Adjustable Liquid Leak Sensor with Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid leak detection sensors face challenges such as high installation costs, fixed sensor cable lengths, difficulty in installing and connecting to external devices, high error rates due to humidity and external shocks, limited detection accuracy, and sensitivity issues due to varying liquid viscosity and ground slopes.
Innovation Solution
A liquid leak detection sensor with a sensitivity adjustable function, featuring a fixing connection fixture with an angle adjustment protrusion, an insertion connection fixture, a housing with a light-receiving and light-emitting unit, and a lens part, allowing for adjustable sensing position and sensitivity based on liquid viscosity and installation tilt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable type leak sensor is used to detect liquid leakage, then accurate leak detection can be achieved, but installation cost increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the cable-type mechanical/electrical resistance-based detection system with an optical detection system using light-emitting and light-receiving units. This substitution eliminates the need for complex cable installations and brackets while maintaining accurate leak detection capability through optical refraction detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to be universally applicable by integrating both light-emitting and light-receiving units in a single modular component that can be installed directly on the floor without separate brackets. The sensor can detect various liquids (water, oil) and adapts to different installation conditions through adjustable sensitivity, reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the sensing position is fixed in a modular leak sensor, then the structure is simple, but detection accuracy decreases when liquid viscosity or ground slope varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable sensitivity in the sensor unit, allowing the detection threshold to be dynamically changed based on liquid viscosity and ground slope conditions. This enables the fixed-structure sensor to adapt to varying environmental conditions, maintaining detection accuracy without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor allows adjustment of detection parameters (sensitivity) to match different liquid types and installation conditions. By changing the detection parameter rather than the physical sensor position or structure, the system maintains simplicity while achieving accurate detection across varying conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a bend type leak detection sensor is used, then installation is easy and cost is low, but error rate increases due to humidity and external shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bend-type mechanical resistance-based sensor with an optical detection system. This substitution eliminates the susceptibility to humidity and external shock that affects mechanical sensors, while maintaining ease of installation through the simple modular design that requires no complex bracket assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sensor unit is designed as an inexpensive, simple-to-install component that can be easily replaced if needed. The optical components are sealed in a protective housing, providing reliable operation without the fragility issues of exposed mechanical elements, while keeping costs low through simplified installation requirements.
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 convenient detection of liquid leaks by adjusting sensitivity according to the viscosity of the leaked liquid and the installation slope, simplifying installation and improving detection accuracy regardless of the liquid's viscosity or the ground conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving unit for receiving light and a light-emitting unit for emitting light
Implementation Method 2
a lens part installed in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid leak detection sensor has a sensitivity adjustable function, which adjusts a time to sense, that is, the sensitivity of a sensor regardless of whether the viscosity of a leaked liquid is high or low since a sensing position of the sensor can be adjusted according to the viscosity of the leaked liquid and the tilt of an installation place. The sensor includes a fixing connection fixture having a fixing plate with a fixing hole and a connection part formed with an angle adjustment protrusion, which are integrally provided; an insertion connection fixture into which the angle adjustment protrusion of the fixing connection fixture is inserted; a housing coupled to the insertion connection fixture and a substrate inserted into the housing and having a light-receiving unit for receiving light and a light-emitting unit for emitting light; and a lens part installed in the housing.