sensor 60.
[0032] Hydroelectric generator 58 may be located within cavity 56,
for example in the surrounding periphery of valve 50 and/or
locationally integrated with valve 50. The hydroelectric generator
58 may include a turbine, typically made up of a central cylinder
59 (or a shaft) and rotating blades 57 that extend radially from
cylinder 59. When fluid 46 flows down through cavity 56, the flow
of fluid may hit blades 57 and cause rotation of turbine 57. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that various turbine and blade
designs may be fabricated so that sufficient rotational speed of
the blades 57 may be achieved for producing a suitable amount of
energy which can further be harnessed and used when needed. In one
exemplary embodiment, fluid pressure ranging between 2-6
atmospheres may be sufficient enough for producing the desired
liquid flow to attain the needed electrical power for operating the
system 34. Nonetheless, the present invention may be extended to
include hydroelectric generators and turbines having other designs
that could make use of varying liquid pressure, some of which may
be higher or lower than those mentioned above.
[0033] As described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C,
the hydroelectric generator 58 may further include miniature or
small rotator and stator and/or a small magnet for enabling the
production of electrical energy resulting from the mechanical
rotational energy obtained by the blades 57 as they rotate. The
resulting produced electrical energy may be stored in an
accumulator, for example, a capacitor 53 that may be included in
control unit 54 or in another location within system 34, and may be
used in some embodiments of the present invention to power sensor
60, control unit 54 and/or the actuation of valve 50 by actuator(s)
52. It should further be borne in mind that, while the illustrated
mechanism 34 in general and, the hydroelectric generator 58 in
particular, mainly exploit the gravitational fall of the fluid to
produce energy, the aforementioned systems can also be used to
exploit liquid flow produced via pressure changes occurring along a
pipe or other fluid delivery pathways experiencing pressure
changes, some of which may be caused by artificial means, such as
pumps and the like. The hydroelectric generator 58 may further be
built using a different technique, such as using piezoelectric
mechanism to produce electrical power from the fluid flow
throughout the hydroelectric system 34.
[0034] Sensor 60 may be disposed at the bottom of the housing 40,
for example close to the bottom opening 44. Sensor 60 may be a
general sensor, such as an infrared sensor, CMOS sensor, image
sensor, pressure sensor, touch sensor, electrostatic sensor and/or
any similar device, as appreciated by those skilled in the art.
Sensor 60 may be arranged in several separate sensor units around
the hydroelectric system 34. Sensor 60 is adapted to detect the
presence of an object, or lack thereof, and provide corresponding
signals to the control unit 54 for closing or opening the valve(s)
50, thereby controlling the flow and/or temperature of fluid
through the system 34 and the faucet, i.e., faucets 18 and 30 of
the above FIGS. 1 and 2, to which the system 34 is attached.
[0035] Accordingly, the control unit 54 may be made up of a
processing device, such as an FPGA, microcontroller and/or other
solid state devices, adapted for executing certain algorithms based
on reception of electrical signals from the sensor 60. The control
unit may further employ such algorithms for actuating the valve(s)
50 by actuator(s) 52, thereby controlling the flow of fluid 46
through the device 34 and the faucet to which it is affixed and/or
temperature of fluid 46 corning out of the device. It should be
born in mind that actuator(s) 52, control unit 54 and sensor 60 may
all be powered by the electricity stored in the capacitor obtained
through the operation of the hydroelectric generator 58. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the electrical energy
obtained from the hydroelectric generator can be stored using a
capacitor and that such energy can be retrieved at any point in
time from the capacitor.
[0036] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-4C, which are schematic
illustrations of different exemplary arrangements 400a, 400b and
400c of locationally and/or mechanically integrated hydroelectric
generator 58 and valve actuator 52. As shown in FIG. 4A, exemplary
arrangement 400a may include coils 200 and magnets 59 on the main
rotor 50, which may be included in hydroelectric generator 58
described herein. Magnets 59 may be located on, for example on
central cylinder 50 (also shown in FIG. 3). When the flow of fluid
causes hydroelectric generator turbine 58 to rotate, magnets 59
that rotate together with central cylinder 50, then the
transformation coils 200/202 may transform the rotational magnetic
field, to electric power. Coils 200/202 may transmit the created
electric power to capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric
energy. Additionally, exemplary arrangement 400a may include valve
plunger 53 attached to the cylinder 50 and electromagnet actuator
52. Valve plunger 53 may be moveably located within cylinder 50,
and/or may be actuated to move along the longitudinal axis of
cylinder 50. When a suitable signal is received from sensor 60,
control unit 54 may operate actuator 52 to move valve plunger 53,
to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more
detail herein. For example, control unit 54 may transmit electric
current through electromagnet 52, thus creating a magnetic field
that may cause plunger 53 to move.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4B, another exemplary arrangement 400b may
include magnets 204 on cylinder 59a, which may rotate together with
hydroelectric generator turbine 58. Magnets 204 may be arranged on
cylinder 59a around electromagnet 52. When the flow of fluid causes
hydroelectric generator 58 to rotate, magnets 204 that rotate
together with central cylinder 59 may transform the rotational
motion to magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed to
electric power by electromagnet 52. Electromagnet 52 may charge
capacitor 53, e.g., transmit the created electric power to
capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric energy. When a
suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor 60, control unit
54 may operate electromagnet actuator 52 to move valve plunger 50,
to control the flow/heat of the fluid as will be described in more
detail herein. For example, control unit 54 may transmit electric
current through electromagnet 52, thus creating a magnetic field
that may cause plunger 50 to move and close the fluid path, for
example, once there is no movement/object below opening 44 sensed
by sensor 60.
[0038] In another example shown in FIG. 4C, arrangement 400c may
include rotator plate 252 and stator plate 254. Rotor plate 252 may
be integral part of hydroelectric generator 58 and/or rotate
together with turbine. On rotor plate 252, arrangement 400c may
include multiple magnets 206 in multiple locations on rotor plate
252, for example around a central cylinder 59b. Further,
arrangement 400c may include multiple electromagnets 208 to
transform the rotating magnetic field to rotating magnetic current,
for example located on stator plate 254 against or in corresponding
locations to the locations of magnets 206 on plate 252.
Additionally, arrangement 400c may include a central electromagnet
210, for example against the central cylinder 59b, at a central
cylinder 212 of plate 254 (as shown in FIG. 4C). A plunger 50, or
any of the alternative exemplary plungers 53a or any other suitable
possible plunger may extend out of plate 254 in the direction of
the fluid path(s), as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A-6C, and/or
according to the principles of operation described with reference
to these figures.
[0039] When a suitable signal is received from sensor 60, plates
252 and 254 may be adjoined, for example by gravity (for example,
plate 254 may be placed above 252) and/or by magnetic field and/or
by any other suitable method. This may cause plunger 53 to open the
fluid paths. When the flow of fluid causes hydroelectric generator
58 to rotate, magnets 206 that rotate together with turbine 57, may
provide rotating magnetic field, which in turn may be transformed
to electric power by electromagnet 208. electromagnet 208 may
charge capacitor 53, e.g., may transmit the created electric power
to capacitor 53 for storage of the created electric energy. When a
suitable signal/no signal is received from sensor 60, control unit
54 may operate electromagnet actuator 210 and/or electromagnet 208
to produce magnetic field, which may repel plate 254 from plate
252. The movement of plate 254 away from plate 252 may cause the
attached plunger 50 to close the fluid paths, thus, for example,
ceasing the rotation of turbine 57 and the production of electric
power. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of plungers 50
may be controlled by one or more electromagnet actuators 210 to
control the flow/heat of the fluid as described in more detail
herein.
[0040] In one embodiment, valve plunger 53 may only be connected to
the electromagnetic core of electromagnet actuator 210 and upon
receiving an electric signal, only electromagnet actuator 210 is
configured to open or close the faucet.
[0041] In another embodiment, plunger 53 may be connected to entire
stator 254, such that, whereupon receiving an electrical signal,
stator 254 in its entirety is displaced for opening or closing the
faucet. In this embodiment, both electromagnet 210 and magnet 59B
are eliminated.
[0042] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that
some embodiments of the present invention may include other
arrangements of electromagnet and magnets. For example,
electromagnet 210 may be used for charging of capacitor 53 and/or
electromagnet 208 may be used for creation repelling/drawing
magnetic field that may repel plate 254 from plate 252 or draw
plate 254 towards plate 252.
[0043] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are
schematic illustrations of two different states of an exemplary
self-powered system 500 according to some embodiments of the
present invention. System 500 may be at least partially similar to
system 34 described above. For example, similarly to system 34,
system 500 may include openings 42 and 44 and turbine 58 which may
function as described above. Additionally, system 500 may include a
fluid path 300 from opening 42 towards turbine 58, through path 302
and opening 304 to the cavity 56 of the turbine 58. Additionally,
system 500 may include a plunger 50a extending from stator plate
252. Plunger 50a may be a valve plunger configured for closing and
opening the fluid path 300 to allow or prevent flow of fluid from
passing towards path 302. Path 300 may include an opening 306
through which plunger 50a may be inserted perpendicularly to the
direction of flow of fluid, to block path 300. Plunger 50a may
include an aperture 350. When plunger 50a is inserted to a certain
extent into opening 306, aperture 350 may be located in path 300 in
the direction of the flow, so that the flow of fluid may go through
aperture 350 towards path 302. When inserted to another extent into
opening 50a, for example when inserted further into opening 306,
the plunger 50a may block path 300 and/or the passing of fluid
towards 302. System 500 may further include stator plates 252 and
rotor plate 254, for example in the configuration described in
detail above, although other configurations are possible according
to embodiments of the present invention. As long as no object is
detected by sensor 600, a rotating magnetic field may be created at
rotor plate 254 that repels the stator plate 254, to a position
away from stator plate 252 as shown in FIG. 5A. Plunger 50a that
extends from stator plate 252 may then close path 300 and block the
passing of fluid towards path 302. Once sensor 60 detects
movement/object below opening 44, the magnetic field on stator
plate 252 may be ceased or changed, so that stator plate 252 may
move towards rotor plate 254 to a position adjacent to/upon rotor
plate 254, as shown in FIG. 5B. When moved to this position, fluid
path 300 may be opened for flow of fluid towards path 302. Fluid
may then go through opening 304 into the cavity 56 of turbine 58
and then out of the system through opening 44. When going through
turbine 58, fluid may produce rotation of turbine 58. Magnets
attached to turbine 58 may create rotating magnetic field and
electromagnet may transform the magnetic field to electric energy
and transmit the electric energy to storage in a capacitor, as
known in the art and/or as described in detail herein above. The
energy stored in the capacitor, may then be used for the operation
and/or movement of stator plate 252 as described herein.
[0044] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6C, which are schematic
illustrations of other exemplary systems 500a, 500b and 500c
according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 6A, system 500a may include all the elements of system 500
which may function similarly to the elements described with
reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Additionally, system 50a may include
a modular plunger 50b. At least a portion of modular plunger 50b
may slide within stator plate 252, so that when rotor plate 254
moves away from stator plate 252, which remains stationary, a
portion of plunger 50b may remain adjacent to rotor plate 254. This
portion of plunger 50b may include a solenoid which may continue
and charge the capacitor even when rotor plate 254 moves away from
stator plate 252, for example as long as energy is provided by
turbine 58. When a magnetic field is applied at the solenoids of
stator plate 252, rotor plate 254 begins moving and thus also moved
plunger 50b. In some embodiments, there are several rotors and
stators and several plungers, each plunger coupled to its
respective rotor. In operation, each rotor relatively moves with
its respective plunger, thus controlling one or more flows in the
fluid system. One possible example is controlling both hot and cold
water in the same mechanism.
[0045] FIG. 6B shows an exemplary system 600c, which may enable
control of the temperature of fluid. System 600c may include, for
example further to elements already described above, two paths of
fluid 300a and 300b, one for hot fluid and one for cold fluid. Each
of paths 300a and 300b may include an opening 306a or 306b, similar
to opening 306 described above. System 600c may further include a
modular plunger, including plunger 50d and plunger 50e, which may
slide through plunger 50d. Each plunger may include an aperture
350a or 350b similar to aperture 350 describe above. Plunger 50d
may open or close path 300a, and plunger 50e may open or close path
300b, thus controlling flow and the temperature of fluid going
through path 302. Each of plungers 50d and 50e may be controlled,
for example, by a solenoid similar to solenoid 52 described herein.
The invention is not limited to two paths of different temperatures
and more paths of different temperatures and corresponding plungers
may be used.
[0046] FIG. 6C shows an exemplary system 600b, which may enable
control of the amount of fluid. System 600b may include, for
example further to elements already described above, a split fluid
path 300, split to two or more paths. In the example of FIG. 6C,
two splits are shown, although the invention is not limited in that
respect. Any suitable number of splits from path 300 may be used.
Each of the splits may include an opening 306a or 306b, similar to
opening 306 described above. System 600c may further include a
modular plunger 50c, which may include a number of modules as the
number of splits, the modules may, for example slide one within
another. Each module of plunger 50c may include an aperture 350a or
350b similar to aperture 350 describe above. Each of the modules of
plunger 50c may open or close one of the splits of path 300, thus
controlling flow and the amount of fluid going through path 302.
Each of the modules of plunger 50c may be controlled, for example,
by a solenoid similar to solenoid 52 described herein.
[0047] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a hydroelectric system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present technique.
Accordingly, block diagram 70 is a functional depiction of the
above described components included within a hydroelectric system,
such the system 34 depicted by FIG. 3. It should be borne in mind
that functional components illustrated by block diagram 70 are only
exemplary and that other components and implementations can be
realized by a hydroelectric system similar the system 34 described
above.
[0048] Thus, as illustrated by diagram 70, in a preferred
embodiment, the hydroelectric generator 58 is coupled to energy
storage unit, i.e., capacitor 57. In turn, the capacitor is then
coupled to a control unit 54, further coupled to sensor 60 and
actuator 52. Accordingly, actuator 52 is also coupled to the valve
50. Hence, in a preferred embodiment, the hydroelectric generator
56 provides electric power to capacitor 57 which, in turn, stores
and provides the power to the control unit 54. As further
illustrated, the control unit 54 distributes the power to the
actuator 52 and sensor 60, respectively. Thus, it should be born in
mind that the connections by the various components, as depicted by
the diagram 70, may include transfer of mechanical and data signals
between mechanically and electrically operating components,
respectively, as well as transfer of power signals, all of which
originate from the hydroelectric generator 58. Alternating current
created by hydroelectric generator 58 may be converted to direct
charging current as known in the art, in order to charge capacitor
57. Thus, power to the other components shown by the diagram 70 may
be provided directly by the aforementioned energy storing
devices.
[0049] Accordingly, during operation, a user wishing to open a
faucet, such as the fluid system 10 of FIG. 1 may place a hand or
other object close to the sensor 60. In so doing, the senor may
detect the presence of the user and, consequently, provide an
electrical signal to the control 54. The control 54 intakes such a
signal and perform certain processing to provide an output to
actuator 52 which, in turn, actuates the valve 50 for opening the
hydroelectric system 18 and enabling to flow through the
hydroelectric system 34. Upon removal of the user's hand or upon a
sensing, as performed by the sensor 60, that the user is no longer
in the vicinity of the faucet, the control unit 54 may instruct the
actuator 52 to actuate the valve once more, so as to close the
hydroelectric system 34 and cease the fluid flow.
[0050] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate various perspective views of a
hydroelectric system 80 in accordance with another embodiment of
the present technique. Particularly, FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective
view of the system 80, showing additional features of the
hydroelectric system, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present technique. The system 80 is a hydroelectric system
incorporated within the above discussed and illustrated systems
attachable to a fluid system, such as the hydroelectric system 10
of FIG. 1. The system 80 is made up of various components adapted
to intake a fluid, i.e., fluid, whereby the fluid can be delivered
through various components, such as those adapted to utilize motion
of the fluid for generating hydroelectric power. Accordingly, the
system 80 includes an opening 82 adapted to intake fluid flowing
from a faucet, or other piping to which the system 80 is coupled.
The intake 82 is coupled to an adjustable connector 84 adapted to
sway the system 80 through various angles for positioning the
system 80 into various desirable positions, as may occur when the
system 80 is coupled to the faucet 12. In other words, the
adjustable connector 84 can be used by a user to direct the flow of
fluid of the faucet and the attachment (e.g., attachment 34, FIG.
1) at various angles.
[0051] The system 80 further includes a tube casing 86 connecting
the members 82 and 84 to tube 88, through which the incoming fluid
flows to turn a turbine wheel and which eventually exits through
outlet 92, as further shown in FIG. 9. Further, the casing 86 is
also adapted to house a motor (not shown), such as the motor 52,
illustrated in FIG. 3. Accordingly, the motor 52 is adapted to
actuate a pinch valve 100 disposed adjacent to casing 86. As
illustrated, the pinch valve 100 is formed of a rotatable member
disposed on an axis, enabling the valve 100 to be rotated through
one or more angels. In so doing, the pinch valve 100 can be
controlled to apply pressure to the tube 88 for blocking and/or
opening the tube 88 to fluid flow. In so doing, the pinch valve 100
is adapted to control fluid flow through the system 80. As
illustrated, the tube 88 extends through a passage to connector 90,
such that the pinch valve can compress or otherwise bring about the
expansion of the tube 88 for controlling fluid flow through the
system 80. Advantageously, the pinch valve 100 is adapted to come
in contact with only the tube 88 such that the valve 100 does not
directly contact the fluid itself as it flows through the system
80. Hence, such a system enables a more clean and sterile control
of the fluid flow, one which minimizes contaminations to the fluid
or, alternatively, minimizes any corrosion or degrading effects
caused to the various portions of the system 80 as a result of
contact made by the fluid and the system 80. In addition, by not
making direct contact with the fluid passing through tube 88, the
use of the pinch valve in accordance with the present technique
further enables using the system 80 with a variety liquids having
varying degrees of chemical concentration, salinity, acidity,
mineral levels, viscosity, and/or other properties.
[0052] Furthermore, the pinch valve 100 can be controlled via the
motor 52 to apply various degrees of pressure to regulate the
amount of fluid that passes through the fluid. In turn, this
operation may also control the motion of the turbine wheel 104
(FIG. 9) in generating hydroelectric power used for powering
sensors or other devices to which the system 80 may be coupled. As
further illustrated, a stopper 98 is adjacent to pinch valve 100.
Accordingly, the stopper 98 may be adjusted in length so that
during operation, the valve 100 does not over extend and is proper
brought to a stop by the stopper 98. Hence, such operation of the
stopper 98 may minimize any unwanted or excessive movement of the
valve 100 so as to minimize or otherwise eliminate any damages to
the system that could be caused by an overextension of the valve
100. As further illustrated, the illustrated stopper 98 provides a
mechanical mechanism for controlling the movement of the valve 100.
In addition, such mechanical set up obviates the need for using any
elaborate electrical or other electro-mechanical device for
controlling the movement of the valve 100.
[0053] Further illustrated is a hydroelectric generator 96 fitted
and disposed directly beneath the casing 86 and above base member
94. In this configuration, the system 80 provides a small and
compact hydroelectric system that can be fitted within an
attachable system, i.e., system 34, adapted to be attached to a
faucet. Hence, the system 80 utilizes the fluid flowing throughout
the operating the hydroelectric systems incorporated therein for
producing power. Such power may be used for actuating certain
valves, i.e., pinch valve 100, as well as other sensing devices,
i.e., sensor 60, also adapted to control the fluid flow. Further,
the valve 100 may be continuously controlled either through the
motor 52, or control unit 54 for varying the amount of fluid
flowing through the system 80. It should be borne in mind that
control of the fluids systems, as disclosed herein is adapted to
perform various operations and functionalities. For example the
control unit 54 includes a user interface enabling adjustment of
sensitivity of the sensor 60 coupled thereto. The control unit may
further have a user interface adapted to sense fluid temperature
and provide indication of the temperature via a colored light
emitting diode (LED). By further example, the control unit has user
interface that enables manual operation of a pinch valve. Further,
the control unit has a user interface that enables final
positioning of the pinch valve for regulating the fluid flow. The
control unit has a user interface that enable sensing energy
accumulated on the capacitor resulting from the operation of the
hydrogenerator. The interface further provides indicating the
amount of energy utilizing a colored LED. The control unit further
includes an interface and sensing mechanisms adapted to provide an
indication of fluid pressure sustained with the above attachment
fluid system.
[0054] As further illustrated by FIG. 9, the hydroelectric system
80 includes a turbine housing 94 in which turbine 104 is housed.
There is also illustrated fluid outlets 102 adapted to output the
out flowing liquid as it impinges the turbine 104. In so doing, the
exiting fluid rotates the turbine 104 as sufficiently rates so that
its mechanical rotational energy transform to electrical energy, as
performed by the above hydroelectric generator. Those skilled in
the art that the turbine may be formed of different materials and
have various shapes and sizes in accordance with various known
standards and specifications for providing optimal rotational
speeds for yielding a desirable output power. As further
illustrated by FIG. 10, the system 80 includes a protective shell
106, as well as, one more sensor unit 108. The sensor units are
adapted to detect a presence of an object which can prompt the
actuation of the system 80 to provide fluid out the outlet 92. As
further illustrated by FIGS. 10 and 11, a push button guide 112 is
disposed on shell 106. The guide 112 enables manual actuation of
the valve, and some interface to change the sensor detection range
and threshold. The guide 112 is also adapted to interface with the
control unit.
[0055] Adjacent to the guide 112 there is disposed an electrical
board 114 of the control unit, having various electrical components
adapted for controlling the operation of the hydroelectric system
80. As further illustrated by FIG. 11, a capacitor 116 is disposed
on or near board 114. Hence, the capacitor 116 is adapted to
harness any electrical power resulting from the operation of the
turbine wheel 104. On top of the board 114 there is also disposed a
push button tactile switch 118, which is part of the control
unit.
* * * * *