Flexible TDS Probe for Conduit Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TDS sensors for water monitoring are not practical for long-term use within conduits or pipes due to compatibility issues with o-rings, the need for access ports, potential for fluid leakage, impeded fluid flow, and inconvenience of handheld probes.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, low-profile, and flexible TDS probe with a waterproof flexible body composed of three layers, allowing it to be adapted to various conduit shapes without impeding water flow, and equipped with measuring instruments like thermistors and electrodes for accurate TDS readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-line TDS sensors are used with o-rings for fluid leakage protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of manufacture deteriorates due to compatibility issues requiring o-ring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from a separate o-ring component and integrates it directly into the probe body through an O-shaped sealing structure formed as an integral part of the housing. This eliminates the need for separate o-rings and their associated compatibility issues, while maintaining reliable fluid leakage protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-shaped sealing structure serves multiple functions: it provides fluid leakage protection, acts as a mounting feature for securing the probe to the conduit, and ensures universal compatibility across different probe installations without requiring specific o-ring components. This multi-functionality resolves the compatibility problem while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If access ports are created in conduits for sensor installation, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to channel cutting requirements and fluid leakage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for access ports by extracting the sealing function from a separate component and integrating it into the probe body. The O-shaped sealing structure allows the probe to seal against the conduit surface directly without requiring precision-cut channels or access ports, thereby maintaining ease of installation while avoiding manufacturing precision issues.
3Measurement precision
If traditional TDS sensors are installed in conduits, then measurement function is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to fluid flow impedement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-walled flexible housing that allows the probe to conform to the conduit surface and minimize protrusion into the fluid flow path. This flexible shell design maintains effective TDS measurement capability while reducing fluid flow impedement compared to rigid traditional sensors.
4Ease of operation
If handheld probes are used for TDS testing, then ease of operation is improved for portability, but duration of action deteriorates requiring manual insertion for each test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the probe to serve itself by providing adhesive mounting capabilities that allow permanent or semi-permanent attachment to conduit surfaces. This self-service mounting eliminates the need for manual insertion and removal for each test, enabling continuous long-term monitoring while maintaining the portability and ease of operation of handheld designs.
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 flexible TDS probe enables long-term, non-invasive monitoring of TDS levels within conduits, reducing costs and inconvenience by eliminating the need for frequent sensor replacements and minimizing fluid leakage, while ensuring accurate water quality assessment.
Implementation Method 1
the conductivity of the water being tested increases as the TDS in the water increases. Therefore, the TDS may be measured by inserting a pair of electrodes into the water to be tested and measuring the conductivity between the two electrodes experienced by a current passed between them
Implementation Method 2
a thermistor may be used to measure the temperature of the water
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible wafer probe for testing the level of dissolved solids in a water source and a method of use are provided. The probe may have an adhesive coating so that the probe may be affixed to a surface, such as the interior of a conduit. The flexibility of the probe may allow the probe to be affixed to surfaces of various shapes. The probe may have a low profile such that it does not impede water flow through the conduit. The probe may be provided in the form of a flexible, thin circular pad composed of three layers. The first and third layers may compose the outside surfaces of the probe and may render the probe waterproof. The measuring instruments of the probe may be affixed to the second layer and exposed to the water through apertures that extend through the first layer of the probe.