Clamping type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leakage of heat supply pipe network

Abstract

This invention discloses a clamp-on three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks, relating to the field of sensor technology. The invention includes a pipe with an upper semi-circular shell disposed on one side of the pipe surface. The invention constructs a multi-dimensional sensing system using a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor array, and an ultrasonic sensor. This system can simultaneously capture leak characteristic signals from multiple physical dimensions, including acoustic vibration, temperature distribution changes, and high-frequency ultrasound. When a leak occurs in the pipe, the signals collected by the three sensors cross-validate in time and space. A built-in fusion algorithm performs weighted analysis and feature extraction on the multi-source data, effectively filtering interference signals caused by environmental noise, medium pressure fluctuations, or external mechanical vibrations. This achieves dual-sensitive detection of both minor leaks and sudden pipe bursts, solving the problems of monitoring blind spots and insufficient reliability caused by the poor environmental adaptability of traditional single sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sensor technology, and in particular relates to a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks. Background Technology

[0002] Heating pipe networks are an important component of urban infrastructure, widely used in centralized heating systems to provide heat energy to residents and industries. However, during operation, leaks often occur due to pipe aging, corrosion, or external damage, resulting not only in heat loss but also potential safety accidents and environmental pollution. Traditional leak detection technologies typically rely on single sensors, such as acoustic or pressure sensors, which suffer from insufficient detection accuracy and significant environmental interference. Single sensors are also difficult to adapt to changes in pipe temperature and complex operating conditions, leading to high false alarm or missed alarm rates. Furthermore, traditional clamp-on monitoring devices are difficult to adapt to different pipe diameters during installation and adjustment, affecting the stability and reliability of monitoring. These technical limitations restrict the efficiency and accuracy of leak monitoring in heating pipe networks.

[0003] To address these issues, we have developed a clamp-on three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks. By combining the clamping component and the monitoring component, it solves the problems of insufficient detection accuracy of a single sensor, large environmental interference, and inconvenience in adjusting the device for different pipe diameters in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution.

[0006] This invention relates to a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks. It includes a pipe with an upper semi-circular shell on one side and a lower semi-circular shell on the other side. A clamping assembly is provided on the pipe surface, comprising a clamping seat fixedly connected to both sides of the upper and lower semi-circular shells. A reinforcing seat is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the clamping seat. An arc-shaped clamping plate is fixedly connected to one side of the reinforcing seat, and a push plate is fixedly connected to the other side of the reinforcing seat. A metal block is fixedly connected to one side of the push plate. A magnetic block is fixedly connected to the other side. A fastening bolt is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the reinforcing seat. Both ends of the fastening bolt extend to the outside of the clamping seat. A nut is threaded onto the surface of the fastening bolt. Monitoring components are provided on the surfaces of the upper and lower semi-circular shells. The monitoring components include springs. The springs are provided on the surfaces of the upper and lower semi-circular shells. An adaptation rod is fixedly connected to one end of the spring. A fitting pad is fixedly connected to one end of the adaptation rod. An installation groove is opened on one side of the fitting pad. A monitoring sensor is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the installation groove.

[0007] The invention is further configured such that the inner cavity of the clamping seat is provided with an adjustment groove, the inner cavity of the adjustment groove extends to the outside of the upper semi-circular shell or the lower semi-circular shell, and the inner cavity of the adjustment groove is slidably connected to the surface of the reinforcing seat.

[0008] The present invention is further configured such that the inner cavity of the clamping seat has an installation hole, the inner cavity of the reinforcing seat has an adjustment hole, and the surface of the fastening bolt is slidably connected to both the inner cavity of the installation hole and the inner cavity of the adjustment hole.

[0009] The invention is further configured such that a tension spring is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the arc-shaped clamping plate, and one end of the tension spring is fixedly connected to one side of the upper or lower semi-circular shell.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that a circular hole is provided on one side of the inner cavity of both the upper and lower semicircular shells, and one side of the inner cavity of the circular hole is fixedly connected to one end of the spring.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that the bonding pad is a multifunctional adaptive coupling pad, and the material of the multifunctional adaptive coupling pad is a highly thermally conductive flexible silicone layer.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that the monitoring sensor includes a vibration sensor, a temperature sensor array, and an ultrasonic sensor, which are used to simultaneously monitor pipeline heating and leakage.

[0013] The invention is further configured such that the thickness of the bonding pad is 5-15 mm, the contour of its surface near the pipe is configured as a concave arc shape matching the outer diameter of the pipe, and its surface near the monitoring sensor is a plane.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that one end of the fastening bolt is cylindrical, and the inner cavity of the cylindrical bolt has a hexagonal opening.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects.

[0016] 1. This invention constructs a multi-dimensional sensing system using vibration sensors, temperature sensor arrays, and ultrasonic sensors. It can simultaneously capture leakage characteristic signals from multiple physical dimensions, including acoustic vibration, temperature distribution changes, and high-frequency ultrasound. When a pipeline leaks, the signals collected by the three sensors cross-validate in time and space. Through a built-in fusion algorithm, the multi-source data is weighted and analyzed for feature extraction, effectively filtering interference signals caused by environmental noise, medium pressure fluctuations, or external mechanical vibrations. This achieves dual sensitive detection of minor leaks and sudden pipe bursts, solving the monitoring blind spots and insufficient reliability problems caused by the poor environmental adaptability of traditional single sensors.

[0017] 2. This invention employs a symmetrical slide rail adjustment design. The push plate drives the reinforcing seat to move radially synchronously within the adjustment groove of the clamping seat, allowing the arc-shaped clamping plate to adaptively conform to the outer wall of the pipe. Combined with the rapid positioning function of the magnetic block and metal block, an adjustable flexible clamping force field is formed, enabling stepless adjustment and self-locking fixation within a certain pipe diameter range. Simultaneously, the spring and adaptive rod mechanism in the monitoring component converts the clamping force into a uniform pressing force on the bonding pad, ensuring that the high thermal conductivity flexible silicone layer forms a full circumferential gapless contact with the pipe surface. This not only guarantees the consistency of sensor signal transmission but also avoids coupling loosening caused by pipe thermal expansion and contraction or vibration, significantly improving installation efficiency and long-term monitoring stability.

[0018] 3. This invention integrates the sensing module, signal processing unit, and mechanical adjustment mechanism into the upper and lower semi-circular shells, forming a sealed and protective whole. The concave arc-planar composite structure of the fitting pad and its optimized thickness of 5-15mm ensure the acoustic-thermal coupling efficiency while providing a stable embedding space and heat flow guiding interface for the temperature sensor array. The system can analyze the background noise spectrum of vibration and ultrasound in real time, dynamically evaluate the sensor coupling status, and automatically identify sensor abnormalities or local failures by comparing the consistency of readings of each node in the temperature sensor array. All monitoring data and self-diagnostic results are uploaded to the monitoring platform through the wireless transmission module, providing a complete technical solution for the safe operation and preventive maintenance of heating pipe networks.

[0019] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0021] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a clamp-on three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the surface structure of the semi-circular shell in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0023] Figure 3 Exploded views of the upper and lower semi-circular shells of a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the semi-circular shell in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0025] Figure 5 Exploded view of the upper semi-circular shell and fastening bolts in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0026] Figure 6 An exploded view of the surface structure of the lower semi-circular shell in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the adaptive rod surface structure in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0028] Figure 8 Exploded view of fastening bolts and reinforcing base in a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks.

[0029] In the attached diagram: 1. Pipe; 2. Upper semi-circular shell; 3. Lower semi-circular shell; 4. Clamping seat; 5. Reinforcing seat; 6. Arc-shaped clamping plate; 7. Push plate; 8. Metal block; 9. Magnetic block; 10. Fastening bolt; 11. Nut; 12. Spring; 13. Adaptive rod; 14. Fitting pad; 15. Mounting groove; 16. Monitoring sensor; 17. Adjustment groove; 18. Mounting hole; 19. Adjustment hole; 20. Tension spring; 21. Circular hole; 22. Vibration sensor; 23. Temperature sensor array; 24. Ultrasonic sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Example

[0031] Please see Figures 1-8This invention relates to a clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks. It includes a pipe 1, with an upper semi-circular shell 2 on one side of the pipe 1 and a lower semi-circular shell 3 on the other side. A clamping assembly is provided on the surface of the pipe 1, including a clamping seat 4. The clamping seat 4 is fixedly connected to both sides of the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3. A reinforcing seat 5 is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the clamping seat 4. An arc-shaped clamping plate 6 is fixedly connected to one side of the reinforcing seat 5, and a push plate 7 is fixedly connected to the other side of the reinforcing seat 5. A metal block 8 is fixedly connected to one side of the push plate 7, and a metal block 8 is fixedly connected to the other side of the push plate 7. There is a magnetic block 9, and a fastening bolt 10 is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the reinforcing base 5. Both ends of the fastening bolt 10 extend to the outside of the clamping base 4, and a nut 11 is threaded on the surface of the fastening bolt 10. Monitoring components are provided on the surfaces of the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3. The monitoring components include a spring 12, which is set on the surfaces of the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3. One end of the spring 12 is fixedly connected to an adaptation rod 13, and one end of the adaptation rod 13 is fixedly connected to a fitting pad 14. A mounting groove 15 is opened on one side of the fitting pad 14, and a monitoring sensor 16 is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the mounting groove 15.

[0032] Specifically: Pipe 1 is a common existing heating pipe 1. The upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3 are interlocked and can be installed on the surface of pipe 1. The clamping seat 4 is installed on both sides of the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3, which are opposite each other, so that the semi-circular shell can be installed on the surface of pipe 1 through the structure of the clamping mechanism. The two arc-shaped clamping plates 6 are set up to form a whole arc structure, which fits the surface of pipe 1 and can adapt to the surface of pipe 1 for clamping. The push plate 7 is used to push the reinforcing seat 5 to move. The cooperation of the metal block 8 and the magnetic block 9 can make the two push plates 7 fit together after the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3 are interlocked, so as to facilitate the synchronous movement of the reinforcing seat 5. The fastening bolt 10 and nut 11 can fix the two clamping seats 4. The spring 12 can make the adapting rod 13 drive the fitting pad 14 to automatically fit onto the surface of pipe 1, thereby adapting to different pipes 1, so that the monitoring sensor 16 in the inner cavity of the mounting groove 15 can monitor the leakage of pipe 1. Example

[0033] Please see Figures 1-8Based on embodiment 1, the clamping seat 4 has an adjustment groove 17 in its inner cavity. The inner cavity of the adjustment groove 17 extends to the outside of the upper semi-circular shell 2 or the lower semi-circular shell 3. The inner cavity of the adjustment groove 17 is slidably connected to the surface of the reinforcing seat 5. The clamping seat 4 has an installation hole 18 in its inner cavity. The reinforcing seat 5 has an adjustment hole 19 in its inner cavity. The surface of the fastening bolt 10 is slidably connected to both the installation hole 18 and the adjustment hole 19. A tension spring 20 is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the arc-shaped clamping plate 6. One end of the tension spring 20 is fixedly connected to one side of the upper semi-circular shell 2 or the lower semi-circular shell 3. A round hole 21 is opened on one side of the inner cavity of both the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3. One side of the inner cavity of the round hole 21 is fixedly connected to one end of the spring 12.

[0034] Specifically: the adjusting groove 17 allows the reinforcing seat 5 to slide, allowing the arc-shaped clamp 6 to adapt to different pipes 1 and fit the surface of pipes 1 of different sizes; the mounting hole 18 allows the fastening bolt 10 to be installed in the inner cavity of the clamping seat 4; when the adjusting hole 19 coincides with the mounting hole 18, the bolt can be installed when the reinforcing seat 5 moves to different positions; the tension spring 20 ensures that the arc-shaped clamp 6 is in a suitable position in the default state so as not to affect the installation of the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3; the round hole 21 can fix one end of the spring 12 and limit the movement of the adapting rod 13. Example

[0035] Please see Figures 1-8 Based on Embodiments 1 and 2, the bonding pad 14 is a multifunctional adaptive coupling pad. The material of the multifunctional adaptive coupling pad is a highly thermally conductive flexible silicone layer. The monitoring sensor 16 includes a vibration sensor 22, a temperature sensor array 23, and an ultrasonic sensor 24. The vibration sensor 22, the temperature sensor array 23, and the ultrasonic sensor 24 are used to synchronously monitor the heating and leakage of the pipe 1. The thickness of the bonding pad 14 is constructed to be 5-15mm. The contour of its surface near the pipe 1 is constructed to be a concave arc shape that matches the outer diameter of the pipe 1, while its surface near the monitoring sensor 16 is flat. One end of the fastening bolt 10 is set to be cylindrical, and the inner cavity of the cylindrical bolt has a hexagonal opening.

[0036] Specifically: The adaptive coupling pad made of highly thermally conductive flexible silicone material improves signal transmission efficiency, ensures measurement consistency, and achieves rapid temperature response. It also absorbs the small displacements caused by thermal expansion and contraction or pressure fluctuations in the pipe 1, avoiding direct impact from rigid shocks on the precision sensor. The vibration sensor 22, temperature sensor array 23, and ultrasonic sensor 24 are all existing structures that can be used to monitor the pipe 1, and will not be described in detail here. The concave arc-shaped fitting pad 14 allows the monitoring sensor 16 to fit against the surface of the pipe 1. The cylindrical opening and hexagonal opening of the fastening bolt 10 are designed because the installation area is small, making it convenient to use the corresponding screwdriver to install and fasten the bolt 10.

[0037] The working principle of this invention is as follows: During the installation stage, the upper semi-circular shell 2 and the lower semi-circular shell 3 are aligned with the outside of the heating pipe 1. The initial positioning is completed by the rapid adsorption of the magnetic block 9 and the metal block 8. When the fastening bolt 10 is tightened, it passes through the adjustment hole 19 of the clamping seat 4 and the reinforcing seat 5, and drives the push plate 7 to drive the reinforcing seat 5 to slide radially along the adjustment groove 17, so that the upper and lower arc-shaped clamping plates 6 adaptively hug the outer wall of the pipe 1. At the same time, the tension spring 20 provides the reset pre-tightening force to ensure the flexibility and centering of the clamping. The clamping force is transmitted to the monitoring component through the shell, compressing the spring 12 and pushing the adaptation rod 13, so that the fitting pad 14 is tightly attached to the surface of the pipe 1 with its concave arc surface, forming a full-circumferential sound-thermal coupling interface. The vibration sensor 22, temperature sensor array 23 and ultrasonic sensor 24 in the embedded mounting groove 15 thus obtain a stable signal transmission path.

[0038] During the monitoring phase, vibration sensor 22 captures low- to mid-frequency stress waves generated by leakage turbulence in the pipe wall in real time. Temperature sensor array 23 senses subtle gradient changes in the pipe wall temperature field through a high thermal conductivity silicone layer. Ultrasonic sensor 24 detects high-frequency acoustic emission signals generated by leakage jets. After preprocessing, the three signals undergo time-frequency analysis and feature extraction using a built-in fusion algorithm. When the vibration energy level spectrum suddenly increases in a specific frequency band, the temperature sensor detects a continuous abnormal temperature rise, and the ultrasonic signal shows continuous high-frequency components, the system determines it to be a leakage event. It then eliminates conventional interference such as pump and valve start-up and shutdown through weighted decision-making. At the same time, the system continuously analyzes the consistency between the sensor's background noise and temperature readings to achieve self-diagnosis of the coupled state and sensor health assessment. Finally, the fusion diagnosis results, leakage location information, and equipment status data are uploaded to the monitoring center via a wireless module, completing a fully automatic monitoring cycle from physical perception to intelligent early warning.

[0039] The foregoing has only described certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention by way of illustration. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A clamp-on three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks, comprising a pipe (1), characterized in that: An upper semi-circular shell (2) is provided on one side of the surface of the pipe (1), and a lower semi-circular shell (3) is provided on the other side of the surface of the pipe (1). The pipe (1) is provided with a clamping assembly, which includes a clamping seat (4). The clamping seat (4) is fixedly connected to both sides of the upper semi-circular shell (2) and the lower semi-circular shell (3). A reinforcing seat (5) is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the clamping seat (4). An arc-shaped clamping plate (6) is fixedly connected to one side of the reinforcing seat (5). A push plate (7) is fixedly connected to the other side of the reinforcing seat (5). A metal block (8) is fixedly connected to one side of the push plate (7). A magnetic block (9) is fixedly connected to the other side of the push plate (7). A fastening bolt (10) is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the reinforcing seat (5). Both ends of the fastening bolt (10) extend to the outside of the clamping seat (4). A nut (11) is threaded onto the surface of the fastening bolt (10). Monitoring components are provided on the surfaces of the upper semi-circular shell (2) and the lower semi-circular shell (3). The monitoring components include a spring (12), which is disposed on the surfaces of the upper semi-circular shell (2) and the lower semi-circular shell (3). One end of the spring (12) is fixedly connected to an adaptation rod (13), and one end of the adaptation rod (13) is fixedly connected to a fitting pad (14). A mounting groove (15) is provided on one side of the fitting pad (14), and a monitoring sensor (16) is fixedly connected to the inner cavity of the mounting groove (15).

2. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping seat (4) has an adjustment groove (17) in its inner cavity. The inner cavity of the adjustment groove (17) extends to the outside of the upper semi-circular shell (2) or the lower semi-circular shell (3). The inner cavity of the adjustment groove (17) is slidably connected to the surface of the reinforcing seat (5).

3. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping seat (4) has an installation hole (18) in its inner cavity, and the reinforcing seat (5) has an adjustment hole (19) in its inner cavity. The surface of the fastening bolt (10) is slidably connected to the inner cavities of the installation hole (18) and the adjustment hole (19).

4. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: A tension spring (20) is fixedly connected to the top of one side of the arc-shaped clamp (6), and one end of the tension spring (20) is fixedly connected to one side of the upper semi-circular shell (2) or the lower semi-circular shell (3).

5. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the upper semi-circular shell (2) and the lower semi-circular shell (3) have a circular hole (21) on one side of their inner cavity, and one side of the inner cavity of the circular hole (21) is fixedly connected to one end of the spring (12).

6. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bonding pad (14) is a multifunctional adaptive coupling pad, and the material of the multifunctional adaptive coupling pad is a highly thermally conductive flexible silicone layer.

7. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring sensor (16) includes a vibration sensor (22), a temperature sensor array (23), and an ultrasonic sensor (24). The vibration sensor (22), the temperature sensor array (23), and the ultrasonic sensor (24) are used to synchronously monitor the heating and leakage of the pipeline (1).

8. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thickness of the bonding pad (14) is configured to be 5-15 mm, the contour of its surface near the pipe (1) is configured to be a concave arc shape matching the outer diameter of the pipe (1), and its surface near the monitoring sensor (16) is a plane.

9. The clamp-type three-sensor fusion device for monitoring leaks in heating pipe networks according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the fastening bolt (10) is cylindrical, and the inner cavity of the cylindrical bolt has a hexagonal opening.

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