Conical Piston Flow Sensor for Irrigation Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid systems, such as irrigation systems, face issues with leaks and flow disruptions due to wear and tear, debris, and blockages, leading to inefficient water distribution and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor system that includes a leak detector and flow meter embedded in the fluid system, using a conical housing and piston design to monitor flow rates and detect leaks or clogs, with visual indicators for easy operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow sensor system is installed to monitor fluid flow and detect leaks, then measurement precision and system reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic flow sensors with a simple mechanical piston-based flow indicator. The piston moves within a conical housing in response to fluid flow, providing visual indication of flow rate and leak detection without requiring electronic components, power sources, or complex wiring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor system is designed to be self-contained and passive. The piston automatically responds to flow conditions without external power or control systems. The leak detection chamber passively monitors for abnormal flow patterns, and the visual indicators automatically reflect system status without requiring active electronic displays or digital readouts.
2Loss of information
If electronic flow sensors and digital displays are used, then information availability is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electronic displays, microprocessors, and powered sensors by using a purely mechanical piston indicator system. Fluid flow directly drives the piston, which visually indicates flow rate through mechanical movement, completely removing the need for electrical energy consumption while maintaining continuous flow information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous flow information through passive mechanical response. The piston automatically positions itself according to flow conditions without requiring power, and the visual indicators continuously display system status without energy consumption, achieving both information availability and energy efficiency simultaneously.
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 leaks and flow anomalies, allowing for timely intervention and reducing waste and maintenance costs by providing clear visual feedback on flow rates and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (486) operates in both the lower and upper chambers (450, 452)
Data Source
AI summary
Flow sensors are provided that can provide both leak detection and flow monitoring. The flow monitoring enables a determination whether there are blockages or leaks in a fluid system during normal operation of the system. The leak detection enables detection of leaks when the system is shut off. The flow sensors can use a frusto-conical flow guide to provide a more compact flow sensor. The flow sensor components can be designed to retrofit existing filter assemblies.