| US5787917A | 1998-08-04 | |||
| US20060076053A1 | 2006-04-13 | |||
| RU209950U1 | 2022-03-24 |
| Claims [Claim 1] Automatic power and gas shut-off device comprising a frame(12) including the internal components of the device(10) and has a number of bases(14) that are placed on the ground and transmit the movement and vibration of the ground to the frame and its internal components, at least two disk pendulums(16) that have a hole in their center for the passage of light and are connected to the frame(12) of the device and rotate around the axis with the vibration of the ground, an optical sensor module comprising at least two light transmitters and two light receivers that give the necessary commands, an electricity circuit breaker assembly, which has a motor, a switch for the electricity meter, and a wire spool, which cuts off the building's electricity from the electricity meter, wherein, the wire spool is connected to the on-off switch of the electricity meter, and when the motor is turned on and its shaft rotates, the wire spool also rotates and moves the wire connected to the electricity meter switch, and by its moving the electricity of the building is cut off, a gas flow cut-off system that cuts off the gas entering the building and has a motor and an attachment wherein the engine rotates, the said attachment also rotates and hits the main gas valve handle of the building and moves it along with itself until the gas handle reaches the end of the movement and the gas valve is completely closed [Claim 2] Automatic power and gas shut-off device of claim 1 further comprising a stored energy source. [Claim 3] Automatic power and gas shut-off device of claim 1 , wherein each receiver sensor (20a and 20b) convert the received light into a signal and then command the motors. [Claim 4] Automatic power and gas shut-off device of claim 1 , wherein pendulum disks in normal state prevent the light from reaching the receivers, and when the receiver starts to oscillate due the vibration of earthquake and receives the light beam, it gives the appropriate command to the motors. [Claim 5] Automatic power and gas shut-off device of claim 1 , wherein the normal state, the light passes through the holes of the pendulum discs and when the pendulums start to oscillate due to the vibration of the earthquake and the interruption of the path of the light beam, it sends the necessary commands to the motor. |
Title of Invention: Automatic power and gas shutoff device in the building by optical sensors of vibration
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to emergency gas and electricity shutoff device. In particular, the present invention relates to the shutoff of the flow of natural gas and electricity in a building for reasons of safety during emergencies such as earthquake.
Background Art
[0002] Some earthquake detection and warning systems are designed to protect against potential disasters that can occur after seismic events. For example a system is equipped with an accelerometer that detects ground motion, a microcontroller that processes the signal and triggers an alarm, and a relay and motor that disconnect electricity and gas supplies. The primary objective of this system is to prevent fires and explosions that often arise following earthquakes.
[0003] Reports from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization and Springer emphasize the frequent occurrence of fires and gas-related incidents after earthquakes. These incidents pose significant risks to individuals and property, necessitating the installation of automatic gas shut-off valves or knowledge on how to manually turn off gas meters for safety purposes.
[0004] In some device by utilizing an accelerometer, the earthquake detection system can accurately detect ground motion caused by seismic activity. This information is then processed by a microcontroller, which promptly triggers an alarm to alert individuals of the impending danger. Additionally, the system incorporates a relay and motor mechanism that automatically disconnects electricity and gas supplies to mitigate potential hazards.
[0005] US. Pat. No.0788139 entitled" Earthquake water shutoff valve" discloses an earthquake water shutoff system that includes a retrofitted gate valve with a modified gate and connecting rod. The system includes a trigger mechanism connected to the connecting rod and a weight. Springs are connected to a handle on the connecting rod and a spring support on the valve body. [0006] US. Pat. No. 6938637 entitled" Emergency gas and electricity shutoff apparatus and control system" discloses a gas meter installation that includes a gate valve for shutting off the flow of gas to a point of use. The valve can be retrofitted into existing installations or installed with new plumbing. It can be remotely activated, for example, by a seismic sensor triggering a controller to send a signal. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus, and point of use security systems.
Technical Problem
[0007] In case of severe vibration of the building, such as an earthquake or explosion; If electricity and gas are not cut off, it will cause additional damage such as fire and explosion on the spot.
[0008] With the occurrence of an earthquake, there is a possibility of breaking, rupture, or cracking of gas pipes. On the other hand, there is the possibility of breaking power lines or cables and sparking in the power supply network or even indoor wiring, both of which can increase the human and financial losses of earthquakes.
[0009] This invention aims to provide a simple and inexpensive device to automatically cut off electricity and gas to reduce human and financial losses in the event of an earthquake.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0010] A simple and affordable system has been developed to detect ground vibrations and automatically shut off electricity and gas flow. This system can be easily installed in existing buildings and various locations. One of its key features is the ability to reset itself to the initial state after each operation. Additionally, this device is designed to continue functioning even during a power outage, ensuring uninterrupted protection and safety measures.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0011 ] [
[0012] Fig.1 shows a three-dimensional view of the entire device, including the frame containing the sensors and discs and the electricity and gas flow breaker assemblies. [0013] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view of the main frame of the device including pendulums and sensors in which disc pendulums barricade the beam of the sensors.
[0014] Fig.3 shows the details of the electricity and gas circuit breaker system and their connection with the main gas pipe and the electricity meter of the building.
[0015] Fig.4 shows the details of the gas flow cut-off system. ]
Description of Embodiments
[0016] After severe vibrations that enter the building, such as an earthquake or explosion, fire is one of the most important hazards that can cause more severe damage than the main event itself.
[0017] To solve this problem, the present invention (10) has an automatic power and gas cut-off system (22 and 30) to reduce fires during and after the vibration of the building.
[0018] In this document, because most of the vibrations of buildings are due to earthquakes, the word earthquake is used in the description of the invention, which will not limit the use of this device.
[0019] This device consists of a frame or structure (12) that is placed on bases (14). The bases (14) of this device (10) are placed on the ground and transmit the movement of the ground to the frame (12) and its internal components. Two disc pendulums (16) are attached to the body of the device and oscillate around the shaft (17) with the slightest tremor.
[0020] In this device, at least two optical sensors (18a and 18b) for example oneway optical sensors are used. Light sensors (transmitters) (18a and 18b) operate on the basis of modulated light transmission. The switching distance in optical sensors is limited and known (about two meters) and based on that, the maximum dimensions of the device and the distance between the transmitter and receiver sensors are determined.
[0021 ] In one embodiment of this invention, the said sensors (18a and 18b) are installed on the frame of the device.
[0022] In one embodiment of this invention, in a normal situation, the light sent from the transmitters hits the surface of the disc pendulums (16) and is absorbed or reflected. Optical sensor modules (20a and 20b) are receivers that collect or receive the light sent from the sensor and give the necessary commands. When an earthquake occurs and the ground shakes, the pendulum (16) oscillates around its axis and the light sent through the sensor passes through the hole of the pendulum and is received by the sensor module (20a and 20b). Then each receiver sensor (20a and 20b) by converting the received light into a signal, commands the electric motors (24) to turn off the power switch (22) or gas (30).
[0023] In another embodiment of the invention disclosed in this document, in normal situation , the light sender and its receiver sensor are installed and adjusted so that light passes through the hole in the middle of the each disk and is received in other side by the by the sensor module. When vibration occurs in the body of the device; The discs start to oscillate and module sensor , the sensor module notices the interruption of light beam, and the gas and power cut command is issued.
[0024] In this device (10) there are two switching systems of electricity (22) and gas (30).
[0025] The circuit breaker system (22) is such that a spool of wire (thread or string) (26) is placed on the shaft of the electric motor. The electric meter (28) of the whole building has an on / off switch (29) in which the switch (29) is connected to the wire (27) (it has passed through the middle of the wire switch). As the motor (24) turns on and its shaft rotates, the wire reel (26) also rotates and moves the wire connected to the meter switch. As a result of moving the switch (29) downwards, the electricity of the whole building is cut off. In this invention, it is not possible to return the switch upwards and the current connection is done manually.
[0026] The gas flow shut-off system (30) cuts off the main gas inlet valve to the building.
[0027] Gas flow valves are usually of the ball valve type (32) and the shut-off system in the present invention makes this model of valve (32) closed. A small attachment or an appendage (34) is placed on the output shaft of the motor (24) and with the rotation of the motor (24) this attachment (34) also rotates and hits the valve handle (33). Until the handle reaches the end of the movement and the gas valve is completely closed. The gas valve must be opened manually after shut-off.
[0028] The device itself, in order to increase its level of safety and performance, works with a stored energy source or a backup power supply such as a UPS or battery which is not shown in the figures.
[0029] Components of the invention:
[0030] 10) the electricity and gas flow cut-off device in the present invention, 12) the frame or body of the device, 14) the bases of the device, 16) the disc pendulum, 17) the shaft axis 18) the transmitter sensor, 20) the receiver sensor, 22) the circuit breaker system, 24) the motor, 26)the wire reel, 27)Wire, 28) the electricity meter, 29)the electricity meter switch, 30) the gas flow cut-off assembly, 32) the ball valve for disconnecting and connecting the main gas flow, 33)the valve handle, 34)the attachment, 35)the gas pipe.
Industrial Applicability
The whole device can be installed as a small installation unit in a place close to the main gas valves or electricity meter or the main control part of the building facilities. When an earthquake occurs and the ground vibrates, the pendulums oscillate around the axis and the light sent from the sensor passes through the hole of the pendulum and is received by the sensor module. Next, each receiver sensor, by converting the received light into an analog signal, issues a command to turn on the electric motors of the gas or electricity circuit breaker. In this device, there are two systems of electricity and gas flow breakers. The circuit breaker system is such that a spool of wire, thread, etc. is placed on the shaft of the electric motor. When the engine is turned on and its shaft rotates, the wire reel also rotates and the wire connected to the meter switch is moved and the electricity of the entire building is cut off. In the gas flow cut-off system, the gas inlet valves into the building are closed. In order to increase the level of safety and performance, the device works with a stored energy source such as a UPS or battery.