Conductive Fluid Conduit Monitoring for Break and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCV systems rely on gas pressure sensors that are unreliable in detecting all failure modes, particularly conduit breaks or cuts that exceed the smallest internal cross-sectional area, leading to potential emissions and system inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A detection system utilizing electrically conductive elements embedded in fluid conduits to monitor electrical characteristics such as resistance, capacitance, or inductance, which are processed by a unit to detect conduit failures or connector disconnections, providing a more reliable method for identifying leaks or breaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas pressure sensors are used to monitor PCV systems, then the system can detect some pressure changes, but the sensors fail to detect all failure modes particularly conduit breaks and are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gas pressure sensors with an electrical monitoring system. Electrically conductive elements are embedded in the conduit walls to form electrical signal paths. When the conduit is intact, electrical signals pass through continuously; when the conduit fails, the electrical path is interrupted, providing reliable failure detection without the unreliability of mechanical pressure sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrically conductive elements as intermediaries between the conduit structure and the monitoring system. These conductive elements embedded in the conduit wall act as mediators that convert mechanical conduit integrity into detectable electrical signal continuity, enabling precise detection of conduit breaks and connector disconnections.
2Reliability
If electrically conductive elements are embedded in conduit walls, then conduit failures can be detected reliably, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conduit structure with electrically conductive elements by embedding them within the conduit wall during manufacturing. This integration combines the mechanical function of the conduit with the electrical signaling function, creating a multi-functional component that improves reliability while streamlining the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrically conductive elements serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement to the conduit wall, enable electrical signal transmission for failure detection, and can potentially serve as grounding paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and monitoring points are added to detect all failure modes, then detection coverage improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the conduit into multiple sections, each with its own embedded electrically conductive elements forming distinct electrical signal paths. This segmentation allows independent monitoring of different conduit sections and connector points, enabling precise localization of failures while using simple electrical continuity checks rather than complex sensor arrays.
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
The system effectively detects conduit failures and connector disconnections, including smaller ruptures, enhancing the reliability of PCV systems and reducing emissions by ensuring fluid integrity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically conductive element extending along the at least one conduit and that forms an electrical signal path for a first electrical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2f
AI summary
The present invention relates to a detection system for detecting a failure in a fluid path of a fluid system, the detection system comprising: at least one pipe (103) comprising a pipe wall (106) which defines a fluid path for the transfer of fluid and at least one electrically conductive element (105) extending along the at least one pipe (103) and which forms an electrical signal path for a first electrical signal which indicates a state of the at least one pipe (103); and, an electrical terminal (102) electrically connected to the at least one electrically conductive element (105) so that the first electrical signal is transmitted to the electrical terminal (102) via the electrical signal path.