Fabric Leak Sensor Circuit for Conduit Junction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved techniques to automatically and efficiently detect liquid leaks in commercial applications, particularly at critical connection points in liquid-containing conduits, while ensuring accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A liquid leak sensor comprising a flexible non-conductive fabric sheet with an interlaced liquid-sensitive electrical circuit, which facilitates real-time detection of leaks by closing the electrical circuit when liquid comes into contact with the fabric. The sensor includes an electrolyte for enhancing electrical closure and is configured for wrapping around or placing under conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional liquid leak sensing methods are used, then leak detection capability is provided, but the detection accuracy and reliability at critical connection points is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric sensor is specifically positioned at critical connection points where leaks are most likely to occur. The electrical circuit is interlaced throughout the fabric with higher density at potential leak locations, providing enhanced local detection capability where it is most needed rather than uniform distribution throughout the entire conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical or electronic leak detection devices with a flexible fabric-based electrical circuit system. The fabric itself becomes the sensing medium, utilizing its physical properties (flexibility, conformability) combined with interlaced electrical conductors to detect leaks through electrical closure when liquid contacts the fabric.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rigid leak detection devices are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different conduit shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection sensor is constructed as a flexible fabric sheet that can be wrapped around conduits of various shapes and sizes. The fabric material allows the sensor to conform to different conduit geometries while maintaining its structural integrity and electrical circuit functionality, providing both adaptability and stability.
3Measurement precision
If complex leak sensing systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the structural support function, the sensing medium, and the electrical circuit into a single integrated fabric assembly. The interlaced electrical conductors are woven directly into the fabric structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, adhesive layers, or additional structural components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes a composite structure combining conductive and non-conductive fabric layers with interlaced electrical conductors. This composite construction provides both the mechanical properties needed for flexibility and mounting, and the electrical properties needed for leak detection, achieving accurate detection without requiring multiple separate components.
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 enables timely and accurate detection of liquid leaks, providing both electrical and visual indications of leaks, and is suitable for various commercial applications, including critical connection points in conduits, ensuring efficient and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
configured for facilitating sensing of the liquid when leaked from the conduit and contacting the fabric sheet, via the leaked liquid effecting electrical closure of the electrical circuit
Implementation Method 2
the interlaced electrical circuit fabric sheet includes an electrolyte or electrolyte-like conducting substance, for additionally effecting the electrical closure of the electrical circuit. the electrolyte is a salt, that dissociates in the liquid into electrical conducting, current carrying ions
Data Source
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AI summary
Liquid leak sensor (100), apparatus for detecting liquid leaks, and applications thereof, for sensing (detecting), and providing timely notification of, liquid leaks in a variety of commercial applications, via automatic (real time), efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost effective means. Particularly applicable for sensing (detecting) liquid leaks at critical connection (junction) points (158) in liquid-containing conduits (156). Liquid leak sensor (100) includes: a sheet (106) of flexible non-conductive fabric material, configured for wrapping around, or placing under, a liquid-containing conduit; and a liquid sensitive electrically open electrical circuit (104) (of wires, fibers) interlaced throughout the fabric sheet (106), and configured for facilitating sensing of liquid when leaked from the conduit and contacting the fabric sheet, via leaked liquid effecting electrical closure of the electrical circuit (104).