Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a water overflow management system and particularly to a gravity-triggered overflow management system.
Description of Related Art
[002] Water management is a crucial aspect of modern residential and commercial infrastructure. Overhead water storage tanks are commonly used worldwide to ensure an uninterrupted water supply in buildings. These tanks are typically filled either manually or through automated pumping systems, depending on the availability of water supply and user preferences.
[003] One of the persistent challenges in water storage management is the occurrence of overflow, which leads to significant water wastage. In many cases, water spills from the overhead tank due to the lack of timely monitoring, mechanical failures, or the absence of efficient control mechanisms. This results in not only the loss of valuable water resources but also potential structural damage, surface slipperiness, and public inconvenience. The discharged water often drains onto streets or open areas, contributing to environmental concerns such as waterlogging and erosion.
[004] Various solutions have been developed over time to address this issue. Traditional methods include the use of mechanical float valves, which physically stop water inflow once the tank reaches a certain level. While effective, these systems lack adaptability for advanced water management and do not provide alerts or enable sustainable redirection of overflow water.
[005] In response to growing concerns over water conservation, automatic water level controllers have been introduced. These systems rely on sensors to detect water levels within the tank and control the motor accordingly. However, these solutions are often expensive, require a consistent power supply, and may involve complex installations. Furthermore, many such systems primarily focus on preventing overflow by turning off the water supply but do not address the potential reuse of excess water.
[006] Smart water management systems incorporating IoT technology have emerged as a modern alternative, allowing remote monitoring and control of water levels through mobile applications. While technologically advanced, these solutions are cost-intensive and dependent on internet connectivity and electrical power, making them less viable for widespread adoption in areas with unreliable infrastructure.
[007] Despite these existing solutions, a significant gap remains in providing an affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable approach to managing overflow water. An ideal system should minimize dependency on electricity, allow seamless integration with existing water storage systems, and facilitate the reuse of excess water, ultimately contributing to better water conservation practices.
[008] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced gravity-triggered overflow management system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a gravity-triggered overflow management system. The system comprising an overflow pipe, connected to an overhead tank. The overflow pipe is configured to channel excess water from the overhead tank to a ground-level discharge point using gravitational force. The system further comprising an overflow unit installed at the ground-level discharge point to detect the presence of overflow water. The system further comprising a solenoid valve connected to the overflow pipe. An actuation of the solenoid valve redirects the overflown water to an excess water storage facility. The system further comprising a controller communicatively connected to the overflow unit. The controller is configured to receive the detected presence of the overflow water from the overflow unit; actuate the solenoid valve to redirect the overflown water to the excess water storage facility; and activate an alert unit to notify a user.
[0010] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for water conservation using a gravity-triggered overflow management system. The method comprising steps of receiving a detected presence of overflow water from an overflow unit; actuating a solenoid valve to redirect the overflown water to an excess water storage facility; and activating an alert unit to notify a user, and deactivating a pump to stop pumping of water in an overhead tank.
[0011] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a gravity-triggered overflow management system.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an overflow management system that is energy-efficient and cost-effective.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an overflow management system that features automated water redirection for sustainability.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide an overflow management system that orchestrates user notification and control flexibility.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a gravity-triggered overflow management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for water conservation using the gravity-triggered overflow management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a gravity-triggered overflow management system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to monitor a filling of water in an overhead tank 102. The overhead tank 102 may have a capacity in a range from 1500 litres (l) to 2500 litres (l), having dimensions in a range from 1.3 meter (m) by 1.4 meter (m) to 1.5 meter (m) by 1.6 meter (m). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, overhead tank 102 may have a capacity of 2000 litres (l) with dimensions of 1.4 meter (m) by 1.5 meter (m). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any capacity and dimensions of the overhead tank 102.
[0025] The system 100 may further be adapted to manage the filling the water in the overhead tank 102 by non-invasive activation or deactivation of a motor 104 that may be adapted to pump water in the overhead tank 102. The system 100 may be installed in a premise such as, but not limited to, homes, apartments, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the premise, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] The system 100 may comprise an overflow pipe 106, a ground-level discharge point 108, an excess water storage facility 110, an overflow unit 112, a solenoid valve 114, a controller 116, and an alert unit 118.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow pipe 106 may be connected to the overflow pipe 106. The overflow pipe 106 may be configured to channel excess water from the overhead tank 102 to a ground-level discharge point 108. The channelization of the excess water from the overhead tank 102 to the ground-level discharge point 108 may be carried out using gravitational force. The overflow pipe 106 may be constructed of a Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) material.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the ground-level discharge point 108 may be a small water station means that may be constructed on a ground-level. The ground-level discharge point 108 may be arranged on the overflow pipe 106 connecting the overhead tank 102 and the excess water storage facility 110.
[0029] The ground-level discharge point 108 may be adapted to receive the excess water from the overhead tank 102. The construction of the ground-level discharge point 108 on the ground-level may ensure a receipt of the water upon overfilling of the overhead tank 102. Furthermore, presence of water in the ground-level discharge point 108 may ensure a complete filling of the overhead tank 102.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the excess water storage facility 110 may be adapted to store water in large quantities that may be supplied to homes, societies, and so forth. The excess water storage facility 110 may be adapted to receive excess water from the overhead tank 102. The excess water storage facility 110 may be adapted to receive water that may be supplied by municipalities or government bodies. Further, the water stored in the excess water storage facility 110 may be pumped into the overhead tank 102 using the motor 104.
[0031] The excess water storage facility 110 may have a capacity in a range from 4500 liters (l) to 9000 liters (l), having dimensions in a range from 1.5 meters (m) by 1.5 meters (m) by 2 meters (m) to 3 meters (m) by 2 meters (m) by 1.5 meters (m). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any capacity and dimensions of the excess water storage facility 110. The excess water storage facility 110 may be, but not limited to, a rainwater harvesting pit, an underground sump, a deep-bore, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the excess water storage facility 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the overflow unit 112 may be installed at the ground-level discharge point 108. The overflow unit 112 may be adapted to detect the presence of overflow water from the overhead tank 102. The overflow unit 112 may comprise a sensor, such as, but not limited to, a flow sensor, a water-level sensor, a moisture sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sensor, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solenoid valve 114 may be connected to the overflow pipe 106. The actuation of the solenoid valve 114 may redirect the overflown water to the excess water storage facility 110. The solenoid valve 114 may be an electronically activated valve that may be activated upon receipt of electronic signals from the controller 116.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 116 may be communicatively connected to the overflow unit 112. The controller 116 may be configured to receive the detected presence of the overflow water from the overflow unit 112. The controller 116 may be configured to actuate the solenoid valve 114 to redirect the overflown water to the excess water storage facility 110. The controller 116 may be configured to activate the alert unit 118 to notify a user. The controller 116 may be configured to deactivate the pump upon the detected presence of the overflow water at the ground-level discharge point 108. The controller 116 may be, but not limited to, an Arduino, a Raspberry Pi, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the controller 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert unit 118 may be installed in an audible proximity of the user. The alert unit 118 may be adapted to provide an audible alert to the user. The audible alert may indicate the overflow of the water from the overhead tank 102. An activation of the alert unit 118 may indicate that the overhead tank 102 may be full and the motor 104 should be deactivated. Furthermore, an automated deactivation of the alert unit 118 may indicate that the motor 104 has been deactivated by the controller 116. However, a continuous and uninterrupted activation of the alert unit 118 may indicate a requirement of a manual intervention for deactivation of the motor 104.
[0036] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for water conservation using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] At step 202, the system 100 may receive the detected presence of the overflow water from the overflow unit 112.
[0038] At step 204, the system 100 may actuate the solenoid valve 114 to redirect the overflown water to the excess water storage facility 110.
[0039] At step 206, the system 100 may activate the alert unit 118 to notify the user.
[0040] At step 208, the system 100 may deactivate the pump to stop pumping the water in the overhead tank 102.
[0041] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0042] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A gravity-triggered overflow management system (100), the system (100) comprising:
an overflow pipe (106), connected to an overhead tank (102), wherein the overflow pipe (106) is configured to channel excess water from the overhead tank (102) to a ground-level discharge point (108) using gravitational force;
an overflow unit (112) installed at the ground-level discharge point (108) to detect the presence of overflow water;
a solenoid valve (114) connected to the overflow pipe (106), wherein an actuation of the solenoid valve (114) redirects the overflown water to an excess water storage facility (110); and
a controller (116) communicatively connected to the overflow unit (112), characterized in that the controller (116) is configured to:
receive the detected presence of the overflow water from the overflow unit (112);
actuate the solenoid valve (114) to redirect the overflown water to the excess water storage facility (110); and
activate an alert unit (118) to notify a user.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (116) is configured to deactivate a pump upon the detected presence of the overflow water at the ground-level discharge point (108).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a motor (104) adapted to pump water in the overhead tank (102).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the excess water storage facility (110) is selected from a rainwater harvesting pit, an underground sump, a deep-bore, or a combination thereof
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alert unit (118) is adapted to provide an audible alert to the user.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overflow unit (112) comprises a sensor selected from a flow sensor, a water-level sensor, a moisture sensor, or a combination thereof.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (116) is selected from an Arduino, a Raspberry Pi, or a combination thereof.
8. A method (200) for water conservation using a gravity-triggered overflow management system (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
receiving a detected presence of overflow water from an overflow unit (112);
actuating a solenoid valve (114) to redirect the overflown water to an excess water storage facility (110);
activating an alert unit (118) to notify a user; and
deactivating a pump to stop pumping of water in an overhead tank (102).
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the excess water storage facility (110) is selected from a rainwater harvesting pit, an underground sump, a deep-bore, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the overflow unit (112) comprises a sensor selected from a flow sensor, a water-level sensor, a moisture sensor, or a combination thereof.
Date: March 11, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant