A successful serial entrepreneur approached DiMonte Group with a new concept for a sump pump control system. Disappointed by a flooded basement in his high-end home—which was supposedly protected by sump pumps—this inventor set out to create a product that actually tests the complete system. Other control systems can get fooled by a non-functioning pump, and when they do detect a flood, it’s too late. His patented solution: injecting fresh water into the pit on a weekly basis.
Starting from a simple napkin sketch, our team conducted extensive research on existing sump pump installations and developed a system layout that would work with any sump pit configuration. We sourced and tested different valves, switches and electronic components, then developed custom-tooled enclosures for the controller, valve assembly, and overflow float switch. Working with a preferred stateside injection molder, DGI managed the prototypes and tooling development. Moving to production, we provided support and assembly documentation to the USA contract manufacturer. We supported our client with product renderings and marketing images throughout the project. We also managed a beta prototype program to field test units to detect issues before commercial release.
The Beacon ProAct 200 is now on the market. Design features include:
- Seven-day timer, automatically repeating a full test once per week
- Indicator lamps providing an instant view of system status
- High-volume audible alert to notify homeowner of a failure
- Low-power embedded processor to handle overall-sump pump control functions
- Built-in Lithium-Ion battery to keep the processor alive when power fails
- DC solenoid valve for dispensing fresh water and an electronic flow meter for assuring water delivery
- High water switch for protection in case of failure of the float switches attached to the sump pump
Internet connectivity is built into the Beacon ProAct 200:
- Wi-Fi radio, based on 32-bit ARM Cortex processor, connects to the cloud via the homeowner’s wireless network
- Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android
- Users receive alerts and reports anywhere in the world
Other members of the overall team included Amazon Web Services (cloud data transfer and storage) and ThingLogix (cloud-side software and mobile apps).
For more information or to purchase the Beacon ProAct 200, visit the the Beacon Technical Systems website: www.sumptest.com
