Conductor Bushing Leak Detection for Vehicle Fluid Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals in motor vehicles, particularly those using diesel fuel and traction batteries, degrade over time, leading to fuel or transformer oil leaks, which are difficult to predict and can cause environmental contamination, and existing leak detection technologies are inadequate for early detection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a detection system that includes an electrical conductor surrounded by a sealant, equipped with a detection device positioned to sense leaks along the conductor penetration, utilizing changes in electrical conductivity to identify leaks before they reach the environment, and communicates the detection to a vehicle control unit for early warning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If primary seals (elastomeric potting compound) are used to seal the electrical conductor in the container, then the seal provides initial sealing against fuel leakage, but the seal degrades over time and detaches from the joining partners, leading to fuel leakage into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a detection device that monitors the sealing condition before complete failure occurs. The detection device identifies early signs of seal degradation (such as changes in electrical conductivity or resistance caused by fuel contact) and triggers warnings or corrective actions before the seal fully detaches and causes environmental contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a detection device that continuously or periodically monitors the sealing interface. The detection device provides feedback about the seal's condition (e.g., through electrical measurements) to the control system, enabling real-time assessment of seal integrity and prompting maintenance before catastrophic failure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If no leak detection device is installed, then the device structure remains simple and cost-effective, but leaks go undetected and cause environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a detection device that indirectly monitors seal integrity through electrical measurements (conductivity or resistance changes) rather than directly detecting fuel leakage. This intermediary measurement method provides early warning of potential leaks without requiring complex direct detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical leak detection methods with an electrical detection system. By measuring electrical conductivity or resistance changes in the seal area (which change when fuel contacts the seal), the system substitutes complex mechanical sensing with simpler electrical measurements, reducing overall system complexity while improving detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the detection device is positioned to detect leaks early, then environmental contamination is prevented, but the detection device requires precise positioning and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a detection device that can be integrated into existing fuel heating systems with minimal modification. The detection device utilizes the existing electrical conductor and seal structure, measuring electrical properties along the existing electrical path, thereby reducing the need for precise new installation positions while maintaining high detection precision.
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 early detection and warning of leaks, preventing environmental contamination by ensuring timely repair or replacement of defective seals, thus enhancing safety and reliability of fuel and traction battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing changes in electrical conductivity to identify leaks before they reach the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(c)
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) with leak detection for a medium (14) capable of forming drops for a motor vehicle, preferably utility vehicle. The device (10) comprises a container (12) for receiving the medium (14) capable of forming drops, preferably a non-conductive medium (14) capable of forming drops, and an electrical conductor (16) which is guided through a sealed-off conductor bushing (32) of the container (12). The device (10) further comprises a detection device (20), which is arranged outside the container (12), for detecting a leak in the conductor bushing (32) through which the medium (14) capable of forming drops emerges from the container (12) along the electrical conductor (16).