Fire Suppression Tank Sensor Unit for Temperature-Compensated Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems struggle to accurately differentiate between pressure changes caused by leaks and temperature fluctuations, leading to false alarms or undetected leaks, especially in systems with temperature-sensitive environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with integrated temperature and pressure sensors that calculate a normalized pressure value, accounting for temperature variations to accurately detect leaks in fire suppression tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature and pressure sensors are used to monitor fire suppression systems, then detection capability is improved, but false alarms occur due to inability to differentiate temperature-induced pressure changes from leak-induced pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors both temperature and pressure parameters, using the temperature data as feedback to compensate for its effect on pressure readings. The processor uses the temperature change information to adjust the expected pressure baseline, allowing the system to distinguish between pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations versus those caused by actual leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the monitoring approach by introducing a normalized pressure parameter that accounts for temperature variations. Instead of monitoring raw pressure alone, the system calculates normalized pressure by adjusting the pressure reading based on the observed temperature change, thereby converting temperature-induced pressure variations into a compensated parameter that reflects only leak conditions.
2Measurement precision
If normalized pressure calculation is implemented to account for temperature variations, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the temperature sensor and pressure sensor into an integrated monitoring unit with a single processor that handles both parameters. By merging the detection and processing functions into one cohesive system, the patent avoids the complexity that would arise from separate independent monitoring systems, making the normalized pressure calculation straightforward to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own temperature sensor data to automatically compensate for temperature effects on pressure readings. The processor self-adjusts the pressure baseline using the temperature information from the same system, eliminating the need for external reference systems or complex calibration procedures.
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 unit effectively distinguishes between pressure changes due to leaks and temperature fluctuations, ensuring reliable detection of tank leakage and maintaining system readiness.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor unit with integrated temperature and pressure sensors that calculate a normalized pressure value, accounting for temperature variations
Implementation Method 2
A sensor unit with integrated temperature and pressure sensors that calculate a normalized pressure value
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor unit for a fire suppression system includes a sensor module, a display module, a controller, and an antenna. The sensor module includes a first housing including a fitting configured to be coupled to a tank containing a fluid, a pressure sensor located within the first housing and configured to sense a pressure of a fluid and provide pressure data related to the pressure of the fluid, and a temperature sensor located within the first housing and configured to sense a temperature and provide temperature data related to the temperature of the fluid. The display module includes a second housing selectively attached to the first housing such that the display module is selectively removable from the display module, and a user interface. The controller is operatively coupled to the pressure and temperature sensors. The antenna is configured to transfer the pressure data and the temperature data to a network.