Sump Pump Tracking Device

Abstract

A sump pump tracking system includes a pressure sensor including a first port and a second port, a tube extending from the first port, a processor in communication with the pressure sensor, and a remote server in communication with the pressure sensor. The processor is configured to receive an air pressure reading from the first port calculate a water level within the sump pit based on the air pressure reading from the first port. The server is configured to be programmed with an alarm threshold limit. The pressure sensor communicates the water level to the server, and the server is configured to compare the water level with the alarm threshold limit and send an alert if the water level is above the alarm threshold limit.

Claims

1. A sump pump tracking system comprising: a pressure sensor including a first port and a second port; a tube extending from the first port; a processor in communication with the pressure sensor; a remote server in communication with the pressure sensor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory including instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receive an air pressure reading from the first port; and calculate a water level within the sump pit based on the air pressure reading from the first port; wherein the server is configured to be programmed with an alarm threshold limit; wherein the pressure sensor communicates the water level to the server; and wherein the server is configured to compare the water level with the alarm threshold limit and send an alert if the water level is above the alarm threshold limit.

2. The sump pump tracking system of claim 1, further comprising an air pump in fluid communication with the tube and positioned adjacent to the pressure sensor.

3. The sump pump tracking system of claim 2, further comprising a one-way valve between the air pump and the tube.

4. The sump pump tracking system of claim 1, further comprising a database, wherein the remote server receives a plurality of pressure differentials between the first and second ports, each pressure differential associated with a time stamp, and communicates the plurality of pressure differentials on the database to be stored remotely.

5. The sump pump tracking system of claim 1, further comprising a database, wherein the remote server receives a plurality of water levels within the sump pit, each water level associated with a time stamp, and communicates the plurality of water levels on the database to be stored remotely.

6. The sump pump tracking system of claim 1, wherein the remote server is configured to be programmed with a plurality of alarm threshold limits, each alarm threshold limit associated with one of a plurality of alarm levels, and wherein the remote server compares the water level with the plurality of alarm threshold limits and sends an alarm corresponding to the alarm level of the highest alarm threshold limit exceeded by the water level.

7. A sump pump tracking system comprising: a housing including a pressure sensor; a tube extending from the pressure sensor; a processor configured to calculate a water level within the sump pit based on the pressure sensor reading; and a system server configured to be programmed with an alarm threshold limit, adapted to receive the water level from the processor, and to communicate an alert if the water level is above the alarm threshold limit.

8. The sump pump tracking system of claim 7, wherein the system server is configured to receive a plurality of water level readings from the processor and to provide data upon request.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sump pump in a sump pit of a building as is known in the prior art.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a sump pump tracking device of the present application within a sump pit.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of an interior of the sump pump tracking device of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating water level elevation changes over time as monitored by the sump pump tracking device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a sump pump tracking device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the sump pump tracking device 200 is positioned outside and adjacent to a sump pit or sump basin 202. A tube 204 extends from the sump pump tracking device 300 into the sump pit 303 so that a first end 206 of the tube 204 is positioned near the bottom 208 of the sump pit 202. The tube 204 may be comprised of a vinyl or another suitable water-resistant material. In one embodiment, the sump pump tracking system 201 includes the sump pump tracking device 200 and a remote server 203. Wired or wireless communication links 209 may relay communication across a network 211 such as the internet.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the sump pump tracking device 200 includes a pressure sensor 210 in communication with a processor 212 within a housing 214. A second end 216 of the tube 204 connects to a first port 218 of the pressure sensor 210. A second port 220 of the pressure sensor 210 is open to atmospheric conditions. The processor 212 is programmed with computer executable instructions to calculate a pressure differential between first and second ports 218, 220. One example of a suitable pressure sensor is the Board Mount Pressure Sensor MPX5010DP by Freescale, although other differential pressure sensors may be used.

[0024] During use, water accumulates within the sump pit 202 such that the water level in the tube 204 rises as the water level in the sump pit 202 rises. The processor 212 calculates the water level within the sump pit 202 based on the dimensions of the sump pit 202 and the air pressure measured via the first port 218.

[0025] Also shown in FIG. 3, the sump pump tracking device 200 may include an air pump 222 that injects air into the tube 204 on a periodic basis to expel excess water from the tube 204. In this embodiment, the tube 204 and the air pump 222 are connected to the pressure sensor 210 through a t-valve 224. A one-way valve 226 may be positioned between the air pump 222 and the t-valve 224 to ensure that air flows away from the air pump 222.

[0026] Operation of the sump pump tracking device 200 is controlled through a web-based software as a service (SaaS) platform or a mobile application downloaded to a mobile device. In one embodiment of the sump pump tracking system, the pressure sensor 210 is in communication with a remote server 203 that receives the pressure sensor readings, records the pressure sensor readings at specified intervals, and provides data to users upon request. In some embodiments, the processor 212 may record water level readings at timed intervals, such as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one hour, or any other period of time as desired. The graph 300 of FIG. 4 illustrates the change in water level elevation over time. The sharp change in elevations as shown in the graph 300 indicate that the sump pump is triggered when the water level reaches 16 cm. The user may obtain data and information through the web-based SaaS platform or the mobile application.

[0027] The user may also program one or more alarm threshold elevations via the web-based SaaS platform or the mobile application. The server 203 will compare the pressure sensor readings with pre-programmed alarm threshold elevation and trigger an alarm when the water level in the sump pit 202 exceeds an alarm threshold elevation. The user may specify one or more alarm threshold elevations that correspond to different levels of emergency. For example, first, second, and third alarm threshold elevations may correspond to a low-level warning, a mid-level warning, and a high alert.

[0028] The sump pump tracking device 200 may include a database and/or may be connected to wireless services such as data logging and alert notification. For example, the sump pump tracking device 200 may send alerts via text message or email to users. In a further embodiment, the sump pump tracking device 200 communicates with a database and other cloud-based services wirelessly over the internet. A user may access data in the database from an electronic device, such as a computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.

[0029] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.