SYSTEM AND METHOD OF WINTERIZING AND DE-WINTERIZING A STRUCTURE FOR PREVENTING WATERLINES FROM FREEZING

Abstract

The present subject matter discloses a system and method of winterizing and de-winterizing a structure in order to prevent waterlines from freezing and getting damaged. The system includes electronic valves connected to waterlines i.e., main waterline and drain line. The electronic valves include electronic ball valves. The electronic valves communicatively connect to an electronic device. A user operates the electronic device to winterize and de-winterize the structure. Winterizing includes closing the electronic valve on the main waterline that supplies water into the structure and opening and closing the electronic valve on the drain line causing the water to drain out. De-wintering includes closing the electronic valve on the drain line and opening the electronic valve on the main waterline to supply water back into the structure. Winterizing prevents the waterlines from freezing and getting damaged in cold weather conditions.

Claims

1. I claim all of the above subject matter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present subject matter will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples of the subject matter as to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter. It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. Notably, the FIGURES and examples are not meant to limit the scope of the present subject matter to a single embodiment, but other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements and, further, wherein:

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a network communications system that facilitates to winterize and de-winterize a structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic valve;

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a valve body;

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a housing;

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates electronic valves connecting the waterline;

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary scenario of providing instructions from an electronic device to control operation of electronic valves; and

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a method of winterizing and de-winterizing a structure for preventing waterlines from freezing, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed system. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed system.

[0025] In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

[0026] Although the present subject matter describes a system, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the system. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this subject matter.

[0027] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the subject matter and are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[0028] It should be understood that the present subject matter describes a system and method of winterizing and de-winterizing a structure in order to prevent waterlines from freezing and getting damaged. The system includes electronic valves connected to waterlines i.e., main waterline and drain line. The electronic valves include electronic ball valves. The electronic valves communicatively connect to an electronic device. A user operates the electronic device to winterize and de-winterize the structure. Winterizing includes closing the electronic ball valve on the main waterline that supplies water into the structure and opening and closing the electronic ball valve on the drain line causing the water to drain out. De-wintering includes closing the electronic ball valve on the drain line and opening the electronic ball valve on the main waterline to supply water back into the structure. Winterizing prevents the waterlines from freezing and getting damaged in cold weather conditions.

[0029] Various features and embodiments of a system for winterizing and de-winterizing a structure to prevent waterlines from freezing and getting damaged are explained in conjunction with the description of FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0030] In one embodiment, the present subject matter discloses a system for winterizing and de-winterizing a structure. FIG. 1 shows a high-level block diagram of an exemplary network communications system 10 that facilitates in winterizing and de-winterizing a structure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. For ease of reference, network communications system 10 is referred to as system 10 throughout the description. System 10 includes one or more electronic valves such as first electronic valve 12.1, second electronic valve 12.2, collectively referred as electronic valves 12 or simply electronic valve 12. In a preferred embodiment, electronic valve 12 includes electronic ball valve. Alternatively, electronic valve 12 may include any other electronic valve known in the art.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of electronic valve 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Electronic valve 12 includes valve body 102. Valve body 102 provides a material made of metal, hard plastic or any other material. Valve body 102 provides a rigid material capable of withstanding internal pressure of water flowing through it and external pressure and impact exerted at the outer side. Valve body 102 provides a hollow structure such a tube or pipe having size same as waterline 14. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of valve body 102. Valve body 102 encompasses rotary ball 104. Rotary ball 104 provides a material made of metal such as brass or stainless steel, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or any other material. Rotary ball 104 presents a bore or hole (not shown) at the centre. The bore may come in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, reduced bore, full bore, V-shaped bore, etc. The shape of bore is selected based on the desired flow rate of the water in waterline 14 and/or valve body 102. Rotary ball 104 rotates approximately 90 degrees around its axis within valve body 102 and controls the flow of water through the bore. Rotary ball 104 encompasses in seat rings 106. In other words, seat rings 106 surround rotary ball 104 and ensures rotary ball 104 stays in place. Further, valve body 102 includes inlet port 108 and outlet port 110. Water enters through inlet port 108, flows through the bore of rotary ball 104 (in open configuration) and exits through outlet port 110. Inlet port 108 and outlet port 110 include threaded portion 112 for connecting electronic valve 12 to waterline 14 (main waterline 204 or drain line 212). Electronic valve 12 presents stem 114 that extends from rotary ball 104 at the top. Stem 114 includes sealing O-rings 116 that mount around stem 114. Sealing O-rings 116 allow to properly seal stem 114 and prevent leakage of water at stem 114. Here, stem 114 connects to rotary ball 104, which is supported and sealed by seat rings 106.

[0032] Stem 114 connects to motor 122 provided in housing 118. FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of housing 118 encompassing electronic components for controlling operation of rotary ball 104 via stem 114 to allow or stop flowing of water through it. Housing 118 comes in a variety of shapes, including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape. Housing 118 mounts over stem 114, as shown in FIG. 2. Housing 118 encompasses switch 120 at the outer surface (FIG. 5). Switch 120 allows user 24 to manually control or override the operation of rotary ball 104 to allow or stop flowing of water through it. Housing 118 includes motor 122 operationally connecting stem 114. Motor 118 operates and controls the rotation or turn of stem 114 in order to control the flow of water through the bore of rotary ball 104. In one example, housing 118 presents one or more sensors 124. Sensors 124 include one of temperature sensors, pressor sensors, water level sensors, etc. Temperature sensors detect temperature of water flowing through valve body 102. Pressor sensors detect water pressure. Water level sensors detect level or height of water flowing through valve body 102. In addition, housing 118 encompasses battery 126 for powering motor 122 and other electronic components. Further, housing 118 encompasses printed circuit board (PCB) 128. PCB 128 includes processor 130 and transceiver 132. Processor 130 includes a microprocessor that stores and processes information or data to operate electronic valve 12. In one example, processor 130 puts electronic valve 12 in SLEEP mode and turns OFF motor 122 when not in use. This helps to put electronic valve 12 in standby or SLEEP mode and prolongs life of battery 126. Transceiver 132 configures to communicate with external devices such as router 16 and/or electronic device 22 (FIG. 1). In addition, housing 118 includes outlet plug 134 that connects to existing wiring or power source at home/business to power electronic valve 12.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, electronic valves 12 i.e., first electronic valve 12.1, second electronic valve 12.2 connect to waterline 14 in a structure such as a home or business/office. FIG. 5 shows first electronic valve 12.1, second electronic valve 12.2 connecting waterline 14, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Waterline 14 indicates a pipeline supplying water into the structure and draining water away from the structure. Here, the structure may include home or office or any temporary or permanent structure/building. Waterline 14 provides a material made of synthetic plastic polymer such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or copper or any other known material. Waterline 14 connects to wall 202 e.g., exterior wall of the structure. Waterline 14 includes main waterline 204. Main waterline 204 refers to a pipe that draws water from a water supply source or pump and supplies to the structure. In one example, main waterline 204 supplies water to first water pipe 206 and second water pipe 208. In one example, first water pipe 206 refers a pipe that supplies water to a room, say kitchen or bathroom for utility purpose. Second water pipe 208 refers to a pipe that supplies water to an appliance e.g., water heater. A person skilled in the art understands that main waterline 204 may connect to any number of pipes in the structure to supply water depending on the need. Main waterline 204 includes shutoff valve 210 that allows or cuts off supply of water to the structure. A person skilled in the art understands that opening shutoff valve 210 supplies water to the structure from the water supply source and closing shutoff valve 210 stops the supply of water to the structure. Further, waterline 14 includes drain line 212. Drain line 212 indicates a pipe that carries water away from the structure. In the present embodiment, drain line 212 drains out water from waterline 14 to drainage at the outside side of the structure, as shown in FIG. 5. Further, drain line 212 includes vent tube 214 that runs from second electronic valve 12.2 insert off to the upmost level of plumbing in the home. Vent tube 214 includes check or pop it valve 216 to syphon air during the drain process and bleed the air from pipes during supply. Pop it valve 216 is a manual valve that is controlled by the water pressure actuating the valve.

[0034] In accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter, first electronic valve 12.1 connects at main waterline 204 and second electronic valve 12.2 connects at drain line 212 (FIG. 5). In order to connect first electronic valve 12.1 at main waterline 204, user 24 locates shutoff valve 210 and turns off. Subsequently, user 24 connects first electronic valve 12.1 to main waterline 204 at appropriate location, in that water enters into first electronic valve 12.1 through inlet port 108 and exits through outer port 110 before flowing through first water pipe 206 and second water pipe 208. Similarly, user 24 connects second electronic valve 12.2 to drain line 212 at appropriate location, in that water enters into second electronic valve 12.2 through inlet port 108 and exits through outlet port 110 before flowing out of the structure into a drainage. In one implementation, user 24 cuts a portion of main waterline 204 and drain line 212 to connect first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2, respectively. Alternatively, first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 come pre-installed on main waterline 204 and drain line 212, respectively from their manufacturing facility itself.

[0035] In accordance with the present subject matter, each of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 communicatively connects to router 16 via first network 18. In one example, router 16 indicates a device that communicates with first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 using a short-range communication protocol. Router 16 utilizes short-range communication protocols such as Bluetooth, NFC, intranet, local area network (LAN), or any other communication protocol to communicate with first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2. In one example, router 16 includes a Wi-Fi router utilizing Wi-Fi protocol to communicate with first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2. Router 16 installs at the structure and allows first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 to communicate with electronic device 20 over internet/intranet via second network 22. In one example, first electronic valve 12.1, second electronic valve 12.2 and router 16 connect to backup battery 218. Backup battery 218 supplies power to first electronic valve 12.1, second electronic valve 12.2 and router 16 in the event of power failure. This way system 10 operates in all-weather conditions.

[0036] Electronic device 20 includes, but not limited to, a desktop computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a smart watch, etc. Here, second network 22 indicates a long-range communication protocol such as cellular, satellite, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), the internet and the like.

[0037] In the present embodiment, user 24 operates electronic device 20 to control the operation of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 via router 16. Specifically, user 24 uses electronic device 20 to control the operation of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 in order to drain out water or supply water to waterline 14 for preventing the water to freeze and damage waterline 14. In order to operate first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2, electronic device 20 presents application or user interface 250. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary interface in which user 24 provides instructions using electronic device 20 to control operation of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2. In one example, application 250 presents options “winterize” 252 and “de-winterize” 254. Here, the term “winterize” indicates draining water from waterline 14 thereby allowing waterline 14 to withstand cold temperatures and freezing pipes. “De-winterize” indicates supplying water back into waterline 14.

[0038] User 24 presses one of winterize 252 and de-winterize 254 on application 250 to control first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2. Pressing winterize 252 and de-winterize 254 transmits a signal or instruction to transceiver 132 in first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2, respectively. Transceiver 132 then sends the instructions to processor 130 to engage motor 122 to control the operation of rotary ball 104 in first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2.

[0039] For instance, when user 24 wishes to winterize the structure to prevent waterline 14 from freezing, user 24 presses winterize 252 on electronic device 20. Pressing winterize 252 transmits a signal to first electronic valve 12.1 causing it to close rotary ball 104 to cut off water flowing through it. This stops the water flowing into the structure through main waterline 204. Concurrently or consecutively, pressing winterize 252 transmits a signal to second electronic valve 12.2 causing it to open rotary ball 104 to allow water to flow out via drain line 212. This causes the water to drain out in waterline 14. By draining out the water in waterline 14, system 10 ensures that waterline 14 does not burst due to water freezing in it in cold weather conditions i.e., when ambient temperatures drop to 32° Fahrenheit (F) or 0° Celsius (C) and below.

[0040] Further, when user 24 wishes to de-winterize, user 24 presses de-winterize 252 on electronic device 20. Pressing de-winterize 252 transmits a signal to second electronic valve 12.2 causing it to close rotary ball 104 on drain line 212. Concurrently or consecutively, pressing de-winterize 252 transmits a signal to first electronic valve 12.1 causing it to open rotary ball 104 to supply water to main waterline 204 and then into first water pipe 206 and second water pipe 208.

[0041] The above description explains manually controlling the operation of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 to protect waterline from freezing and water damage. In one alternate embodiment, sensors 124 in each of first electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 detect temperature of water, water level and/or water pressure and automatically control the operation of electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 to drain out water in waterline 14 and/or supply water to waterline 14 as explained above. In one implementation, sensors 124 detect the ambient temperature is dropping to 0° C. and/or below and transmit a signal to electronic device 20 via transceiver 132. User 24 receives a notification on his electronic device 20 and presses winterize 252 to drain out water from waterline 14 and prevents it from freezing. When sensors 124 detect the ambient temperature has reached safe temperature say 5° C., then transceiver 132 transmits a signal to electronic device 20. At that time, user 24 presses de-winterize 254 to supply back the water into waterline 14 as explained above.

[0042] In the present subject matter, user 24 controls operation of electronic valve 12.1 and second electronic valve 12.2 remotely using electronic device 20 to winterize and de-winterize the structure. This eliminates the need for user 24 to be present at the structure in cold weather conditions and allows him to save time. As such, system 10 provides utility in structures that are occupied full time such as homes or offices. Further, system 10 provides utility in structures that are not occupied full time such as vacation homes, rentals, shops, and the like.

[0043] Although the above description is explained considering that electronic valve 12 includes two ports i.e., inlet port 108 and outlet port 110, a person skilled in the art understands electronic valve 12 may come with two, three or even four ports allowing them to be used with a variety of waterlines 14 to winterize and de-winterize the structure without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.

[0044] FIG. 7 shows a method 300 of winterizing and de-winterizing a structure for preventing waterlines from freezing, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The order in which method 300 is described should not be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement method 300 or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from method 300 without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure described herein. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, method 300 may be implemented using the above-described system 10.

[0045] At step 302, user 20 detects the temperature of water in waterline 14 i.e., main waterline 204 and drain line 212 either manually or using sensors 124. User 24 detects the temperature either manually or with the help of sensors 124. Upon detecting the temperature, user 24 presses winterize 252 on electronic device 20 (step 304). Pressing winterize 252 on electronic device 20 closes first electronic valve 12.1 on main waterline 204 supplying water to the home/business and opens second electronic valve 12.2 (step 306). This drains out the water through drain line 212 and prevents waterline 14 from freezing due to water collected in it.

[0046] At step 308, user 24 presses de-winterize 254 on electronic device 20. Pressing de-winterize 254 on electronic device 20 closes second electronic valve 12.2 on drain line 212 and opens first electronic valve 12.1 on main waterline 204 to supply water back into the home/business.

[0047] Based on the above, it is evident that the above disclosed system allows the user to winterize and de-winterize the structure such as home or business using the electronic device. By winterizing the structure, the user need have to worry about cold nights and winter days that are subject to freeze pipelines or waterlines throughout the structure, resulting in catastrophic damage that are expensive to replace.

[0048] A person skilled in the art appreciates that the device may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the first responders. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed system.

[0049] In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.

[0050] In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0051] The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.