Electronic Device Automatic Leak Detection Using Pressure Temperature Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for leak detection in electronic devices, such as wristwatches, are costly and lack specific means for automatic and inexpensive measurement of tightness, making it difficult to ensure the device's water resistance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with automatic leak detection means, including a pressure and temperature sensor module connected to a microcontroller, which continuously monitors pressure and temperature variations to determine the device's sealing integrity, providing a low-cost and efficient method for assessing tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional leak-testing devices are used, then leak detection can be performed, but the cost becomes significant and the process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidtesting process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic device performs leak detection on itself using integrated pressure and temperature sensors, eliminating the need for external testing equipment. The microcontroller continuously monitors pressure variations and compares them against temperature-compensated thresholds to determine seal integrity, allowing the device to self-diagnose leakage issues without requiring complex external testing apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure and temperature sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor environmental conditions for device operation, provide data for leak detection algorithms, and enable water resistance verification. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated leak detection hardware, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If external leak-testing apparatus is used, then tightness can be measured, but the cost of checking each device becomes significant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetightness measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes integrated pressure and temperature sensors that enable it to perform its own leak detection, eliminating the need for expensive external testing equipment during manufacturing and quality control. This self-testing capability significantly reduces per-unit testing costs while maintaining measurement precision through continuous monitoring and comparison against predefined thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses low-cost pressure and temperature sensors that can be easily integrated into the device circuitry. These inexpensive sensors provide sufficient precision for leak detection without requiring expensive industrial-grade equipment, making the solution economically viable for mass production while maintaining adequate measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then leak detection accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller performs leak detection monitoring at periodic intervals rather than continuously, checking pressure and temperature values at predetermined time periods. This periodic sampling maintains adequate leak detection accuracy by capturing pressure changes over time while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the microcontroller can enter low-power states between measurement cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution allows for continuous, low-power monitoring of pressure and temperature variations, enabling quick detection of leaks and ensuring the device's sealing integrity, reducing operational costs and enhancing user confidence in the device's water resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure and temperature sensor module connected to a microcontroller, which continuously monitors pressure and temperature variations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure and temperature sensor module connected to a microcontroller, which continuously monitors pressure and temperature variations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 3

the microcontroller controls whether the pressure variation is proportional or within a certain range proportional to the temperature variation inside the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas law relationship: Boyle's Law

Data Source

PatentEP2770315B1Electronic device provided with an automatic leak detection means
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 THE SWATCH GRP RES & DEVELONMENT LTD
  • EP2770315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770315B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The device (1) has an automatic leak detection unit including a pressure sensor (3), a temperature sensor (4) and a calculation unit (5) that is connected to the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor. The calculation unit, the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor are arranged inside a case (2). The calculation unit is intended to check whether the variation in pressure inside the case is proportional to the variation in temperature to determine whether the case has a sufficient degree of sealing based on measurements made by the pressure sensor and the temperature sensor over time. The calculation unit is a microcontroller. An independent claim is also included for an automatic leak detection method for an electronic device.