Building Layer Leak Sensing for Precise Ingress Point Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and locating leaks in building layers, such as flat roofs or basements, are inefficient, often resulting in damage to internal structures and high repair costs, as they cannot accurately identify the source or scale of leaks until they cause internal damage, leading to unnecessary and risky replacement of large roof areas.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a network of sensing modules with electrodes to detect leaks in real-time, providing accurate location of the leak ingress point with high spatial resolution, minimizing the area of replacement and allowing for real-time reporting and data logging of leak progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection devices are used, then a leak can be detected at a specified point, but the detection area is limited to a small percentage of the monitored area and the leak source cannot be accurately located
Solution Approach 1:
The building layer is divided into multiple sensing zones, each monitored by sensing modules with electrodes. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of large areas while maintaining high detection precision in each zone, resolving the contradiction between monitored area coverage and detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from point-based detection to area-based detection by embedding sensing modules throughout the building layer. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple locations, achieving both wide coverage and precise leak source identification.
2Reliability
If a large area of roof is replaced to repair a leak, then the leak ingress point is likely covered, but the repair area is disproportionately large and there is no guarantee the repair was successful
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary leak detection and precise location identification before repair work begins. By accurately pinpointing the leak ingress point in advance, the system enables targeted repairs to minimal areas, eliminating the need for large-scale roof replacement and ensuring repair success through precise problem identification.
3Measurement precision
If sensing modules are densely distributed to achieve high spatial resolution, then leak location precision improves, but the number of components increases and system complexity rises
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensing module is designed as a universal, multi-functional unit that can detect leaks, determine their location, and provide spatial resolution information. This standardization allows the system to achieve high precision with a moderate number of identical modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 timely and precise detection and location of leaks, reducing damage and repair costs by focusing repairs on the exact leak source, covering a maximum area with minimal components and requiring little maintenance, while providing scalable solutions for various building sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing circuitry is configured to apply a voltage between the cell electrodes and to measure a capacitance therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locating a leak in a building layer comprises a sensing module comprising a cell having a major surface juxtaposed a first surface of the building layer and incorporating mutually spaced electrodes defining a sensing path extending parallel to the cell major surface. Sensing circuitry cooperates with the cell and applies a voltage between the cell electrodes to measure an electrical property. A probe is applied to a second surface of the building layer opposite the first surface and applies a voltage between at least one of the cell electrodes and the probe to measure an electrical property. Control circuitry detects the presence of a leak within the portion of the first surface based on a first measurement; and locates a point of leakage based on a second measurement from the sensing circuitry of the electrical property between the probe and the cell electrodes.