Fire Extinguisher Leakage Detection via Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fire extinguisher monitoring systems face challenges in accurately detecting small weight changes due to temperature variations and vibrations, leading to high rates of false positives and inadequate detection of propellant leakage, particularly for nitrogen gas, which can render the extinguisher non-functional.
Innovation Solution
The system employs advanced temperature compensation and filtering of weight measurement data by using a load cell and temperature sensors to identify and filter out variations caused by temperature and vibrations, applying weighting factors to improve data accuracy and reduce false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature compensation and filtering are applied to weight measurement data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature compensation and data filtering before final weight measurement analysis. By pre-processing the weight measurement data to compensate for temperature effects and filter out noise patterns, the system improves measurement precision while managing complexity through structured data preparation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing layers including data filtering mechanisms and temperature compensation algorithms that act as mediators between the raw weight measurement and the final leakage detection decision. These intermediaries refine the measurement data without requiring complete system redesign
2Measurement precision
If monitoring frequency is increased to detect small weight changes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring with variable frequency based on detected conditions. During normal operation, monitoring occurs at lower frequency to conserve battery power. When temperature changes or potential leakage patterns are detected, the system increases monitoring frequency to improve detection sensitivity, thus balancing energy consumption with measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial monitoring intensity by using full-resolution weight measurement only when necessary (when temperature changes exceed thresholds or leakage is suspected). During stable conditions, the system uses reduced monitoring intensity, consuming less energy while maintaining adequate detection capability through selective high-precision measurement
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
This approach enables precise detection of small weight changes, reducing false positives and ensuring timely identification of propellant leakage, thereby maintaining the functionality of fire extinguishers.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell for measuring the weight of a unit comprising the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor for detecting surrounding temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology disclosed relates to a fire extinguisher, a monitoring system and methods for detecting leakage and/or determining whether leakage from the cylinder of a fire extinguisher has occurred. In particular, the technology disclosed relates to a fire extinguisher, a monitoring system and methods for determining whether leakage from the cylinder of a fire extinguisher has occurred by compensating for how the rate of surrounding temperature variations affects weight measurement readings obtained from a load cell of the fire extinguisher. In embodiments, the technology disclosed relates to a fire extinguisher, a monitoring system and methods for filtering weight measurement data obtained from a load cell of a fire extinguisher.