Four-Wire Cable Leak Detection via Dual-Mode Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current leak detection systems require additional cables for power supply and telemetry, making them expensive and incompatible with existing four-wire systems, which limits their compatibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode power technique using four-wire cables for power supply, leak detection, and telemetry, where two wires act as a 'part-time' power bus, allowing modules to charge capacitors during power-on states and collect data during power-off states, enabling efficient data transmission during power-on states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional separate cables are used for power supply and telemetry functions, then the leak detection system can function properly, but the system cost and cable complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the four-wire cable universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: leak detection, power supply, and telemetry. The leak detection module uses the existing four-wire cable for all these purposes through dual-mode operation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cables for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (leak detection, power supply, telemetry) into a single integrated system that operates through the four-wire cable. The dual-mode operation combines power transmission and data communication capabilities within the same cable infrastructure.
2Reliability
If eight-wire systems with dedicated wires for power supply, digital telemetry and leak detection are used, then the leak detection capability is improved, but the cable cost increases and compatibility with existing four-wire systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The leak detection module achieves multi-functionality by operating in dual modes: using the four-wire cable for both power supply and telemetry/detection. This universal approach maintains compatibility with existing four-wire infrastructure while providing enhanced leak detection capabilities through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (power-on and power-off states) to perform different functions. During power-on state, the cable provides power; during power-off state, the module performs leak detection and telemetry, allowing the same cable to adapt to different operational requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If four-wire cables are used for power supply, telemetry and leak detection, then the system cost decreases and compatibility improves, but the cable must perform multiple functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action through dual-mode operation, alternating between power-on and power-off states. During power-on periods, the cable supplies power; during power-off periods, the module performs detection and telemetry. This time-division multiplexing allows the same cable to handle multiple functions without requiring simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system is made dynamic by enabling it to switch between different functional states. The leak detection module can operate in power-on mode for telemetry and power-off mode for detection, allowing the four-wire cable to adaptively perform different functions based on operational requirements rather than being static in its function assignment.
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 provides a cost-effective, scalable, and modular leak detection system compatible with existing infrastructure, enhancing interoperability and reducing the need for additional cables while maintaining accurate leak detection and location tracking.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitor configured to store a charge for powering the module during a power-off state
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for leak detection are described. A leak detection module may include a plurality of wires comprising one or more collection points. The leak detection module may further include a capacitor configured to store a charge for powering the module during a power-off state and a plurality of switches to be controlled by a processor. The processor may initiate a predetermined switching sequence when a power-off state has been detected. During the switching sequence, leak detection data may be collected at the one or more collection points. The collected leak detection data may be stored in a set of registers. The leak detection module may transmit the stored leak detection data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.