Dual-Sided Liquid Leak Sensor with Conductive Gap Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leak detection devices are unable to detect the presence of a liquid both above and below the device, failing to effectively identify leaks from appliances or water accumulation on the floor, which can lead to undetected flooding and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A portable sensor with a concave upper and lower surface and a peripheral wall, featuring electrically conductive members that generate an output signal when a conductive liquid bridges a gap between them, allowing detection of leaks from both above and below, integrated with an output connector and an alarm system for notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional leak detection devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot detect liquid presence both above and below it
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor extends conductive members in both vertical directions (above and below the sensor body), transitioning from single-sided to dual-sided detection. This dimensional extension allows the sensor to detect leaks from both above and below simultaneously without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor divides detection into separate conductive members positioned at different locations (above and below the sensor). Each conductive member independently detects liquid contact in its respective zone, enabling comprehensive coverage while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional leak detection devices are used, then installation is straightforward, but detection coverage is limited to one side
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design incorporates conductive members extending above and below the sensor body, effectively doubling the detection area in the vertical dimension. This allows placement under appliances to detect both upward leaks from the appliance and downward leaks onto the floor, expanding coverage without complicating installation.
3Reliability
If a sensor detects liquid on both surfaces, then leak detection comprehensiveness is improved, but the sensor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor uses separate conductive members for detecting liquid above and below, with each member independently positioned and functioning. This segmentation allows reliable dual-sided detection while keeping each component simple and modular, avoiding the need for complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor achieves comprehensive detection by extending functionality in the vertical dimension with conductive members positioned above and below the sensor body. This dimensional approach reliably detects leaks from multiple directions while maintaining structural simplicity through symmetric design.
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 detects conductive liquids on both surfaces, triggering an alarm to alert users of potential leaks, providing comprehensive leak detection capabilities without the need for extensive installation or high costs, suitable for placement under appliances or on the floor.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically conductive members are configured to generate an output signal when a conductive liquid comes into contact with the electrically conductive members and bridges the gap
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for detecting the presence of a liquid. The sensor includes a housing having a concave upper surface, a concave lower surface, and a peripheral wall connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, the wall extending above the upper surface and below the lower surface. A plurality of apertures are formed in the wall. A plurality of electrically conductive members extend above the upper surface and below the lower surface and are separated from one another by a gap in which a liquid can accumulate. The electrically conductive members are configured to generate an output signal when a conductive liquid comes into contact with the electrically conductive members and bridges the gap. An output connector is coupled to the plurality of electrically conductive members and is configured to carry the output signal.