Flexible Leak Detector with Electrodes for Wet Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems are inadequate for automated detection of water leaks in wet areas, particularly in tight spaces and corners, and often require manual intervention or are not effective in differentiating between moisture and pooled water.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection apparatus featuring a flexible body with embedded electrical electrodes and a controller that detects current flow through water, differentiates between moisture and pooled water using a current threshold, and transmits alerts wirelessly, allowing for adjustable size configurations and long-lasting battery operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid leak detection device is used, then it provides stable structure and reliable detection, but it cannot be installed in tight spaces and around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The detector employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as its structural backbone, allowing the device to bend and conform to irregular surfaces such as corners and curved walls. This flexible substrate enables installation in tight spaces while maintaining the integrity of the electrical connections and detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection electrodes are segmented into multiple discrete elements arranged in patterns on the flexible circuit board. This segmentation allows the device to be installed in various configurations and orientations, adapting to different installation environments while maintaining effective leak detection coverage.
2Measurement precision
If electrical electrodes are placed close together to detect small leaks, then detection sensitivity improves, but risk of false alarms from moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic coating is applied to the flexible circuit board and electrode surfaces, acting as an intermediary layer that repels water while allowing the detection of pooled water through the coating. This coating prevents false alarms from moisture contact while maintaining sensitivity to actual leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system uses different electrode arrangements and detection thresholds for different regions of the detector. Areas more prone to moisture exposure use different electrode patterns or higher thresholds, while critical areas use more sensitive configurations, optimizing detection accuracy across the entire device.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented to ensure reliable leak detection, then detection reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector implements periodic monitoring cycles where electrodes are activated at intervals to check for leaks. During non-active periods, the system enters a low-power sleep mode. This periodic operation maintains detection reliability by regularly sampling the environment while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes wake-up triggers that automatically activate the monitoring function when environmental changes are detected, such as temperature changes or moisture presence. This allows the system to remain in low-power mode most of the time while still providing reliable detection when conditions warrant attention.
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 system effectively detects leaks in tight spaces, differentiates between moisture and pooled water, and provides alerts via audio or wireless communication, enabling timely detection and classification of leak sizes, enhancing leak detection reliability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The controller is configured for detecting a leak by detecting current flow through water pooled between the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Leak detection apparatus has an installable detector comprising a plurality of spaced apart electrical electrodes. A controller operably interfaces the plurality of electrical electrodes. The controller is configured for detecting a leak by detecting current flow through water pooled between the electrodes. The detector is installable within wall and void spaces surrounding wet areas such as bathroom baths, showers, cabinetry, kitchen and bathroom basins and the like. As such, the detector is able to detect a leak when a waterproof membrane is compromised, or movement and/or poor workmanship allows water to flow therethrough. The detector may comprise a flexible body which may be elongate for installation in tight spaces and around corners and/or a mat for covering large areas such as under baths and which may be cut to size to fit.