AUTOMATIC BATHTUB OVERFLOW DRAIN SENSOR AND SHUTOFF SYSTEM

Abstract

An automatic bathtub overflow prevention system includes a sensor positioned above a bathtub overflow drain opening and below the top edge of the tub. When the sensor detects water presence at the overflow drain location, it sends a signal to a controller that automatically beeps/sends alarms and closes electronic shut-off valves on the hot and cold water supply lines to prevent flooding.

Claims

1. A bathtub automatic overflow prevention system comprising: a sensor positioned above a bathtub overflow drain opening and below a top edge of the bathtub; a controller in communication with the sensor; a first electronic shut-off valve positioned along a hot water supply line; and a second electronic shut-off valve positioned along a cold water supply line; wherein the sensor is configured to detect water presence at the overflow drain opening and send a signal to the controller; and wherein the controller is configured to automatically close the first and second electronic shut-off valves upon receiving the signal from the sensor.

2. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to instantly send a signal to the controller after detecting water presence at the overflow drain opening or above the opening, or when the sensor senses water at the overflow drain opening or above the opening for a predetermined period of time.

3. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an adjustable sensitivity mechanism for calibrating detection parameters.

4. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, capacitive sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and conductivity sensors.

5. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the first and second electronic shut-off valves are solenoid valves.

6. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the controller is connected to the first and second electronic shut-off valves via low voltage wiring.

7. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the controller includes programmable logic for preventing false triggering of the shut-off valves.

8. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is removably mounted above the overflow drain opening.

9. The overflow prevention system of claim 1, wherein the controller includes a manual override function for selectively disabling automatic shut-off operation.

10. A method for automatically preventing bathtub overflow comprising: positioning a sensor above a bathtub overflow drain opening and below a top edge of the bathtub; monitoring for water presence at the overflow drain opening using the sensor; detecting water presence at the overflow drain opening; sending a signal from the sensor to a controller upon detecting water presence; automatically closing electronic shut-off valves on hot and cold water supply lines in response to the signal from the controller.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising calibrating sensor sensitivity for detecting water presence at the overflow drain opening.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising maintaining the signal to the controller for a predetermined minimum time period before closing the electronic shut-off valves.

13. The flow switch system of claim 1, wherein the flow switch sensor is designed to send a signal to the flow switch after sensing water flow within the overflow drainpipe for a pre-determined period of time.

14. The flow switch system of claim 1, wherein the flow switch is an adjustable sensitivity flow switch.

15. The flow switch system of claim 1, wherein the first and second electronic valves are solenoid valves.

16. The flow switch system of claim 1, wherein the controller is connected to the first and second electronic valves via low voltage wiring.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an automatic bathtub overflow prevention system connected to a conventional bathtub in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the automatic bathtub overflow prevention system showing sensor positioning in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0012] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic overflow prevention system that can turn off the water entering a bathtub when it detects overflow conditions at the bathtub overflow drain. Unlike the parent application which positioned a sensor within the overflow drainpipe system, the present embodiment positions the sensor above the overflow drain opening, providing improved response characteristics and installation benefits.

System Overview

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the automatic overflow prevention system of the present invention installed on a conventional bathtub. Bathtub 11 is connected to hot water supply line 14A and cold water supply line 14B. The hot water flows through pipe 14A, passes through electronic shut-off valve 16, and enters tub 11 via tub fill 30 or showerhead 12. Similarly, the cold water flows through line 14B, passes through electronic shut-off valve 16, and enters tub 11 via tub fill 30 or showerhead 12.

[0014] The automatic overflow prevention system 10 of the present invention comprises a controller 22 that is connected to electronic shutoff valves 16, as well as to sensor 24A. As shown in FIG. 2, sensor 24A is positioned above overflow drain opening 20B and below the top edge of tub 11, specifically positioned to detect water presence or flow at the overflow location before water enters the overflow drainpipe 20A.

Operation

[0015] When tub 11 is filling and water level enters the overflow drain 20B, sensor 24A is configured to detect this condition. In normal operation, the water level remains below the overflow drain 20B and sensor 24A remains inactive. However, when the water level rises to reach the overflow drain 20B, or when water begins to flow toward or into the overflow opening, sensor 24A detects this overflow condition and immediately sends a signal to controller 22.

[0016] Upon receiving the signal from sensor 24A, controller 22 promptly sends control signals to electronic valves 16 to shut off the water flow into tub 11, thereby preventing continued filling and potential flooding. This positioning allows the system to respond more quickly than systems that detect flow within the drainage system itself, as the sensor can detect overflow conditions at the earliest possible moment.

Technical Implementation

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, sensor 24A may comprise various sensing technologies suitable for detecting water presence or flow, including but not limited to: [0018] Optical sensors that detect changes in light refraction or reflection when water is present; [0019] Capacitive sensors that detect changes in electrical capacitance when water approaches; [0020] Ultrasonic sensors that detect water surface proximity through sound wave reflection; [0021] Conductivity sensors that detect the presence of water through electrical conductivity;

[0022] The sensor 24A is preferably an adjustable sensitivity device, allowing calibration for different tub configurations and water flow conditions. The sensor is connected to controller 22 via appropriate wiring, which may include low voltage wiring for safety and ease of installation.

[0023] Controller 22 may include programmable logic to prevent false triggering, such as delay timers that require detection of overflow conditions for a predetermined minimum time period before activating the shut-off valves. The controller may also include manual override capabilities and status indication features.

[0024] Electronic valves 16 are preferably solenoid valves connected to controller 22 via low voltage wiring, allowing rapid and reliable shut-off of both hot and cold water supplies when overflow conditions are detected.

Advantages Over Prior Systems

[0025] The present embodiment provides several significant advantages over the parent application and other prior systems: [0026] Faster Response Time: By positioning the sensor above the overflow drain opening rather than within the drainage system, the system can detect and respond to overflow conditions immediately when water reaches the overflow level, rather than waiting for water flow within the drainage pipes. [0027] Simplified Installation: The sensor positioning eliminates the need to modify existing plumbing infrastructure or install components within the drainage system, making installation more straightforward and less invasive. [0028] Easier Maintenance: With the sensor positioned above the drain opening, it remains accessible for cleaning, calibration, and replacement without requiring access to internal plumbing components. [0029] Reduced System Complexity: The direct communication path between sensor and controller eliminates intermediate components, improving system reliability and reducing potential failure points. [0030] Universal Compatibility: The system can be readily adapted to various bathtub configurations without requiring specific drainage system modifications.

Installation Flexibility

[0031] While a conventional bathtub 11 is depicted in the Figures, it should be understood that the system of the present invention can be incorporated in any type of bathtub configuration. The key requirement is that sensor 24A is positioned above the overflow drain opening 20B but below the top edge of the tub 11, allowing detection of overflow conditions while remaining within the tub structure.

[0032] The sensor may be mounted using various attachment methods, including adhesive mounting, mechanical brackets, magnetic attachment, or integration into overflow connector 28, depending on the specific tub configuration and installation preferences.

[0033] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims