Leak detection sensors for sample examination systems

Abstract

Leak detection sensors for sample examination systems are described herein. In one aspect, a leak detection sensor can include a light source; a fiber optic cable in optical communication with the light source; a receiver in optical communication with the fiber optic cable; and a first set of electrical components configured to receive an electrical signal from the receiver and measure a deviation in a characteristic of light passed through the fiber optic cable.

Description

LEAK DETECTION SENSORS FOR SAMPLE EXAMINATION SYSTEMSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application S / N 63 / 734,346, filed December 16, 2024.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to fluid leak detection sensors in sample examination systems.BACKGROUND

[0003] Sample examination systems such as ion chromatography (1C) systems, can include one or more leak detection sensors. The leak detection sensor can be disposed in an area of the IC system where leaks susceptible to occur, or be detected. For example, in cases where the leak detection sensor is configured to detect liquid leaks, a portion of the leak detection sensor can be disposed in a drip tray of the IC system.

[0004] However, convention leak detection sensors may cause certain issues with the sample examination system. For example, a conventional leak detection sensor can include a prism that reflects light transmitted and received by the sensor. The prism can, however, be of dimensions that cause the sensor to be inconveniently large. Additionally, the prism can interface with locating pins for proper installation with the rest of a sensor assembly. These pins can, however, be prone to breaking during assembly, which in turn effectively requires a new prism for operating the sensor assembly. These and other issues are addressed in the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0005] In meeting the described needs in the art, the present disclosure provides leak detection sensors for accurate emission signal detection of samples in sample examination systems. In one aspect, a leak detection sensor can include a light source; a fiber optic cable in optical communication with the light source; a receiver in optical communication with the fiber optic cable; and a first set of electrical components configured to receive an electricalsignal from the receiver and measure a deviation in a characteristic of light passed through the fiber optic cable.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a conventional leak detection sensor.

[0008] FIG. 2 depicts leak detection sensors for sample examination systems.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a photo of a conventional leak detection sensor.

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a leak detection sensor according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 depicts a leak detection sensor according to the present disclosure coupled to a sample examination system.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates leak detection sensors according to the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 depicts a controller for sample examination systems according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality”, as used herein, means more than one. When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable, and it should be understood that steps can be performed in anyorder. Any documents cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for any and all purposes.

[0015] It is to be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity’, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, reference to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range. In addition, the term "comprising" should be understood as having its standard, open-ended meaning, but also as encompassing “consisting” as well. For example, a device that comprises Part A and Part B can include parts in addition to Part A and Part B, but can also be formed only from Part A and Part B.

[0016] Leak detection sensors for sample examination systems are described herein. The leak detection sensor can include a fiber optic cable that can be partially exposed from a housing. The housing can house other components of the leak detection sensor, such as light sources, receiver, and other electrical components. The fiber optic cable can carry' light signals from a first end to a second end, such that the light signals travel through the portion of the fiber optic cable exposed from the housing. Electncal components can measure a characteristic of the light signals that are received at the second end of the fiber optic cable, such as an amount of light that is received by the second end. A deviation in the characteristic of the light signals can be indicative of a leak experienced by a corresponding sample examination system. The leak detection sensors described herein thus provide an accurate sensor for leak detection, a sensor having a small footprint, and a sensor that provides limited exposures of sensitive electrical components to potentially harmful environments.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a conventional leak detection sensor 100. The conventional leak detection sensor 100 can include a front plate 105 and a backplate 110. The front plate 105 can be configured to be coupled to the backplate 110, thereby forming a cavity. The cavity can be supplied with power via cable 115, and can include a prism 120. The prism 120 can be used to detect whether a leak occurs in a sample examination system. However, the prism 120 can be molded plastic, and can also be of comparatively large dimensions sufficient for receiving and transmitting light. This causes the overall size of the conventional leak detection sensor 100 to be undesirably large, particularly’ for sample examination systems where space for components is limited. Further, the prism 120 caninclude pins 125 for coupling the prism 120 to the backplate 110. The dimension of the pins 125 can be significantly smaller than that of the prism 120, and cleaning and reinstalling the prism 120 (e.g., after the prism comes in contact with a liquid of a leak) to couple to the backplate 110 can lead to breakage of the pins 125. This can render the prism 120, and thus the sensor 100, unusable.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a series of leak detection sensors, including an example of conventional leak detection sensors 205 and 210. Sensor 205 can be an example of the sensor 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 also shows a leak detection sensor 215 according to the present disclosure. As can be seen, the dimensions of the leak detection sensor 215 are significantly smaller compared to the sensor 205. FIG. 3 shows a photo of the conventional leak detection sensor 205.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a leak detection sensor 400 according to the present disclosure. The leak detection sensor 400 can be an example of the sensor 215 shown with reference to FIG. 2. The leak detection sensor 400 can include a housing 405. The housing 405 can form or define a cavity therein. The cavity can house various electrical components of the sensor 400. The housing 405 can be composed of plastic, plastic composites, metals, and the like. The housing 405 can be formed via a molding process.

[0020] The housing 405 can be dimensioned to house the components of the sensor 400. For example, the housing 405 can extend in the longitudinal direction (L) to support the housing of the printed circuit board (PCB), and the partially house the electrical connector. The housing 405 can thus define a main portion 410 and an overhang 415, where the overhang 415 extends longitudinally away from the main portion 410. Likewise, the housing 405 can extend in the transverse (T) direction and lateral (A) directions to sufficiently house the electrical components of the sensor 400, such as a light source and receiver.

[0021] The leak detection sensor 400 can also include a printed circuit board (PCB) 420. The PCB 420 can define planar surfaces capable of coupling to (e.g., via mounting) various electrical components. The PCB 420 can provide electrical circuits coupling the various electrical components together, such that the various electrical components are placed in electrical communication with each other. In some cases, the PCB can include more than one PCB. For example, certain components of the leak detection sensor 400 can be coupled to a first PCB and other components can be coupled to second PCB, where the first and second PCBs are in electrical communication with each other. In some cases, the PCB 420 can alsoprovide power to the various coupled electrical components, such as through other electrical circuits leading to the coupled electrical components.

[0022] The leak detection sensor 400 can include a light source 425. The light source 430 can be configured to emit light signals. The light source 430 can be coupled (e.g., mounted) to the PCB 420, and can receive power from the PCB 420. The light source 430 can convert the power signals to light signals. The light source 430 can be configured to emit light signals within a predefined wavelength range. For example, the light source 430 can be configured to emit light signals covering the IR range (e.g., between 780 nm and 1 mm) , or a portion of the IR range. It should be understood, however, that the light source need not emit light signals that are only in the foregoing range, as the light source can be selected to meet a given user’s needs. The light source 430 can be configured to emit light signals at a predefined frequency (e.g., once every 5 ms), according to a trigger signal (e.g.. from a controller), and the like. Further, the light source 430 can be positioned to emit light signals in a given direction. For example, the light source 430 can be configured to emit light signals in a direction tow ards a first end of a fiber optic cable, or tow ards an opening 435 defined by the housing 405. For example, a length of the light source 430 can be positioned along the transverse (T) direction, where the opening 435 defines a plane perpendicular to the transverse (T) direction.

[0023] The leak detection sensor 400 can include a receiver 440. The receiver 440 can be configured to receive the light signals emitted by the light source 430; such signals can be communicated to the receiver 440 via a fiber optic cable, as described elsewhere herein. For example, the receiver 440 can be configured to receive light signals in the IR range, or to match the wavelength of the light signals emitted by the light source 430. The receiver 440 can be coupled (e.g., mounted) to the PCB 440. In some cases, the receiver 440 can receive power via the PCB 430. The receiver 440 can be positioned to receive light signals in a given direction. For example, the receiver 440 can be configured to receive light signals in a direction tow ards a second end of a fiber optic cable, or tow ards the opening 435 defined by the housing 405. For example, a length of the receiver 440 can be positioned along the transverse (T) direction, where the opening 435 defines a plane perpendicular to the transverse (T) direction. However, the positioning of the receiver 440 can be the same, similar, or different than the positioning of the respective light source 430. For example, the receiver 440 can be positioned offset from the transverse (T) direction, and / or the light source 430 can be positioned offset from the transverse (T) direction.

[0024] The leak detection sensor 400 can include a fiber optic cable 445. The fiber optic cable 445 can be configured to receive and carry light signals from the light source 430. For example, the fiber optic cable 445 can define a length that defines (e.g. terminates at) a first end 450 and a second end 455. The fiber optical cable 445 can be positioned such that the first end 450 can receive light signals from the light source 430. The light can pass through the fiber optic cable 445 to the second end 455, which can pass the light signals to the receiver 440.

[0025] The fiber optic cable 445 can be positioned such that a middle region 460 of the fiber optic cable is external to the housing 405. For example, the first end 450 can be positioned within the housing 405, or adjacent to the housing 405. In cases where the first end 450 is within the housing 405, the first end 450 can enter the cavity of the housing 405 via the opening 435. In some cases, the first end can be surrounded by cladding (e.g., in cases where the first end 450 is adjacent to the housing 405). Likewise, the second end 455 can be positioned in the housing 405, or adjacent to the housing 405. In cases where the second end 455 is adjacent to the housing 405, the second end 455 can be surrounded by cladding. Thus, the first end 450 and the second end 455 can be separated in the longitudinal (L) direction.

[0026] The middle region 460 of the fiber optic cable 445 can be defined as the length between the first end 450 and the second end 455. The middle region 460, or a portion thereof, can be exposed from the housing 405. For example, the fiber optic cable 445 can extend, from the first end 450, in the transverse (T) direction away from the opening 435. The fiber optic cable 445 can then travel partially in the longitudinal (L) direction, and then back towards the opening 435 via the transverse (T) direction, and terminate at the second end 455. Thus, in some cases the fiber optic cable or a portion thereof can form the shape of an arc or curl. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the shape of the fiber optic cable can vary, and can be based on the location and positioning of the corresponding light source and receiver, the shape of the housing, the shape and location of the drip tray, etc.

[0027] The fiber optic cable 445 can cany7light signal from the light source 430 to the receiver 440. The first end 450 can receive light signals from the light source 430. The light signals can travel through the fiber optic cable 445 to the second end 455 via internal reflective characteristics of the fiber optic cable 445. The second end 455 can pass the light signals to the receiver 440. The receiver 440 can convert the light signals to an electrical signal, which can be passed to other electrical components of the leak detection sensor 400.

[0028] For example, the electrical signals can be passed (e.g., through electrical circuits of the PCB 420) to an electrical component 465 capable of measuring a characteristic of the light signal. For example, the electrical component 465 can be coupled to the PCB 420. The electrical component 465 can, for example, be a resistor, such as a shunt resistor or ammeter. The characteristic of the light can be an amount of light received by the receiver 440. For example, the electrical component 465 can measure a current value of the electrical signals. The electrical component 465 can send electrical signals indicative of the measured light characteristic.

[0029] In some cases, the electrical component 465, or other electrical components of the leak detection sensor 400, can determine a deviation of the light characteristic compared to a predefined threshold or range. For example, the leak detection sensor can also include a microcontroller configured to determine the deviation. In some case, the electrical component 465 can send electrical signals indicative of the deviation to another component, such as a controller, that the leak detection sensor 400 is in electrical communication with.

[0030] The leak detection sensor 400 can also include an electrical connector 470. The electrical connector 470 can be in electrical communication with the PCB 420. For example, the electrical connector can be coupled to (e.g., mounted to) the PCB 420. The electrical connector 470 can include a mating end configured to mate to a corresponding electrical connector. For example, the electrical connector 470 can be configured to mate to a corresponding electrical connector of a sample examination system, such as an IC, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), and the like. The electrical connector 470 can carry power signals from the corresponding electrical connector (e.g., of the sample examination system), to the leak detection sensor 400, and can likewise pass electrical signals indicative of the deviation of the light characteristic to the corresponding electrical connector (e.g., to carry to a controller of the sample examination system).

[0031] The leak detection sensor 400 can be configured such that the middle region 460 of the fiber optic cable 445 is positioned within a depression formed by a drip tray of a sample examination system. FIG. 5 shows a leak detection sensor 400 coupled to a sample examination system 505 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The leak detection sensor 400 can be coupled to the sample examination system 505 via the electrical connector 470. When coupled, the middle region of the fiber optic cable can be disposed w ithin thedepression formed by the drip tray 510. In some cases, the middle region of the fiber optic cable can be disposed in a groove or divot formed by the drip tray, which can facilitate the collection of any leak in the sample examination system into a concentrated location. In some cases, the remaining portion of the leak detection sensor 400 can be disposed or positioned external to the drip tray, which may prevent the other components of the leak detection sensor 400 from coming in contact with any leak of the sample examination system 505.

[0032] As an illustrative, non-limiting example, the leak detection sensor 400 can be configured to emit a light signal with a known intensity and wavelength (e.g., generated from an electrical signal with a known current value). As the light passes through the fiber optic cable, a portion of the light signal may be attenuated by travelling through cable, thereby causing a loss of a portion of the light signal. The loss can be a known or estimated amount, such as according to the reflectance characteristics of the surfaces of the fiber optic cable when the fiber optic cable is in an ambient environment. The light can be received by the receiver, which can then convert the light signal to an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be measured by an electrical component of the sensor, and can pass electrical signals indicative of the light characteristic (e g., an amount of light) received by the receiver. The threshold for the light characteristic can be based on the known or estimated value of loss for the light signal when the fiber optic cable is in an ambient environment, such as air. When the middle region of the fiber optic cable is exposed to a liquid, the reflectance properties of the cable may change, which may cause the light signal passing through the cable to experience a different attenuation or loss value. This difference in light lost or attenuated can be indicated in the electrical signal generated by the receiver, measured by the electrical component, and passed to a microcontroller or controller, which can determine the deviation exists and determine a leak has occurred in the corresponding sample examination system. FIG. 6 shows photos of various exemplary leak detection sensors according to the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 7 depicts a controller 700 according to the present disclosure. The controller 700 can be an example of the controller discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0034] The controller 700 can be a computing device such as a microcontroller, general purpose computer (e g., a personal computer or PC), workstation, mainframe computer system, and so forth. The controller 700 can include a processor device (e.g., a central processing unit or ‘'CPU’’) 702, a memory device 704, a storage device 706, a user interface 708, a system bus 710, and a communication interface 712.

[0035] The processor 702 can be any type of processing device for carrying out instructions, processing data, and so forth.

[0036] The memory device 704 can be any type of memory device including any one or more of random access memory (“RAM”), read-only memory (“ROM”), Flash memory, Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (“EEPROM”), and so forth.

[0037] The storage device 706 can be any data storage device for reading / writing from / to any removable and / or integrated optical, magnetic, and / or optical-magneto storage medium, and the like (e.g., a hard disk, a compact disc-read-only memory “CD-ROM”, CD- ReWritable CDRW,” Digital Versatile Disc-ROM “DVD-ROM”, DVD-RW, and so forth). The storage device 706 can also include a controller / interface for connecting to the system bus 710. Thus, the memory' device 704 and the storage device 706 are suitable for storing data as well as instructions for programmed processes for execution on the processor 702.

[0038] The user interface 708 can include a touch screen, control panel, keyboard, keypad, display or any other type of interface, which can be connected to the system bus 710 through a corresponding input / output device interface / adapter.

[0039] The communication interface 712 can be adapted and configured to communicate with any type of external device, or with other components of the sample examination system. For example, arrowed lines, can illustrate electronic communication between the controller and another component of the sample examination system (e.g., the leak detection sensor 400). The communication interface 712 can further be adapted and configured to communicate with any system or network, such as one or more computing devices on a local area network (“LAN”), wide area network (“WAN”), the Internet, and so forth. The communication interface 712 can be connected directly to the system bus 710 or can be connected through a suitable interface.

[0040] The controller 700 can. thus, provide for executing processes, by itself and / or in cooperation with one or more additional devices, that can include algorithms for controlling components of the sample examination system in accordance with the present disclosure. The controller 700 can be programmed or instructed to perform these processes according to any communication protocol and / or programming language on any platform. Thus, the processes can be embodied in data as well as instructions stored in the memory device 704 and / or storage device 706, or received at the user interface 708 and / or communication interface 712 for execution on the processor 702.EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0041] The following embodiments are exemplary only and do not ser e to limit the scope of the present disclosure of the appended claims. It should be understood that any part of any one or more Embodiments can be combined with any part of any other one or more Embodiments.Embodiment 1

[0042] A leak detection sensor, comprising: a light source; a fiber optic cable in optical communication with the light source; a receiver in optical communication with the fiber optic cable; and a first set of electrical components configured to receive an electrical signal from the receiver and measure a deviation in a characteristic of light passed through the fiber optic cable, the deviation being indicative of the fiber optic cable being exposed to a fluid. Embodiment 2

[0043] The leak detection sensor of Embodiment 1, wherein the first set of electrical components comprise at least one resistor.Embodiment 3

[0044] The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1 and 2. wherein the light source, the fiber optic cable, and the receiver are coupled to a pnnted circuit board (PCB).Embodiment 4The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the fiber optic cable is positioned to form an arc.Embodiment 5The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1-4, further comprising a housing defining a cavity, wherein the light source and receiver are positioned within the cavity.Embodiment 6The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the fiber optic cable defines a first end, a second end, and a middle region, and wherein the first end and the second end are positioned in the housing.Embodiment 7The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the middle region of the fiber optic cable is exposed from the housing.Embodiment 8The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the characteristic of the light comprises at least one of a voltage or a current value.Embodiment 9The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1- 8, further comprising an electrical connector electrically coupled to the first set of electrical components, wherein the electrical connector is further configured to be mated to a corresponding electrical connector of a sample examination system.Embodiment 10The leak detection sensor of any of Embodiments 1- 9, wherein the sample examination system comprises an ion chromatography system.

Claims

What is Claimed:

1. A leak detection sensor, comprising: a light source; a fiber optic cable in optical communication with the light source; a receiver in optical communication with the fiber optic cable; and a first set of electrical components configured to receive an electrical signal from the receiver and measure a deviation in a characteristic of light passed through the fiber optic cable, the deviation being indicative of the fiber optic cable being exposed to a fluid.

2. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the first set of electrical components comprise at least one resistor.

3. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the light source, the fiber optic cable, and the receiver are coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB).

4. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic cable is positioned to form an arc.

5. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, further comprising a housing defining a cavity, wherein the light source and receiver are positioned within the cavity.

6. The leak detection sensor of claim 5, wherein the fiber optic cable defines a first end, a second end, and a middle region, and wherein the first end and the second end are positioned in the housing.

7. The leak detection sensor of claim 6, wherein the middle region of the fiber optic cable is exposed from the housing.

8. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the light comprises at least one of a voltage or a current value.

9. The leak detection sensor of claim 1, further comprising an electrical connector electrically coupled to the first set of electrical components, wherein the electrical connector is further configured to be mated to a corresponding electrical connector of a sample examination system.

10. The leak detection sensor of claim 9, wherein the sample examination system comprises an ion chromatography system.

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