Coaxial Conduit Capacitance for Integrated Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems in jet turbine engines are costly and space-consuming, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution for monitoring fluid leaks within conduits.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive monitoring system utilizing a coaxial inner and outer conduit configuration with a dielectric gap to detect leaks by measuring changes in capacitance between the conduits, incorporating protective dielectric layers and insulative components to prevent shorting and fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated leak detection sensors are used, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by making the conduit walls themselves serve dual purposes: conducting fluid and detecting leaks through capacitive sensing. The inner and outer conduit walls act as both structural boundaries and sensor elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensors and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit structure serves itself by using its own walls as the sensing mechanism. The capacitive detection is performed by the conduit structure without requiring external sensing components, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If dedicated leak detection sensors are used, then leak detection capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the leak detection function with the existing conduit structure. By integrating the sensing capability into the conduit walls themselves, the system eliminates the need for separate sensor components, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining leak detection capability.
3Reliability
If conservative design is used, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring for leaks before they can cause catastrophic failures. The real-time capacitive detection allows the system to identify leaks early and take preventive measures, enabling less conservative design while maintaining safety through proactive detection rather than reactive conservatism.
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 efficient leak detection without additional sensors, allowing for less conservative mechanical designs, reducing weight and cost, and providing timely shutdowns to prevent catastrophic failures.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive value defined between the inner conduit and the outer conduit defines a first capacitive value when the inner conduit is not leaking the fluid into the dielectric gap between the inner conduit and the outer conduit and defines a second capacitive value when the inner conduit is leaking the fluid into the dielectric gap
Implementation Method 2
A protective dielectric layer is located between the inner conduit and the outer conduit to prevent the inner conduit from shorting to the outer conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for providing leakage monitoring comprises an inner conduit (104) configured to conduct a fluid therethrough. An outer conduit (106) is coaxially located with the inner conduit (104) and surrounds the inner conduit (104). The inner conduit (104) and the outer conduit (106) define a dielectric gap (202) therebetween. A capacitive value defined between the inner conduit (104) and the outer conduit (106) defines a first capacitive value when the inner conduit (104) is not leaking the fluid into the dielectric gap (202) between the inner conduit (104) and the outer conduit (106) and defines a second capacitive value when the inner conduit (104) is leaking the fluid into the dielectric gap (202) between the inner conduit (104) and the outer conduit (106).