BukSU’s first utility patent turns ordinary pipes into smart water-savers

What if a household pipe could sense human presence, adapt to fluctuating water main pressures, and stop residential water loss before it occurs?

That single question led Engr. Manuel Chad G. Agurob to secure Bukidnon State University’s (BukSU) first-ever utility patent for his invention: “The System Electronic Water Volume Flow Pipe Fitting Regulator with Motion Detection Application.”

Designed to seamlessly attach to standard residential conduits, the device acts as an automated cutoff valve at the point of discharge. The invention can combine dynamic pressure monitoring, motion detection, and wireless regulation in a single pipe fitting; of which the system solves two widespread water waste issues: municipal pressure spikes that rupture fixtures and unattended taps left running.

While traditional mechanical pressure-reducing valves prevent high-pressure mains from bursting pipes, they remain completely blind when water spills unchecked down a drain. Agurob’s breakthrough bridges this gap.

How the Innovation Works

“In simple terms, the device regulates the amount of water flowing through a pipe and can automatically stop the flow when no person is detected nearby,” explained Agurob, who serves as the chairperson of BukSU’s Electronics Technology Department and as an expert at the university’s Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO). “It helps address common problems such as excessive water flow, changing water pressure, and faucets being left open unattended.”

By maintaining flow control to user-specified levels and cutting off discharge when human activity ceases, the device provides a reliable line of defense for household water conservation and community-wide distribution efficiency.

For Agurob, the breakthrough grew out of a desire to address everyday practical challenges rather than a pursuit of personal recognition.

“I have never really thought of myself as an inventor,” Agurob shared. “I see myself more as a technological innovator—someone who uses technology to develop practical solutions to real-world problems.”

He noted that the project embodies his broader philosophy on engineering and technology education.

“Once we acquire the necessary knowledge and technical skills, we gain the ability to look at common problems people encounter in their daily lives and find practical, workable solutions through technology,” Agurob said. “For me, innovation is not always about creating something entirely new; sometimes, it is about improving existing ideas, adapting available technologies, and applying them in ways that make people’s lives easier, safer, and more efficient.”

The Path to BukSU’s First Utility Patent

Securing BukSU’s flagship utility patent required overcoming a steep technical learning curve. The opportunity originated through an institutional collaboration with the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) during the initial operational phase of BukSU’s Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Unit (IPTTU). Participating in an intensive patent writeshop, Agurob took on the rigorous task of preparing the technology for formal registration.

He identified the formal patent drafting process as the most challenging phase of the project.

“Patent drafting is highly technical and deliberate,” Agurob noted. “Every component, function, process, and distinguishing feature of the technology has to be described carefully and sufficiently to ensure that the invention is properly disclosed and protected. The approach is quite different from research writing, where the emphasis is on methodology, results, and analysis. Patent writing requires us to look at the technology from another perspective—particularly what makes it novel, how it works, and what aspects need to be clearly defined and protected.”

Despite the historic nature of the award, Agurob views the achievement through a collaborative lens.

“Becoming associated with BukSU’s first patent was never really the end goal in my mind. I see it more as the product of a collective effort involving the College of Technologies, BukSU, IPTTU, USTP, and all the people who provided guidance and support throughout the process,” he said. “Securing the patent was not simply an individual accomplishment; it was an institutional milestone made possible through collaboration. In that sense, the achievement belongs to everyone who contributed to making it possible.”

Driving Institutional Innovation

Looking ahead, the development team is focused on refining the physical unit for widespread adoption. “The novelty of this patent lies in its process or method of improving water-saving performance by regulating water flow based on actual conditions and human presence,” Agurob stated. “The next step is to further improve and validate the device for practical household or community use.”

Beyond its immediate environmental and utility impact, the landmark patent sets a tangible precedent for research translation across the BukSU campus.

“I’m truly hoping that this patent, along with other faculty and student IPs registered, will inspire our students and faculty,” Agurob added. “We are fortunate because BukSU has its own ITSO, which is in full support of the university’s IP endeavors.”

Turning classroom technical skills into an industrial utility solution, the smart regulator exemplifies BukSU’s institutional core mission: to Educate, Innovate, and Lead. (BukSU – Information Unit and an article from Robmarychris Agnes V. Canadano/ Faculty, ET Department)