Differential Pressure Sensor With Concentric Seals For Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting and quantifying leaks, such as the pressure variation method, require precise measurement of small pressure variations, but they face challenges in maintaining tightness and minimizing volume variations in test chambers, which can lead to inaccurate leak detection.

Innovation Solution

A differential pressure sensor with at least two bodies, a membrane, and concentric seals between the bodies and the membrane, which ensures tightness and minimizes volume variations, allowing for precise pressure balancing and measurement of small leaks through capacitance changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional pressure sensors are used to measure small pressure variations, then leak detection capability is limited, but measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement precisionVSAvoidtightness of test chambers

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into two separate bodies (first body and second body) with a membrane separating them, creating distinct test chambers. This segmentation allows independent pressure control and measurement on each side, improving measurement precision while maintaining reliable sealing through dedicated seals for each chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A membrane is introduced as an intermediary element between the two test chambers, allowing pressure differential measurement while maintaining physical separation and sealing. The membrane acts as a flexible barrier that transmits pressure changes to the capacitive sensor without compromising chamber tightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If seals are added to ensure tightness, then tightness is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightness of test chambersVSAvoidnumber of seals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seals are arranged concentrically with each other, with inner seals positioned within outer seals. This nested arrangement ensures multiple sealing layers for reliable tightness while optimizing space utilization and minimizing the overall structural footprint, thereby reducing complexity despite multiple sealing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Fluid ducts are provided that allow pressure equalization between regions outside the seals and within the test chambers. This equipotential design reduces pressure differential across the seals, minimizing seal stress and movement, thereby maintaining tightness with simpler seal configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Measurement precision

If volume variations are minimized, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Grooves are pre-formed in the bodies to accommodate the seals in specific positions. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when seals are installed, they are automatically positioned to minimize volume variations in the test chambers, achieving measurement accuracy without complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for pressure balancing between chambers, changing the pressure parameter to minimize volume variations. By equalizing pressures across the membrane, the system maintains stable chamber volumes for accurate leak detection while using simple pressure control mechanisms rather than complex mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor effectively measures small pressure variations and leaks by maintaining tightness and stabilizing volumes, enabling accurate leak detection and quantification in industrial processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode arranged in each one of the test chambers and facing said membrane so as to form therewith a capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11913856B2Differential pressure sensor and detection device comprising such a sensor

Publication Date: 2024.02.27 ATEQ

AI summary

The present invention relates to a differential pressure sensor for a leak detection device comprising:at least two bodies in which a cavity is created;a membrane that is arranged between the two bodies and separates said cavity so as to define a test chamber in each one of said bodies;at least one electrode arranged in each one of the test chambers and facing said membrane so as to form therewith a capacitor;characterised in that said sensor comprises at least two seals arranged between each of said bodies and the membrane.