Free-Floating Acoustic Sensor Capsule for Fluid Conduit Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor networks face challenges in accurately detecting leaks in fluid conduits, particularly in remote environments where GPS signals are unavailable, and existing sensor motes with dimensions less than 10 millimeters are limited in component integration, reliability, and durability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with an outer capsule for fluid-tight containment, equipped with an acoustic sensor for detecting leaks by sensing acoustic properties of the fluid and conduit, and a conductor for activating the sensor, which can flow freely within the conduit, along with additional sensors for pressure, temperature, and other fluid properties, and a memory for storing data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If sensor motes with dimensions less than 10 millimeters are used, then the sensor device can be deployed in remote environments, but component integration, reliability, and durability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is divided into distinct functional modules: an outer capsule providing fluid-tight containment, an interior compartment housing acoustic sensors and electronics, and a conductor system for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall reliability in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the interior compartment containing sensors and electronics is housed within the outer capsule. This nested arrangement maximizes component integration density while maintaining the compact size necessary for deployment in remote environments through fluid conduits.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sensor networks with GPS communication are used, then environmental parameters can be monitored, but GPS signals do not reach individual motes in remote environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic sensors as an intermediary measurement mechanism that does not rely on GPS signals. The acoustic sensors detect fluid flow characteristics and conduit conditions through sound wave analysis, enabling environmental monitoring in remote environments where electromagnetic GPS signals cannot penetrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic GPS-based positioning and communication system with an acoustic field-based sensing system. This substitution enables operation in environments where electromagnetic signals are blocked, using mechanical sound wave propagation through the fluid and conduit structure instead.
3Ease of operation
If wireless antennas are added to sensor motes for communication, then data can be transmitted to external devices, but the number of motes that can be interfaced is limited and transmission reliability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wireless electromagnetic communication with a mechanical conductor-based electrical connection system. The conductor extends from the interior compartment through the outer capsule to enable reliable electrical data transmission, eliminating the limitations of wireless antenna capacity and signal interference in dense mote deployments.
4Volume of moving object
If small sensor motes of less than 10 millimeters are used, then deployment is feasible, but certain components cannot be used and repairability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is segmented into a removable interior compartment housed within the outer capsule. This segmentation allows the interior compartment containing sensitive components to be accessed, removed, or replaced without damaging the outer capsule, significantly improving repairability while maintaining the compact overall size.
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
The sensor device effectively detects leaks by analyzing acoustic signatures and provides comprehensive fluid and conduit data, enhancing reliability and durability, and can operate in challenging environments without GPS signals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor senses acoustic properties of the fluid to detect the presence of the leak
Implementation Method 2
the at least one acoustic sensor for sensing the acoustic properties of the fluid, the sensor device having a conductor for activating the at least one acoustic sensor to sense the acoustic properties of the fluid and the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 3
The at least one acoustic sensor may include a piezo transducer for converting vibrations of the outer capsule into electrical signals representing the sensed acoustic properties of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method, system, and sensor device for identifying and detecting presence of a leak in a fluid conduit. The sensor device freely flows with a fluid within the fluid conduit. The sensor device includes an outer capsule that is free flowing within the fluid and provides fluid-tight containment to an interior compartment, at least one acoustic sensor mounted within the interior compartment, wherein the at least one acoustic sensor senses acoustic properties of the fluid to detect the presence of the leak, and a conductor for activating the at least one acoustic sensor to sense the acoustic properties of the fluid and the fluid conduit, wherein the conductor passes from the interior compartment and through to the outer capsule.