Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a rainwater filtering and storage system that is capable of providing an efficient solution for rainwater harvesting and filtration, automated maintenance and monitoring, and convenient and sustainable water management, thereby reduces dependence on municipal water supply and minimizing user intervention, while sustainable practices recharge groundwater, making it an ideal solution for eco-friendly water management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The world is facing a growing water crisis, with increasing demands for clean water and dwindling supplies. As the global population continues to rise, the need for sustainable and efficient water management systems has become more pressing than ever. Rainwater harvesting, which involves collecting and storing rainwater for later use, has emerged as a promising solution to this problem.

[0003] Traditional methods of rainwater harvesting have been practiced for centuries, with people using simple techniques such as collecting rainwater in barrels or ponds. However, these methods have several drawbacks. For example, they often require significant manual labor and can be time-consuming to maintain. Additionally, the water collected through these methods may not be safe for drinking or other uses, as it can be contaminated with pollutants and debris.

[0004] WO2009133405A1 discloses a system for harvesting the rainwater collected from the roof of a building, comprising, a number of rainwater collectors connected to a guttering attached to the roof; a storage tank; and a feed system connecting the rainwatercollectors to the storage tank; wherein the feed system comprises a common pumping system connected to the collectors; each rainwater collector comprises a sensor for detecting when a predetermined level of rainwater has been collected; and the feed system comprises means for operating the common pumping system so as to transfer water from the collectors to the storage tank only while the amount of water in each of the collectors is greater than or equal to the predetermined level.

[0005] CN202658659U discloses a utility model provides a rainwater collecting and filtering device. The rainwater collecting and filtering device is arranged at the periphery of a rainwater sewer in a sleeved manner, and an exit is formed at the lower part of an existing sewer pipe, so that rainwater can flow into the rainwater collecting and filtering device for filtering and storage; a filtering net bag is arranged at the lower part of the exit of the sewer pipe, and is used for containing foreign matters, so that the foreign matters cannot be mixed in water, and are convenient to clean and process; and according to the rainwater collecting and filtering device provided by the utility model, the rainwater can be collected, filtered and stored for use, and therefore water resources are saved.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many system that are capable of harvesting rain water, however these existing systems are incapable of minimizing dependency in the municipal, manual intervention and time consumption. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of being sustainable water management by recharging groundwater.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be offering a solution for eco-friendly water management by integrating efficient rainwater harvesting and filtration with automated maintenance and sustainable practices.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing an efficient way to collect, filter, and store rainwater for various uses, reducing the dependence on municipal water supply.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of ensures minimal user intervention by automating tasks such as monitoring and replacing worn-out parts, and tracking water levels.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling users to easily manage rainwater harvesting and filtration, while also contributing to sustainable water management practices by recharging groundwater.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a rainwater filtering and storage system that is capable of offering am efficient approach to managing rainwater, combining automated maintenance and monitoring with sustainable practices that reduce reliance on municipal water supplies and minimize user involvement, ultimately providing an eco-friendly solution for water management.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rainwater filtering and storage system, comprising a computing unit installed with a user interface enables authorized persons to provide location, population, and water consumption input, a microcontroller associated with the system analyzes user input, accesses a database, and fetches weather history data for the specified location, based on user input and weather history, the microcontroller evaluates the appropriate dimensions for a cylindrical-shaped housing, a communication module integrated with the microcontroller establishes a wireless connection with the computing unit to transmit the evaluated dimensions, the microcontroller sends the evaluated dimensions to the computing unit, enabling the authorized person to dig a hole and install the housing, a motorized spiral-shaped sliding unit installed over the outer periphery of the housing provides translation to a flap to remove debris, a rain sensor integrated with the housing monitors rainfall, triggering the motorized lid to open and collect rainwater, the collected rainwater flows into a first compartment, where it is filtered through a layer of sand, rocks, and charcoal, the filtered water then passes into a second compartment, where it undergoes additional filtration by a filter and is stored.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed system further comprises of a microphone mapped over the housing receives voice commands, prompting a pump to propel water through an electronic nozzle, a plurality of pneumatic pins configured with the flap extend to remove debris, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed within the second compartment captures and processes images of the filter to determine its condition, a robotic arm installed within the second compartment detaches a deteriorated filter and replaces it with a new one from a chamber, a level sensors integrated in each of the first and second compartments monitor the water level, transmitting data to the computing unit, a motorized iris lid installed at the base portion of the housing dispenses filtered water to recharge underground water via an extendable pipe.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cylindrical shaped housing associated with a rainwater filtering and storage system; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of a cylindrical shaped housing associated with the proposed system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a rainwater filtering and storage system that is capable of streamlining rainwater management, minimizing user intervention while maximizing sustainability and reducing reliance on municipal water supplies.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a perspective view of a cylindrical shaped housing associated with a rainwater filtering and storage system and an internal view of a cylindrical shaped housing associated with the proposed system are illustrated, comprising a cylindrical shaped housing 101, a motorized spiral shaped sliding unit 102 installed over outer periphery of the housing 101, a flap 103 configured with the sliding unit 102, the flap 103 is configured with plurality of pneumatic pins 104, a motorized lid 105 hinged with an opening 106 crafted over apex portion of the housing 101, a first compartment 201 configured within the housing 101, a second compartment 211 arranged beneath the first compartment 201, plurality of holes arranged at the bottom portion of the first compartment 201, a filter 202 is configured within the second compartment 211, a pump 203 installed within the second compartment 211 with an electronic nozzle 204 installed over the housing 101 and connected via a conduit 205, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 206 installed within the second compartment 211, a robotic arm 207 installed within the second compartment 211, multiple clippers 208 arranged over inner periphery of the second compartment 211, a chamber 209 stored with new filters arranged within the second compartment 211, a motorized iris lid 210 installed at base portion of the housing 101 and an extendable pipe 107 installed at the base portion.

[0023] The system disclosed herein, comprises of a cylindrical shaped housing 101, which serves as a main structure of the system and developed to be placed at a user-specified location as per their requirement. The process begins where the user provide input details regarding location, population of the location and associated water consumption, on a user interface inbuilt in a computing of the user, wherein the computing unit wirelessly associated with the system. The population and water consumption information is used to identify which location requires installation of rain water harvesting.

[0024] The provided input received by a microcontroller, which is also associated with the system to process the provided commands. The microcontroller linked with the computing unit through communication module, which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0025] In order to process, the microcontroller access an inbuilt database to fetch information about weather history of the location. As the microcontroller fetches the history it accordingly analyzes appropriate dimensions of the housing 101 for installing at the location and accordingly send it to the computing unit to allow the user dug a hole as per evaluated dimensions and position the housing 101 accordingly.

[0026] Based on provided input of the user via the computing unit, the microcontroller actuates a motorized spiral shaped sliding unit 102 installed at outer periphery of the housing 101 to provide translation to a flap 103 installed with the sliding unit 102 to remove debris in path of the housing 101 to enable smooth insertion of the housing 101 in the hole, wherein the flap 103 is equipped with multiple pneumatic pins 104, get extend and retract for removing debris.

[0027] The pins 104 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the pins 104. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure. The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the pins 104. The piston is attached to the pins 104 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the pins 104 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber 209, the piston pushes the pins 104 to the desired length for removing the debris.

[0028] The motorized sliding unit 102 consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the smooth translation of the flap 103 for removing debris in path to get smoothly into the hole.

[0029] A rain sensor installed with the housing 101 to detect presence of rain in the surroundings. The rain sensor used herein is a capacitive rain sensor that measures changes in capacitance caused by the presence of water droplets. The rain sensor consists of a sensitivity adjustment feature to fine-tune its responsiveness to different rain intensities. This ensures adaptability to varying weather conditions. The rain sensor continuously monitors the presence of rainfall and generates electrical signals or data based on the detected rain. The data from the rain sensor is continuously monitored by the microcontroller and the microcontroller analyzes the rainfall.

[0030] In case of detection of rain, the microcontroller actuates a motorized lid 105 hinged with an opening 106 crafted over apex portion of the housing 101 to open for enabling the rainwater to get collected into the housing 101. The motorized lid 105 is typically composed of a circular flap 103, which is suitable to housing 101’s mouth portion. The microcontroller sends signals to the motor of the motorized lid 105 to rotate or moves the flap 103 to open the housing 101.

[0031] As the housing 101 get open the rainwater get collected into the housing 101 through the opening 106, wherein the housing 101 segregated into two compartments, which is first compartment 201 and second compartment 211. The first compartment 201 receives the collected rain water and filter the collected water through sand, rocks and charcoal layered at bottom portion of the first compartment 201. The filtered water get dispensed into the second compartment 211 through multiple holes carved at the bottom portion of the first compartment 201.

[0032] As the filtered water reaches the second compartment 211, it contacts with a filter, which is configured inside the second compartment 211 to filter the received water again and store at bottom portion of the second compartment 211. In case the user required to the filtered water to utilize, a microphone mounted over the housing 101 to allow the user to provide voice commands regarding requirement of the filtered water.

[0033] The microphone plays a crucial role by converting spoken words or commands into electrical signals which are then processed and analyzed to trigger specific actions. When the user speaks or commands for requirement of the filtered water, their vocal cords vibrate, creating sound waves. These sound waves travel through the air as variations in air pressure. The microphone mentioned herein is a transducer that converts these variations in air into electric signals.

[0034] The analog electrical signal is converted into digital form which is done by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then subjected to various signal processing techniques to enhance voice quality and eliminate noise. The microcontroller then converts the signal into specific commands and actuates a pump 203 arranged inside the second compartment 211 to pressurize the water towards an electronic nozzle 204 mounted over the housing 101 via a conduit 205 to release the water. In an embodiment, separate nozzles and pipes may be connected to the pump for delivery into various houses/offices.

[0035] The electronic nozzle 204 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity. Upon actuation of nozzle 204 by the microcontroller, the pump 203 pressurizes the water, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be dispensed out with a high force.

[0036] An artificial intelligence based imaging unit 206 arranged inside the second compartment 211 and synced with a color sensor for capturing and processing images of the filter 202 to determine condition of the filter. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 206 is constructed with a camera lens and a processor, wherein the camera lens is adapted to capture a series of images of the filter. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operations including pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The image captured by the imaging unit 206 is real-time images of the filter. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 206 transmits the captured image signal in the form of digital bits to the microcontroller.

[0037] Synchronously, the color sensor emits a light, usually a white light onto the filter. The fender reflects the white light, and the color sensor captures the reflected light. The color sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light across different wavelengths to determine the filter’s condition. By comparing the intensity values, the color sensor classifies the color of the filter. The microcontroller receives data from both the color sensor and imaging and processes the data to assess the condition of the filter.

[0038] In case the detected condition related to deteriorated filter, the microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 207 mounted inside the second compartment 211 to grip and detach the deteriorated filter 202 from multiple clippers 208 located at inner periphery of the second compartment 211. The robotic arm 207 typically consists of two opposing arms 207 or fingers that mimic a human hand-gripping motion.

[0039] These arm 207 are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility. The robotic arm 207 design incorporates springs to securely hold the filter 202 to detach it from the clippers 208. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the robotic arm’s 207 movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and grip the filter.

[0040] The motors are connected to the gripper arm 207 through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allowing for controlled gripping of the filter 202 and replace it with new filter stored in a chamber 209 arranged with the second compartment 211 by engaging the new filter with the clippers 208 for accommodating the new filter in the second compartment 211.

[0041] A level sensor installed at the first and second compartment 211 to detect level of the rainwater in each of the compartment. The level sensor typically emits high-frequency sound waves towards the compartments. The level sensor measures the time taken by the sound waves to bounce back which is used to calculate the distance to the water surface. The microcontroller interprets the sensor’s output converts it into meaningful information such as water level in inches.

[0042] The microcontroller linked with the level sensor continuously monitors the level sensor’s output and compares the output with the pre-determined threshold value. When the detected level of water present in the surroundings exceeds the threshold value the microcontroller activates a motorized iris lid 210 arranged at base portion of the housing 101 to release the filtered water accumulated in the second compartment 211 to the ground through as extendable pipe 107 arranged in continuation of the lid 105 to recharge underground water.

[0043] The motorized iris lid 210 is typically composed of a series of thin, overlapping blades or petals arranged in a circular or hexagonal pattern. The microcontroller sends signals to the motor of the motorized iris lid 210 to regulate the flow of water from the second compartment 211. The motor then rotates or moves the iris blades to open the iris lid 210 to the desired position and as the motorized iris lid 210 opens the water are dispensed in the ground to recharge the water.

[0044] A battery is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery use a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0045] The present invention works best in following manner, where the process begins with the computing unit that allows authorized individuals to input location, population, and water consumption data through the user interface, in order to compute which location requires the water harvesting mechanism. This data is then transmitted to the microcontroller, which analyzes the input and accesses the database to retrieve weather history data for the specified location. Based on the user input and weather history, the microcontroller evaluates the optimal dimensions for the cylindrical-shaped housing 101 to be installed at the specified location. The evaluated dimensions are then transmitted to the computing unit, enabling the authorized person to dig the hole and install the housing 101. Once the housing 101 is installed, the rain sensor integrated with the housing 101 monitors rainfall and triggers the opening 106 of the motorized lid 105 to collect rainwater. The collected rainwater flows into the first compartment 201, where it is filtered through the layer of sand, rocks, and charcoal. The filtered water then passes into the second compartment 211, where it undergoes additional filtration by the filter 202 and is stored. The level sensor integrated in each compartment monitors the water level, transmitting data to the computing unit. When the user requires filtered water, they can issue the voice command to the microphone mapped over the housing 101. The microphone receives the voice command and prompts the pump 203 to propel water through the electronic nozzle 204. The system also includes the maintenance mechanism, where the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 206 captures and processes images of the filter 202 to determine its condition. If the filter 202 is deteriorated, the robotic arm 207 detaches and replaces it with the new one from the chamber 209. Finally, the motorized iris lid 210 installed at the base portion of the housing 101 dispenses filtered water to recharge underground water via the extendable pipe 107 in case the level of water within the housing exceeds the threshold level, completing the system's cycle.

[0046] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A rainwater filtering and storage system, comprising:

i) a computing unit installed with an user interface that is accessed by an authorized person to provide input regarding location, population in said location and associated water consumption;
ii) a microcontroller associated with said system and wirelessly connected with said computing unit analyzes user input and accordingly access an associated database to fetch information regarding weather history of said location, wherein based on said user input and fetched weather history said microcontroller accordingly evaluates appropriate dimensions of a cylindrical shaped housing 101 to be installed at said user–specified location;
iii) a communication module integrated with said microcontroller to establish a wireless connection between said microcontroller and computing unit, wherein said microcontroller via said communication module sends said evaluated dimensions to said computing unit to enable said user to dig a hole of corresponding dimensions at said user–specified location and place said housing 101 of said evaluated dimensions over said hole;
iv) a motorized spiral shaped sliding unit 102 installed over outer periphery of said housing 101 and actuated by said microcontroller based on input of said person via said computing unit, wherein said sliding unit 102 actuated to provide translation to a flap 103 configured with said sliding unit 102 to remove debris in path of said housing 101 to enable insertion of said housing 101 in said hole;
v) a rain sensor integrated with said housing 101 to monitor presence of rain in said surroundings, wherein in case of detection of rain, said microcontroller actuates a motorized lid 105 hinged with an opening 106 crafted over apex portion of said housing 101 to open for enabling said rainwater to get collected into said housing 101;
vi) a first compartment 201 configured within said housing 101 and arranged in continuation to said opening 106 to receive said collected rain water, wherein bottom portion of said first compartment 201 is layered with sand, rocks and charcoal to filter said collected water;
vii) a second compartment 211 arranged beneath said first compartment 201 to receive said filtered water by means of plurality of holes arranged at said bottom portion of said first compartment 201, wherein a filter 202 is configured within said second compartment 211 to filter said received water again and store at bottom portion of said second compartment 211; and
viii) a microphone mapped over said housing 101 to receive voice command of a user regarding requirement of said filtered water, wherein said microcontroller based on user-input actuates a pump 203 installed within said second compartment 211 to propel said water towards an electronic nozzle 204 installed over said housing 101 and connected via a conduit 205 to dispense said water via said nozzle 204.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flap 103 is configured with plurality of pneumatic pins 104 that actuates to extend and translate in contact with inner periphery of said hole to remove said debris.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 206 installed within said second compartment 211 and synced with a color sensor for capturing and processing images of said filter 202 to determine condition of said filter.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1 and 3, wherein in case said detected condition corresponds to deteriorated filter, said microcontroller actuates a robotic arm 207 installed within said second compartment 211 to detach said deteriorated filter 202 from multiple clippers 208 arranged over inner periphery of said second compartment 211 gripping edge of said deteriorated filter.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1 and 4, wherein a chamber 209 stored with new filters arranged within said second compartment 211 and accessed by said arm 207 to withdraw one of said new filter from said chamber 209 and engage with said clippers 208 to deploy said filter 202 within said second compartment 211.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is integrated in each of said first and second compartment 211 to monitor level of said rainwater in each of said chamber 209 that is transmitted to said computing unit to aware said person.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1 and 6, wherein in case said detected water level in said first compartment 201 exceeds a threshold level, said microcontroller actuates a motorized iris lid 210 installed at base portion of said housing 101 to dispense said filtered water from said second compartment 211 to ground via an extendable pipe 107 installed at said base portion to recharge underground water.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.