Absorbent Sleeve Leak Detector for Flow Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid leak detectors in electronic devices with liquid cooling systems fail to promptly detect leaks from flow tubes due to the delay in liquid droplet formation and detection area alignment.
Innovation Solution
A fluid leak detector configuration featuring an insulation sleeve with water absorption properties and electrode wires connected via the sleeve, forming a conduction circuit when fluid leaks, triggering a warning signal through a signaling device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid leak detector is disposed at the bottom of the electronic device to detect liquid leak from the flow tube, then the detector can detect liquid leaks, but the detection is delayed because the liquid leak may not drop down immediately or may not drop on the detecting area of the detector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a bottom-mounted detection approach (vertical dimension) to a wrap-around detection approach that encircles the flow tube (circumferential dimension). The insulation sleeve with embedded electrodes wraps around the flow tube, creating a detection zone that intercepts leaks immediately upon occurrence rather than waiting for gravitational drop to the bottom detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the flow tube and the detection system. It provides both electrical insulation for the electrodes and a structural platform that maintains close proximity to the flow tube surface, enabling immediate detection of leaks while the electrodes embedded in the sleeve serve as the actual sensing interface.
2Device complexity
If the liquid leak detector is placed at the bottom of the electronic device, then the structure is simple, but the detection area does not cover the entire flow tube surface
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple electrode pairs distributed around the circumference of the flow tube. Each electrode pair creates an independent detection zone, and collectively they provide comprehensive coverage of the entire flow tube surface. This segmentation allows the detection area to expand from a single point at the bottom to multiple zones around the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is nested within the insulation sleeve, which itself is disposed around the flow tube. This nested configuration allows the detection system to conform to the cylindrical geometry of the flow tube while maintaining a compact structure that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate detection and timely warning of fluid leaks from flow tubes, enhancing sensitivity and reliability by ensuring electrical connection upon fluid absorption, regardless of leak location.
Implementation Method 1
The insulation sleeve has water absorption property... the insulation sleeves is able to absorb fluid which leaks from the flow tube
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid leak detector which is configured to be disposed on a flow tube. The fluid leak detector includes an insulation sleeve and at least one wire set. The insulation sleeve has water absorption property. The insulation sleeve is configured to be sleeved on the flow tube. The at least one wire set includes a first electrode wire and a second electrode wire. The first electrode wire and the second electrode wire are disposed on the insulation sleeve. The first electrode wire and the second electrode wire are separated from each other but are connected to each other via the insulation sleeve.