Gas leak detector cartridge

Abstract

The gas leak detector cartridge includes a cartridge housing removably mounted to a portable device. The cartridge housing includes a sensor that detects the presence of a contaminant in a sample gas and is connected to a printed circuit board. The cartridge housing also includes a pump disposed within a manifold that introduces the sample gas to the sensor. The sensor is at least partially inserted into the manifold that includes the pump.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a removable gas leak detector cartridge that can be inserted into a portable device to convert the portable device into a gas leak detector. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a gas leak detector cartridge in which a cartridge containing certain components of a gas leak detector is interchangeable with another type of detector cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Gas leaks from a flow path extending from a gas supply pipeline may lead to material losses and pose safety problems. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly perform gas leak inspections using a gas leak detector. Currently, when a user needs a flow meter and a gas leak detector, the user has to purchase a flow meter and a separate device capable of detecting gas leaks. Therefore, there is a need for a single portable device that can be converted from one type of detector, such as a flow meter, to another type of detector, such as a gas leak detector.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, a gas leak detector cartridge includes a cartridge housing removably attached to a portable device. The cartridge housing can include an internally disposed sensor that detects the presence of contaminants in a sample gas, and the sensor is electrically connected to a printed circuit board. The cartridge housing also includes a pump that introduces the sample gas to the sensor, and the sensor is at least partially inserted into a manifold that includes the pump.

[0004] In another aspect, the sensor of the gas leak detector cartridge detects the presence of contaminants in a sample gas by measuring a voltage change resulting from a change in the resistance value of a heating resistor caused by heat exchange between the heating resistor and the sample gas having contaminants.

[0005] In a further embodiment, the gas leak detector cartridge further comprises a gas leak sniffer probe that has fluid communication with the pump and does not have a reference gas inlet.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, the gas leak sniffer probe is equipped with a replaceable mesh filter.

[0007] In one embodiment, the gas leak sniffer probe is equipped with a push-in retaining ring.

[0008] In another embodiment, a gas leak sniffer probe comprises a protective outer tube and an inner tube.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the protective outer tube comprises at least polyurethane, and the inner tube comprises at least fluorinated ethylene propylene.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the pump is a microblower.

[0011] In another embodiment, the gas leak detector has a single gas inlet that is in fluid communication with the pump.

[0012] In one embodiment, the convertible portable device comprises a receptacle for removably receiving a gas leak detector cartridge.

[0013] In another embodiment, the convertible portable device comprises (i) a receptacle for removably receiving a cartridge, and (ii) a code receiver for receiving a code from the received removable cartridge in order to determine whether the received removable cartridge is an original removable cartridge.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the cartridge is provided with a first electrical connector, and the portable device is provided with a second electrical connector, and when the removable cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the portable device requests the removable cartridge to provide a cord.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the removable cartridge includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) having an identification / authentication code, and the portable device includes an EEPROM code reader for authenticating the removable cartridge.

[0016] In one embodiment, the portable device further includes an electronic circuit having at least a processor and memory for receiving signals from a cartridge. The portable device includes user-operable buttons for providing input to the electronic circuit. The portable device includes a power supply located within the portable device. The portable device also includes a display screen that shows data generated and received by the cartridge.

[0017] In another embodiment, the cartridge is a flow meter, a gas leak detector, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pH meter, or a chemical sensor.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the code further provides the portable device with the functionality of a cartridge.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, a method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas involves first measuring a reference voltage generated by a sensor due to the thermal conductivity resulting from contacting a sample gas free of contaminants with the sensor, storing the reference voltage in memory, contacting a sample gas potentially containing contaminants with the sensor, determining a measured voltage generated by the sensor due to the thermal conductivity resulting from contacting the sample gas potentially containing contaminants with the sensor, and comparing the reference voltage with the measured voltage (sample gas + contaminants) to detect the presence of contaminants.

[0020] In one aspect, a method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas further includes sending the difference between a reference voltage and a measurement voltage to an EEPROM and determining the flow rate of the leaking contaminants.

[0021] In another aspect, the EEPROM includes a concentration look-up table.

[0022] In a further aspect, a sample gas free of contaminants and a sample gas that may contain contaminants contact the sensor at substantially the same flow rate.

[0023] In yet another aspect, the flow rate is from about 7 mL / min to about 15 mL / min.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the various embodiments will be shown in part in the following description, will become in part apparent from the description, or can be learned by the practice of the various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages of the various embodiments will be realized and attained by the components and combinations particularly pointed out in the specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is an exploded perspective view of a gas leak detector cartridge according to an example. [Figure 2] It is a front perspective view of the gas leak detector cartridge of FIG. 1 according to an example. [Figure 3] It is a front view of a part of a manifold and a gas leak sniffer probe according to an example. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 according to an example. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing a gas sensor according to an example. [Figure 6] It is a block diagram of the electronic architecture of a PCB in a gas leak detector cartridge according to an example. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a process for detecting a leaked gas using a gas leak detector according to an example. [Figure 8] A front perspective view of a portable device with a gas leak detector cartridge inserted, according to one example. [Figure 9] Another front perspective view of the portable device of FIG. 8 showing the state where the gas leak detector cartridge has been removed (taken out) from the receptacle of the portable device, according to one example. [Figure 10] A top view of the portable device in a state where there is no gas leak detector cartridge, according to one example. [Figure 11] A front perspective view of the internal assembly of the portable device, according to one example. [Figure 12] A rear perspective view of the internal assembly shown in FIG. 11, according to one example.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Throughout all the figures, the same part numbers indicate the same or similar parts.

[0027] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example gas leak detector cartridge 100. As shown in Figure 1, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may have a shape and dimensions that allow it to be inserted into a receptacle 208 (also shown in Figure 9) of a portable device 226 (also shown in Figure 9). The gas leak detector cartridge 100 includes a cartridge housing 102 having a cartridge lid 104A and a cartridge base 104B. The cartridge lid 104A and the cartridge base 104B can be fastened to each other by any method and apparatus known to those skilled in the art. For example, the cartridge lid 104A and the cartridge base 104B can be fastened to each other by adhesive, one or more fasteners, such as clips, or by screws 106 as shown in Figure 1. The cartridge housing 102 may include at least one or more cartridge components, examples of which are described below. For example, the cartridge housing 102 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 108, a manifold 114, and at least a portion of a gas leak sniffer probe 120, where the PCB 108 may be formed from a rectangular plate with a sensor 144 (shown in Figure 4) mounted at a specific position on its underside. The PCB 108 may include a first electrical connector 110 located at one end of the PCB 108. The PCB 108 may be mounted on the manifold 114 and can be sealed using a sensor O-ring 118A. In one example, the manifold 114 may be in the form of a clamshell, including an upper manifold cover 114A and a lower manifold cover 114B. The manifold 114 may include a pump, such as a microblower 116, which introduces the sample gas into the cartridge housing 102 by generating negative pressure. The manifold 114 may further include a portion or end of a gas leak sniffer probe 120 used by a microblower 116 to draw in sample air and introduce it into the cartridge housing 102, and at least a portion of a sensor 144 extending outward or away from the PCB 108.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the gas leak sniffer probe 120 is in fluid communication with a microblower 116 to draw in sample air and introduce it to the sensor 144. The gas leak sniffer probe 120 may include a female part 122, a male part 124, and a removable / replaceable / maintainable filter, such as a mesh filter 132, positioned between the female part 122 and the male part 124 to filter out particles or dust in the sample gas introduced into the gas leak sniffer probe 120. One end of the male part 124 may be threaded so that it can be removablely attached to the female part 122. The gas leak sniffer probe 120 may also include a protective outer tube 126 and an inner tube 130. The inner tube 130 is long enough to extend over the length of the protective outer tube 126. The sniffer O-ring 118B fits around the inner tube 130 and is used to seal the connection between the gas leak sniffer probe 120 and the manifold 114 in the cartridge housing 102. The ferrule tube retainer 128 is positioned to secure the inner tube 130 in place together with the protective outer tube 126. Furthermore, a push-in retaining ring 127 is used to improve tensile strength and further secure the gas leak sniffer probe 120 to the manifold 114. A micro O-ring 125, positioned inside the male portion 124, is used to maintain the seal between the protective outer tube 126 and the inner tube 130. The protective outer tube 126 can be made of a plastic material, such as polyurethane, and the inner tube 130 can also be made of a plastic material, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer. It will be readily understood that the gas leak sniffer probe 120 can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.

[0029] In one example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cartridge base 104B may include one or more guide members 112 and one or more fasteners that allow the user to secure the gas leak detector cartridge 100 to a portable device 226 (shown in Figure 8). As shown in Figure 1, each fastener may include a washer 142 and a corresponding wing nut 140 for removably engaging or coupling the gas leak detector cartridge 100 to the portable device 226. Each wing nut 140 may further include a head member 212a and an engaging member 212b.

[0030] Figure 2 is an example front perspective view of the gas leak detector cartridge 100 of Figure 1. In one example, a first electrical connector 110 may be located at one end of the PCB 108 and accessible through an opening in the gas leak detector cartridge 100. Various components of the internal cartridge can be attached to the PCB 108 or at least communicate with the PCB 108. As described above, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may include one or more wing nuts 140 for detachably engaging or coupling to one or more second engaging members (not shown) of a portable device 226 (shown in Figure 9). To assist in handling the gas leak detector cartridge 100 during installation and removal, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may include one or more contact portions 222 configured (i.e., appropriately sized and positioned) for contact with a user's finger or thumb. In some examples, fasteners such as screws may be used to lock the gas leak detector cartridge 100 in place.

[0031] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, in one example, the manifold 114 may include a microblower 116 (shown in Figure 4), a PCB 108, and a sensor 144. The sensor 144 is located on the upper manifold cover 114A, and a sensor O-ring 118A can be used to seal the connection between the sensor 144 and the upper manifold cover 114A. The sensor 144 may include at least four sensor connectors 146 that are electrically connected to the PCB 108. The sensor 144 can be mounted on the underside of the PCB 108 and at least partially inserted into a recess in the manifold 114. The sniffer O-ring 118B provides a leak-free, direct connection between the gas leak sniffer probe 120 and the manifold 114. During operation, the microblower 116 can move the sample gas into the manifold 114 through the gas leak sniffer probe 120, so that the sample gas can come into contact with at least a portion of the sensor 144 before being discharged. The microblower 116 can be shaped like a flat box, and a seal 118C can be used between the manifold 114 and the microblower 116 to ensure that the microblower 116 is leak-free and safe during operation. In this example, the microblower 116 is a piezoelectric diaphragm pump, which operates by vibrating the diaphragm at a high frequency using a piezoelectric element, thereby drawing the sample gas into the microblower 116 and discharging it from the microblower 116. In this example, the microblower 116 is a piezoelectric-driven pump. By using a piezoelectric-driven pump instead of a DC motor-driven pump, the size and weight of the microblower 116 can be reduced while simultaneously extending its lifespan. If the microblower 116 is integrally positioned near the sensor 144 by the manifold 114, the dimensions and weight of the cartridge housing 102 can be expected to decrease accordingly. During operation, the negative pressure in the microblower 116 generates fluid flow, and the microblower 116 is electrically connected to the PCB 108 in the cartridge housing 102 using at least two wires 148.The microblower 116 may be a low-flow microblower, and only a small amount of fluid may flow through it. For example, the volume of fluid passing through the microblower 116 can be approximately 1 mL / min to approximately 30 mL / min, for example, approximately 7 mL / min to approximately 15 mL / min, for example, 11 mL / min. A low flow rate increases the sensitivity of the detector because the concentration of contaminants increases in proportion to the air. Furthermore, because the diameter of the inner tube 130 is small, the time it takes for the sample gas and contaminants (if present) to reach the sensor 144 can be shortened. As a result of this time reduction, the detector may have a faster response time.

[0032] Figure 5 shows the structure of a gas sensor 144 available from Posifa Technologies, Inc. in California, USA, as an example. To detect contaminants in a sample gas in contact with the gas sensor 144, the processor measures a voltage difference caused by a minute change in the resistance of the heating element resulting from a temperature change due to heat transfer from the heating element to the sample gas and potential contaminants. To detect the voltage difference, the sensor 144 may include a microfabricated cavity 160 having a flat bottom and any planar shape. The cavity 160 can be formed in a silicon substrate 162, although other types of substrates may be used. The sensor 144 may also include a heating element in the form of a heating resistor 152, which may be a platinum thin-film resistor. The sensor 144 also includes a reference resistor 154 with the same thermal coefficient of resistance as the heating resistor 152 for ambient temperature compensation. A bonding pad 156 is located on one side of the silicon substrate 162, enabling more efficient packaging. The heating resistor 152 can be placed on a thermal insulating film 158. The thermal insulating film 158 can be suspended on a cavity 160 having a bottom surface parallel to the thermal insulating film 158. The thermal insulating film 158 ensures an independent response to temperature changes (e.g., temperature drop) caused by heat transfer due to the passage of a sample gas containing contaminants, compared to the reference resistor 154. Because the volume of the gas being measured (i.e., the volume in the cavity) is minute, the sensor 144 can achieve ultra-low power consumption and fast response time. When the sample gas containing contaminants comes into contact with the sensor 144, the thermal conductivity of the gas changes accordingly. Due to the change in thermal conductivity, the temperature of the heating resistor 152 changes at a different rate than that of the reference resistor 154 (e.g., the heating resistor 152 cools), thereby the processor detects a voltage difference. This voltage difference indicates the presence of contaminants in the sample gas. This voltage difference allows for the qualitative detection of the amount of contaminants (leakage) in the sample gas.For example, the convertible leak detector 200 (shown in Figure 8) can include levels 1 to 8, with level 1 being able to handle small leaks such as leaks of approximately 0.003 mL / min or less, and level 8 being able to handle large leaks such as leaks of approximately 0.03 mL / min or more.

[0033] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electronic architecture of PCB 108 in a gas leak detector cartridge 100, as an example. The gas leak detector cartridge 100 includes five main functions: a buzzer, a piezoelectric pump controller, a sensor circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). If the amount of contaminant (i.e., leaked gas) exceeds a certain value, the buzzer emits an audible alarm sound. The user can switch the buzzer function on or off on the mode setting page. The piezoelectric pump has a wide operating voltage range of 5V to 20V. To maintain a constant flow rate, a digital potentiometer is added for manually fine-tuning the piezoelectric pump flow rate from 9.0 mL / min to 10.0 mL / min during calibration. The fine-tuning process is performed only during calibration. Because the sensor circuit connected to sensor 144 drifts over time, the measured voltage may fall outside the detection range of the ADC. Therefore, a pair of resistors RDAC1 and RDAC2 from the digital potentiometer can be connected in parallel to discrete resistors R1 and R2 located on the PCB 108, thereby enabling fine adjustment of the total equivalent resistance. Fine adjustment of RDAC1 and RDAC2 can be performed automatically via the I2C digital interface with each power-up cycle so that the measured voltage falls within the detection range. The analog voltage from the sensor circuit can be connected to an analog filter to remove high-frequency signals. This signal can be input to an ADC to convert the analog voltage to a digital signal. After conversion, the ADC can send a series of digital signals to the portable device 226 (shown in Figure 8) via the I2C digital interface through the connection between the first electrical connector 110 of the gas leak detector cartridge 100 and the second electrical connector 354 (shown in Figure 12) of the portable device 226 (shown in Figure 8).The EEPROM can be used to store a series of pieces of information, such as the gas leak detector concentration table, codes such as authentication codes, the cartridge serial number, the cartridge part number, the activation date, the date the sniffer probe filter was replaced, user settings, the manufacturer of the gas leak detector cartridge 100 (i.e., confirmation that the gas leak detector cartridge 100 is not a counterfeit), and so on.

[0034] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process for calculating the level of leaked gas using a convertible detector 200, which is a combination of a gas leak detector cartridge 100 and a portable device 226 (shown in Figure 8), as an example. First, the output of the sensor circuit is periodically acquired from an ADC integrated circuit via a communication interface such as an I2C communication interface. Next, a moving average is calculated using the following formula to reduce the input noise.

number

[0035] In one example, after calculating the moving average, the rate of change, which is the voltage difference over time, can be determined from the sensor's voltage output using the slope detection algorithm shown below, as shown below.

number

[0036] In one example, the difference in sensor voltage output can range from 0 seconds to 250 seconds. During this period, the gas leak sniffer probe 120 can be inserted into and removed from a helium leak source of 0.03 mL / min 16 times. The output voltage can be the voltage difference between when the gas leak sniffer probe 120 is inserted into the gas leak source and when it is removed from the gas leak source. During these 250 seconds, the sensor output may drift from 0.014V to -0.01V. To compensate for the heat from the sensor 144 that causes drift over time, tilt detection can be calculated. A negative peak indicates a gas leak, and the magnitude of the peak is a measure of the gas leak rate.

[0037] As shown in Figure 7, in one example, the warm-up algorithm can be implemented when the time the convertible detector 200 is ON is less than a predetermined time. For example, this occurs when the convertible detector 200 is ON for less than 500 seconds, for example less than 300 seconds, for example less than 200 seconds, or less than 150 seconds. The warm-up algorithm shortens the sensor's settling time and improves the accuracy of gas leak detection during this predetermined period. The warm-up algorithm can generally be described as follows. Warm-up algorithm (t1) = Tilt detection (t1) - [Correction coefficient] Here, t1 is from 0 seconds to a predetermined time (seconds).

[0038] Furthermore, a hybrid DC level detection method may be used to read the voltage difference of the drifted output by calculating the sum of the areas under each slope detection.

[0039] In one example, two threshold limits can trigger the calculation of the hybrid DC value: a lower limit when the tilt detection is less than -0.00X, and an upper limit when the tilt detection is greater than +0.00X. When the gas leak sniffer probe 120 is placed in the gas leak source, the tilt detection curve is less than -0.00X. The hybrid DC value can be calculated as follows:

number

[0040]

number

[0041]

number

[0042] The factory calibration process can be achieved individually at levels 1, 3, and 5. In one example, hybrid DC values ​​for levels +1, -1, +3, -3, +5, and -5 are recorded, respectively.

[0043] Next, quadratic polynomials for curve fitting are generated based on levels +1, -1, +3, -3, +5, and -5, and the constants of the equations for the calibration curves at positive and negative levels are determined. After determining the constants of the equations, a calibration level lookup table is created based on the level thresholds.

[0044] A calibration level lookup table can be programmed into the EEPROM, and the data is encrypted. With each power-up cycle, the convertible detector 200 can load the calibration level lookup table, thereby ensuring that the portable device 226 (shown in Figure 8) reflashes the memory with accurate values. During normal operation, the convertible detector 200 displays the gas leak level on the display screen 234 (shown in Figure 8) of the portable device 226 (shown in Figures 8 and 9).

[0045] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a convertible detector 200 with a gas leak detector cartridge 100 inserted, as an example. The convertible detector 200 may include a portable device 226 and a gas leak detector cartridge 100 for detachable mounting to the portable device 226. Figure 8 shows the gas leak detector cartridge 100 mounted on the portable device 226 and in the operating position. Figure 9 is another front perspective view of the convertible detector 200, showing the gas leak detector cartridge 100 removed from the portable device 226. In this example, the portable device 226 includes a receptacle 208 for receiving the gas leak detector cartridge 100. The modular configuration of the convertible detector 200 allows the user to swap the gas leak detector cartridge 100 with another type of modular detector cartridge, such as a modular flow detector. Detachable cartridges may include, but are not limited to, flow meters, gas leak detectors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, pH meters, chemical sensors, and the like. The gas leak detector cartridge 100 may contain a code from an EEPROM, and the portable device 226 may further include an EEPROM code reader for determining or authenticating whether the accepted gas leak detector cartridge 100 is a genuine cartridge. In one example, the EEPROM code reader of the portable device 226 may request the gas leak detector cartridge 100 to provide an authentication code. In another example, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 provides an EEPROM code to the EEPROM code reader of the portable device 226.

[0046] The portable device 226 and the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may be configured such that the gas leak detector cartridge 100 is held in a manner that it is fixed or locked but still removable or releaseable within the receptacle 208 of the portable device 226. For this purpose, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may include one or more engaging members 212b (shown in Figure 9) for removable engagement or coupling with one or more second engaging members (not shown) of the portable device 226. The gas leak detector cartridge 100 is attached to the portable device 226 by moving or sliding the gas leak detector cartridge 100 into the receptacle 208 until the engaging member 212b engages with the second engaging member (not shown) of the portable device 226. To assist in handling the gas leak detector cartridge 100 during attachment and removal, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may include one or more contact portions 222 configured (i.e., appropriately sized and positioned) for contact with a user's finger or thumb. In some examples, the gas leak detector cartridge 100 may further include one or more guide members 112 configured to removably engage with one or more second guide members (not shown) of a portable device 226. In some embodiments, fasteners such as screws may be used to lock the gas leak detector cartridge 100 in place.

[0047] As also shown in Figures 8 and 9, the portable device 226 may include a housing comprising a first section 228 and a second section 230, as described herein. The portable device 226 further includes a display screen 234 that shows data generated and received by a removable gas leak detector cartridge 100, and user operation buttons 252 that provide input to an electrical circuit, as described herein. The display screen 234 may be framed or surrounded by an opening 238 formed in the first section 228. The display screen 234 may be coplanar with the opening 238 or recessed within the opening 238. The display screen 234 may indicate the type of cartridge 100 that has been received.

[0048] The gas leak detector cartridge 100 may include a cartridge housing 102. The gas leak detector cartridge 100 further includes a fluid inlet (or cartridge inlet) 246 (shown in Figure 8) and a fluid outlet (or cartridge outlet) 248 (shown in Figure 4), the fluid inlet 246 may be configured to be coupled with a gas leak sniffer probe 120. The sample gas is introduced into the fluid inlet 246 through the gas leak sniffer probe 120 and discharged from the fluid outlet 248, thereby forming a flow path during the operation of the detector.

[0049] The following describes one example of how to operate the convertible detector 200. It should be understood that this example does not limit the broadest aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein. The method involves mounting a cartridge to the portable device 226 such that a first electrical connector of the cartridge is coupled to a second electrical connector of the portable device, thereby operating the portable device 226 as a gas leak detector. The cartridge and portable device may be configured according to any of the examples disclosed herein. In some examples, the method involves mounting the cartridge by moving the cartridge into a receptacle of the portable device, as described herein. In some examples, the method involves engaging the cartridge with the portable device in a manner that helps to hold the cartridge in a suitable mounting position within the portable device, such as by locking or securing it, as described herein. In some examples, the method involves removing one type of detector cartridge from the portable device and mounting another type of detector cartridge to the portable device, as described herein.

[0050] Another example of how to operate the convertible detector 200 involves mounting the cartridge to the portable device 226 by moving the cartridge into the receptacle of the portable device and connecting the first electrical connector of the cartridge to the second electrical connector of the portable device, thereby operating the portable device as a gas leak detector. A sample gas free of contaminants (i.e., a reference gas) is introduced to the gas sensor 144 through the cartridge inlet. The processor measures a reference voltage based on heat exchange between the reference resistor 154 and the uncontaminated sample gas. The reference voltage can be stored in memory. If a sample gas containing contaminants is introduced to the sensor through the cartridge inlet, the processor measures a voltage resulting from the change in the resistance of the heating resistor 152 due to the temperature change (i.e., cooling effect) caused by heat exchange between the heating resistor 152 and the sample gas that may contain contaminants. The processor can then determine the voltage difference between the reference voltage and the measured voltage. The voltage difference, if present, indicates the presence of contaminants in the sample gas. The voltage difference can then be sent to an EEPROM, which may contain a concentration table, to qualitatively detect the leak rate. This leakage rate can be displayed on the display screen 234 in the form of levels 1 to 8.

[0051] Figure 10 is an example of a top view of a portable device 226, i.e., a view looking down into the receptacle 208. The portable device 226 includes a second electrical connector 354 that is detachably coupled to a first electrical connector 110 (also shown in Figure 1) of a gas leak detector cartridge 100 (shown in Figure 1). The first electrical connector 110 is coupled to the second electrical connector 354 when the gas leak detector cartridge 100 is in the mounting position (shown in Figure 8), and is disconnected from or released from the second electrical connector 354 when the gas leak detector cartridge 100 is in the detached position (shown in Figure 9). The second electrical connector 354 can be located in or near the receptacle 208. In general, the first electrical connector 110 and the second electrical connector 354 can have any structure suitable for providing an electrical interconnection when coupled to each other, as described above in relation to Figure 1.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the portable device 226 may include an inner wall 356 positioned between the receptacle 208 and the interior of the portable device (for example, the interior enclosed by the second section 230 of the main housing). The inner wall 356 functions as the bottom or floor of the receptacle 208. The second electrical connector 354 may be located in or near the inner wall 356. The inner wall 356 can partition or provide a boundary between the receptacle 208 and the interior of the portable device. As mentioned above, this boundary may or may not be fluid-tight. Figure 10 also shows one or more spaces or openings 372 on the upper part of the portable device 226 and inside the outer wall of the first section 228 of the main housing (shown in Figures 8 and 9). The engaging member 212b (shown in Figure 9) of the gas leak detector cartridge 100 described above can be inserted into the space (which may be multiple) 372 and engaged with the corresponding second engaging member (which may be multiple) (not shown) located within the space (which may be multiple) 372.

[0053] Figure 11 is a front perspective view of an internal assembly 400 of a portable device 226, which may be included in one example of a portable device 226. Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the internal assembly 400. In the illustrated example, the internal assembly 400 may include a display screen 234 mounted on a support structure 458 (at least partially defining the receptacle 208), a second electrical connector 354 mounted on or communicating with the main PCB 460 (or main board, or first circuit board), a power supply 462 (e.g., one or more batteries and / or power supply connections as shown) mounted on or communicating with the main PCB 460, and an electronic circuit 464 mounted on or communicating with the main PCB 460. When batteries are used, the housing of the portable device may include an openable or removable access panel (not shown) for facilitating battery replacement. As described above, the electronic circuit 464 may include one or more components for performing various electronic functions, such as a main processor 466 and one or more memories 468. The electronic circuit 464 may include, or be formed on, another circuit board, such as a control PCB 470 (or control board, or second circuit board) that is mounted on or communicates with the main PCB 460. The circuit boards (or multiple circuit boards) provided in the portable device 226 (e.g., the main PCB 460 and the control board 470) may be configured as necessary to provide signal communication between the second electrical connector 354 and various electronic components (e.g., power supply 462, electronic circuit 464, etc.).

[0054] Figures 11 and 12 show only one example of the configuration of components that may be included in the portable device 226, and it will be understood that many other configurations are possible. The specific types of components in the portable device, and their arrangement or layout within the portable device 226, may differ from example to example. Furthermore, the components of the portable device may be of a type generally known to those skilled in the art, and therefore their structure, function, and operation do not need to be described in detail herein.

[0055] The example described above has the advantage of allowing the functionality of the gas leak detector to be expanded into a convertible portable device by replacing the gas leak detector cartridge. Therefore, the user can operate a single portable device for multiple types of measurements, including but not limited to flow rate, gas leaks, temperature, pressure, pH values, and chemical substances.

[0056] The above example describes a small, integrated microblower and sensor (by manifold) to reduce the dimensions and weight of the gas leak detector cartridge. It also reduces the time and cost associated with manufacturing such a gas leak detector. Because the microblower requires only a small fluid flow, it can reduce the diffusion of the sample gas introduced during transport and the resulting response delay. Therefore, it can improve the sensitivity and stability of detection.

[0057] Furthermore, the above-described example is advantageous in terms of maintenance. Not only are the cartridge and portable device detachable, but the sniffer probe can also be removed and replaced at the factory if damaged. Since many of the components of this disclosure are modular, replacing any one component is relatively easy. Thus, this disclosure provides a more reliable, cost-effective, and convertible portable device.

[0058] This disclosure shall be interpreted broadly. This disclosure is intended to disclose equivalents, means, systems, and methods for achieving the devices, operations, and mechanical functions disclosed herein. With respect to each device, article, method, means, mechanical element, or mechanism disclosed herein, this disclosure is intended to also include and teach equivalents, means, systems, and methods for carrying out many of the embodiments, mechanisms, and devices disclosed herein. Furthermore, this disclosure is intended to include equivalents, means, systems, and methods for the use of devices and / or products and many of their aspects, which are not inconsistent with the descriptions and intent of the operations and functions disclosed herein. The claims of this application shall be interpreted broadly as well.

[0059] Many embodiments of the present invention described herein are illustrative, and therefore, variations that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not considered to depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments are described below. [Aspect 1] A gas leak detector cartridge, It features a cartridge housing that can be detachably attached to a portable device, The aforementioned cartridge housing A sensor located within the cartridge housing, which detects the presence of contaminants in the sample gas and is electrically connected to a printed circuit board, A pump is placed inside the manifold to introduce the sample gas to the sensor, Equipped with, A gas leak detection cartridge in which the sensor is at least partially inserted into the manifold, including the pump. [Aspect 2] The gas leak detector cartridge according to Embodiment 1, wherein the sensor detects the presence of the contaminant in the sample gas by measuring a voltage change caused by a change in the resistance value of the heating resistor, and the change in resistance value is caused by heat exchange between the heating resistor and the sample gas containing the contaminant. [Aspect 3] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 1, further comprising a gas leak sniffer probe that has fluid communication with the pump and does not have a reference gas inlet. [Aspect 4] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 3, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe comprises a reproducible filter. [Aspect 5] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 3, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe is equipped with a push-in retaining ring. [Aspect 6] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 3, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe comprises a protective outer tube and an inner tube. [Aspect 7] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 6, wherein the protective outer tube comprises at least polyurethane and the inner tube comprises at least fluorinated ethylene propylene. [Aspect 8] The gas leak detector cartridge according to embodiment 1, further comprising a single gas inlet that is in fluid communication with the pump. [Aspect 9] A convertible portable device comprising a receptacle for removably receiving the gas leak detector cartridge described in Embodiment 1. [Aspect 10] A portable device capable of conversion, (i) a receptacle for removably receiving a cartridge, and (ii) a code receiver for receiving a code from the received removable cartridge in order to determine whether the received removable cartridge is a genuine removable cartridge. A portable, convertible device equipped with [a specific feature / ability]. [Aspect 11] The convertible portable device according to embodiment 10, wherein the removable cartridge is provided with a first electrical connector, the portable device is provided with a second electrical connector, and when the removable cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the second electrical connector, and the portable device requests the removable cartridge to provide the cord. [Aspect 12] The convertible portable device according to embodiment 10, wherein the removable cartridge includes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) having a code, and the portable device includes an EEPROM code reader for authenticating the removable cartridge. [Aspect 13] The aforementioned portable device, An electronic circuit comprising at least a processor and memory, which receives a signal from the removable cartridge, A user-operable button that provides input to the aforementioned electronic circuit, A power source located within the aforementioned portable device, A display screen showing data generated and received by the aforementioned removable cartridge, A convertible portable device according to embodiment 10, further comprising the following: [Aspect 14] The convertible portable device according to embodiment 10, wherein the removable cartridge is a flow meter, a gas leak detector, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pH meter, or a chemical sensor. [Aspect 15] The convertible portable device according to embodiment 10, wherein the code further provides the portable device with the functionality of the removable cartridge. [Aspect 16] A method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas, The sensor is brought into contact with a sample gas that does not contain the aforementioned contaminants, The measurement of a reference voltage generated by the sensor due to the thermal conductivity caused by bringing a sample gas free of the aforementioned contaminants into contact with the sensor, The aforementioned reference voltage is stored in memory, Bringing the sample gas containing the aforementioned contaminant into contact with the sensor, The measurement voltage generated by the sensor is determined due to the change in thermal conductivity caused by bringing the sample gas containing the aforementioned contaminant into contact with the sensor. The presence of the contaminant is detected by comparing the aforementioned reference voltage with the aforementioned measurement voltage, Methods that include... [Aspect 17] A method for detecting a contaminant in a sample gas according to embodiment 16, further comprising sending the difference between the reference voltage and the measurement voltage to an EEPROM to determine the flow rate of the leaking contaminant. [Aspect 18] The method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas according to embodiment 17, wherein the EEPROM includes a concentration lookup table. [Aspect 19] A method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas according to embodiment 16, wherein a sample gas that does not contain the contaminants and a sample gas that may contain the contaminants come into contact with the sensor at approximately the same flow rate. [Aspect 20] The method for detecting contaminants in a sample gas according to embodiment 19, wherein the flow rate is 7 mL / min to 15 mL / min.

Claims

1. A gas leak detector cartridge, It features a cartridge housing that can be detachably attached to a portable device, The aforementioned cartridge housing A sensor located within the cartridge housing, which detects the presence of contaminants in the sample gas and is electrically connected to a printed circuit board, A pump is placed inside the manifold to introduce the sample gas to the sensor, Equipped with, The sensor is at least partially inserted into the manifold including the pump, The sensor detects the presence of the contaminant in the sample gas by measuring the voltage change caused by the change in the resistance of the heating resistor, and the change in resistance is caused by heat exchange between the heating resistor and the sample gas containing the contaminant. Gas leak detector cartridge.

2. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a gas leak sniffer probe that has fluid communication with the pump and does not have a reference gas inlet.

3. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe comprises a reproducible filter.

4. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe is equipped with a push-in retaining ring.

5. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the gas leak sniffer probe comprises a protective outer tube and an inner tube.

6. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the protective outer tube comprises at least polyurethane and the inner tube comprises at least fluorinated ethylene propylene.

7. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a single gas inlet that is in fluid communication with the pump.

8. The gas leak detector cartridge according to claim 1, A convertible portable device comprising a receptacle for removably receiving the gas leak detector cartridge, A convertible detector equipped with a transformable sensor.

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