Capillary Tube Leak Detection for Coolant-Condensation Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid leak detection systems, particularly for battery pack coolants, suffer from false alarms due to inability to differentiate between coolant leakage and condensation, leading to potential safety risks and efficiency reductions.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection apparatus using a capillary tube and pressure sensor to measure air pressure, coupled with computing devices to distinguish coolant from other liquids based on viscosity differences and capillary rise differentiation, with temperature compensation to adjust pressure thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistive sensors are used to detect liquid leakage, then leakage detection capability is provided, but false alarms occur due to inability to distinguish coolant from condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the difference in viscosity parameters between coolant and condensation. The capillary tube leverages the viscosity-dependent capillary action to differentiate liquids: coolant with higher viscosity rises slower and to lower heights, while condensation with lower viscosity rises faster and higher. This viscosity-based parameter differentiation enables accurate liquid identification without false alarms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical resistive sensing mechanism with a mechanical capillary action-based system. Instead of using resistive sensors that cannot distinguish liquid types, the invention employs capillary tubes where liquid rise height and speed mechanically indicate liquid identity. This mechanical substitution enables both leakage detection and liquid differentiation simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If capillary tube with pressure sensor is used to differentiate liquids by viscosity, then liquid identification precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary tube performs self-service by automatically differentiating liquids through passive capillary action driven by viscosity differences. No active pumping or complex actuation is needed—the tube itself serves as both the detection medium and the differentiation mechanism. The pressure sensor simply reads the resulting pressure, which naturally varies with liquid type
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary tube serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the detection channel for liquid presence, the differentiation mechanism for liquid identification, and the pressure transmission medium for sensor reading. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function
3Reliability
If temperature compensation is implemented to adjust pressure thresholds, then detection reliability under varying temperatures is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the temperature sensor to continuously monitor temperature conditions and automatically adjusting the pressure threshold accordingly. When temperature rises, the threshold increases to account for expanded air pressure; when temperature drops, the threshold decreases. This closed-loop feedback maintains detection reliability across temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the pressure threshold parameter based on temperature measurements. The control algorithm modifies the threshold parameter in response to temperature changes, ensuring accurate detection despite thermal expansion or contraction of air in the capillary tube
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
Accurately detects coolant leaks while minimizing false alarms by differentiating coolant from condensation and other liquids, ensuring safety and maintaining battery pack efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary tube a first end configured to immerse in the liquid of interest in the spill collector
Implementation Method 2
a second end configured to mechanically couple with a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor configured to measure an air pressure in the capillary tube
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, a leak detection apparatus is described herein. In one or more example embodiments, the leak detection apparatus includes a spill collector configured to collect a liquid of interest from a leakage of the liquid of interest. In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes a capillary tube a first end configured to immerse in the liquid of interest in the spill collector; and a second end configured to mechanically couple with a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor configured to measure an air pressure in the capillary tube. In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices electronically coupled with the pressure sensor, the one or more computing devices configured to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid using the measured air pressure in the capillary tube.