Fluid control system, device and method

Abstract

A fluid control system, device and method are disclosed. The fluid control device is preferably configured to connect to an outlet of a fluid source. The fluid control device includes a valve, a sensor, a battery and a micro-generator. The sensor is used to measure or detect a condition and provide output signals that open and close the valve in response to a measured or detected condition. The micro-generator is positioned in a flow path of fluid and generates power from a flow of the fluid. The power generated from the micro-generator is stored in the battery and used to power later operations of the device. The device can be used for automating faucets, sprinklers and fire extinguishing equipment.

1 . A fluid control device comprising:
 a) a sensor for sensing a condition and for generating output signals based on the condition;   b) means to couple the fluid control device to a fluid source;   c) a valve coupled to the sensor, wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals from the sensor; and   d) a power generator for powering the sensor and the valve, wherein the power generator generates power from a flow of the fluid through the fluid control device.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid control device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of a photo-sensor, a thermal sensor, an electrode and a moisture sensor. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid control device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is an occupancy sensor for sensing the presence of a person in an area corresponding to a location of the fluid control device. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid control device of  claim 1 , wherein the power generator comprises a micro-generator with a magnetic core and a magnetic fly wheel that spins as the fluid flows through the fluid control device. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid control device of  claim 1 , wherein the means to couple to a fluid source includes threaded features configured to screw onto an end of a faucet. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid control device of  claim 4 , wherein the power generator further comprises a energy storage unit coupled to the micro-generator for storing energy generated by the micro-generator. 
     
     
         7 . A fluid control system comprising:
 a) means to couple to a fluid source;   b) a sensor for sensing a condition and generating output signals;   c) a valve coupled to the sensor for opening and closing in response to an output from the sensor; and   d) a micro-generator for powering at least on of the sensor and the valve, wherein the power generator generates power as fluid flows from the fluid source and through the valve and wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals.   
     
     
         8 . The fluid control system of  claim 7 , wherein the sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of a photo-sensor, an occupancy sensor, a thermal sensor, an electrode and a moisture sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid control system of  claim 7 , wherein the power generator comprises a magnetic core and a magnetic fly wheel that spins as the fluid flows through the fluid control system. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid control system of  claim 7 , further comprising a means to position a portion of the micro-generator in a flow path of the fluid source. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid control system of  claim 7 , further comprising an energy storage unit coupled to the micro-generator for storing energy generated by the micro-generator. 
     
     
         12 . A method of controlling a flow of liquid from a fluid source, the method comprising:
 a) measuring a condition;   b) automatically opening and closing a valve coupled to the fluid source based on the measured condition, thereby controlling a flow of the fluid through the valve;   c) generating power from the flow of the fluid; and   d) storing the power generated from the flow of the fluid for controlling the valve to open and close.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the condition is measured with a sensor unit. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the stored power is used to power the sensor unit. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of light, temperature, chemical composition, water content and a presence of an object. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the fluid is water. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein generating power from the flow of the fluid uses a magnetic micro-generator, a potion of which is positioned in a stream of the flow of the fluid. 
     
     
         18 . A system comprising:
 a) a least one sensor for detecting a condition and generating output signals based on the condition;   b) fluid control units coupled to a common fluid source, each of the fluid control units comprising:
 i) a valve in communication with the at least one sensor; 
 ii) a power generator for powering the valve; and 
 iii) means for securing the valve and a portion of the power generator in a flow path of the common fluid source, 
 wherein the power generator generates power to open and close the valve in the flow path of the common fluid source and wherein the valve opens and closes in response to the output signals from the at least one sensor. 
   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one sensor is a sensor selected from the group consisting of a photo-sensor, a thermal sensor, an electrode and a moisture sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the power generator is coupled to the at least on sensor and provides power to the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the power generator comprises a magnetic core and a magnetic flywheel that spins as the fluid flows through the fluid control units. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the means for securing the valve and a portion of the power generator in a flow path of the common fluid source includes a pipe fitting. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising an energy storage unit coupled to the power generator for storing energy generated by the power generator. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the valve is in communication with the at least one sensor by a wireless communication means.