Acoustic Pipe Condition Detection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow sensors require invasive techniques and often provide limited, real-time data, making them unsuitable for monitoring fluid flow and pipe conditions in complex networks without breaching the pipe or causing contamination.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-invasive detection devices equipped with hoop stress sensors, acoustic sensors, and thermal flow condition sensors that can be attached to the outside of pipes to detect pressure, flow rates, and pipe conditions without contacting the fluid, allowing for continuous monitoring and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid flow sensors are used, then real-time data can be obtained, but invasive techniques are required which may cause contamination or pipe breaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to transmit information about fluid flow and pipe conditions without direct contact between the sensor and the fluid. The acoustic sensor detects vibrations and sound waves generated by fluid flow, pipe movements, and potential leaks, allowing real-time monitoring while maintaining a non-invasive interface that eliminates contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sensors that require physical contact with the fluid with acoustic sensing technology. Instead of using mechanical elements that directly interact with the fluid flow, the system uses acoustic waves to detect flow characteristics, pressure changes, and pipe conditions, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of invasive mechanical measurement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive detection devices are used, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and connection features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (acoustic detection, vibration sensing, and connection mechanisms) into a single integrated device. The housing structure serves multiple purposes: it protects the acoustic sensor, provides a mounting interface for connection to the pipe, and acts as an acoustic transmission medium. This merging of functions reduces the overall system complexity compared to using separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is designed with universal applicability through standardized connection features that can be adapted to different pipe types and configurations. The acoustic sensor and housing configuration can monitor various pipe conditions (flow rate, pressure, leaks, cracks) across different fluid delivery systems, making the device multi-functional and reducing the need for specialized equipment for each application.
3Loss of information
If acoustic sensors are used for non-invasive monitoring, then comprehensive pipe condition data can be obtained, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration principles by detecting acoustic waves and vibrations generated by fluid flow and pipe conditions. The acoustic sensor captures vibration signals from the pipe wall that contain information about flow rate, pressure changes, leaks, and structural integrity. By analyzing these vibration characteristics, the system can comprehensively assess pipe conditions without direct fluid contact, overcoming the detection difficulties through physics-based signal acquisition.
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 real-time, non-invasive monitoring of fluid flow and pipe conditions, reducing the risk of contamination and providing comprehensive data on flow rates, pressure, and pipe integrity, facilitating effective management of fluid delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first acoustic sensor configured to receive acoustic signals
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic exciter configured to apply acoustic signals to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for detecting conditions associated with a fluid conduit. An apparatus includes an insert having an internal conduit to connect with the fluid conduit and a plenum volume, and a detection device including a housing connected to the insert within the plenum volume, an acoustic sensor to receive acoustic signals, an acoustic exciter to apply acoustic signals to the housing, and a controller. The controller is electrically connected to the acoustic sensor and the acoustic exciter. The controller is configured to cause the acoustic exciter to apply an input acoustic signal to the housing, receive the acoustic signals from the housing using the acoustic sensor, analyze the received acoustic signals to determine a pipe condition of a pipe defining the fluid conduit or fluidically connected to the fluid conduit, and cause data representative of the pipe condition to be transmitted to an external device.