Flow Cell Water Quality Sensor With Adjustable Intake Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for monitoring water quality in supply pipes are cumbersome to install, require sample disposal which is difficult without a sewer connection, and lack efficient measurement accuracy due to variable liquid flow.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow cell connected to a supply pipe via a single intake pipe and liquid pump, allowing continuous in-situ water quality monitoring with adjustable intake pipe and closure means for easy installation and maintenance, ensuring constant liquid flow for accurate sensor readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor assembly with multiple sensors and a flow cell is mounted on a water supply conduit, then water quality monitoring capability is improved, but installation complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a flow cell unit that can be mounted on the conduit and a separate sensor assembly. The flow cell includes an inlet opening and outlet opening that connect to the supply pipe, creating a modular structure that simplifies installation while maintaining monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is extracted as a separate component that can be independently installed and removed. This allows the flow cell to be mounted on the conduit first, and sensors to be added later without requiring complex integrated installation procedures
2Measurement precision
If liquid samples are removed from the supply pipe for external analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but disposal becomes difficult without a sewer connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by conducting measurements in-situ within the flow cell mounted on the supply pipe. Liquid flows continuously through the flow cell where sensors measure quality parameters directly, eliminating the need to remove samples for external analysis and disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell acts as an intermediary between the supply pipe and the sensors. It allows liquid to be accessed for measurement without being removed from the system, serving as a medium that enables in-situ monitoring while maintaining continuous flow
3Device complexity
If the liquid flow through the flow cell is not maintained constant, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid pump is implemented to actively control and maintain constant liquid flow through the flow cell. The pump receives feedback about flow conditions and adjusts operation to ensure consistent flow rates, which is essential for accurate sensor measurements while keeping the device design relatively simple
4Ease of manufacture
If the flow cell is mounted on the supply pipe with a single opening, then installation effort and material costs are reduced, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into the flow cell and sensor assembly as separate components. The flow cell with its single opening mounts on the supply pipe, while sensors are housed in a separate assembly that can be accessed and replaced without removing the flow cell from the pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed to be dynamically accessible - it can be quickly connected and disconnected from the flow cell. This allows maintenance personnel to access sensors for replacement or calibration by simply detaching the sensor assembly, without needing to access the supply pipe itself
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
Facilitates easy and space-efficient installation on supply pipes, maintains high measurement accuracy, and allows for continuous monitoring without sample disposal, reducing installation effort and material costs while enabling maintenance without disrupting the supply.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid pump for a flow of the liquid in the supply pipe is connected to the intake pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting the quality of a liquid in a supply pipe, in particular for detecting the water quality in a water pipe, comprising a flow cell, which has an inlet opening, an outlet opening and at least one receiving device for the arrangement of at least one sensor. The inlet opening and the outlet opening are provided on a base surface of the flow cell intended for connection to the supply pipe, the inlet opening of the flow cell is connected to an intake pipe, the free end of which is intended for arrangement in the supply pipe, said intake pipe being received displaceably in its longitudinal direction in the flow cell or having an adjustable length, and a liquid pump of a flow of the liquid in the supply pipe is connected to the intake pipe.