Capacitive Fluid Detection Module for Unobstructed Backflow Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid detection systems in fluid supply systems, particularly those used with backflow preventers, face challenges such as obstruction of discharge flow paths, limited installation flexibility in confined spaces, and difficulty in detecting small fluid flows.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fluid detection system that includes a sensor module with a liquid flow path and a sensor element positioned outside the flow path, capable of detecting capacitance changes within the flow path to indicate fluid presence, and communicatively coupled to a controller for determining wet or flood events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor element is positioned inside the liquid flow path to detect fluid presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but the discharge flow path becomes obstructed and installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor element that detects fluid presence through the wall of the discharge flow path rather than placing it directly in the flow path. This intermediary approach allows the sensor to detect capacitance changes indicating fluid presence without physically obstructing the flow path, thereby maintaining both detection accuracy and installation flexibility in confined spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based fluid detection with a capacitance sensing mechanism. The sensor element measures changes in capacitance caused by the presence of fluid, eliminating the need for physical contact or obstruction of the flow path while maintaining reliable detection capability
2Measurement precision
If a sensor element is positioned inside the liquid flow path to detect fluid presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but the discharge flow path becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element acts as an intermediary by detecting fluid presence through the discharge flow path wall using capacitance sensing. This allows accurate detection without the sensor physically obstructing the flow path, preventing loss of substance while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based detection with electrical capacitance sensing. This replacement eliminates the need for the sensor to be positioned inside the flow path, thereby preventing obstruction while maintaining detection accuracy through non-contact measurement
3Ease of operation
If traditional fluid detection methods are used in confined spaces, then installation is simplified, but detection of small fluid flows becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or contact-based detection methods with capacitance sensing technology. This substitution enables the detection of small fluid flows by measuring subtle changes in capacitance, maintaining installation simplicity in confined spaces while significantly improving measurement precision for small flows
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical capacitance as a detection parameter instead of traditional mechanical parameters. This parameter change allows for highly sensitive detection of small fluid flows by measuring minute capacitance variations, thereby improving measurement precision without compromising installation ease
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
This solution enables accurate detection of fluid within the flow path without obstructing it, improves installation flexibility, and effectively differentiates between wet and flood events, enhancing the reliability of fluid supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor element is configured to detect a capacitance within the liquid flow path and to provide a detection signal indicative of a detected capacitance within the liquid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid detection systems and methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the fluid detection systems include a sensor module and an electronics module. The sensor module includes a sensor housing that includes a liquid flow path and a sensor element disposed around at least part of the liquid flow path. The sensor element can detect a capacitance of the liquid flow path and provide a sensor signal to a controller in the electronics module. The electronics module can determine a detected capacitance in the liquid flow path based at least in part on the sensor signal, and can determine whether a wet event has occurred based on a comparison of the detected capacitance to a threshold capacitance. Methods using the fluid detection systems and fluid supply systems including the fluid detection systems are also disclosed.