Gas Detection Pump System Without Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas detection systems in high-voltage devices filled with insulating mediums are complex, expensive, and require frequent maintenance due to the wear and tear of valves and semi-permeable membranes, which are prone to failure under pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing two pumps instead of valves to circulate carrier gas through a semi-permeable membrane for gas enrichment and detection, ensuring a wear-free and maintenance-friendly operation by introducing fresh carrier gas and removing it after detection, with a tubular semi-permeable membrane and a measuring chamber equipped with a gas sensor and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valves are used for air exchange and gas circulation, then gas detection function is achieved, but valve wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes valves from the system entirely, extracting the problematic component that caused wear and maintenance issues. Instead of using valves for air exchange and gas circulation, the system employs pump-based flow control, eliminating the wear-prone valve mechanisms while maintaining the essential gas detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve system with a pump-based flow control system. The pump can reverse flow direction and control gas circulation without mechanical moving parts that wear, substituting a more reliable mechanical approach for the traditional valve-based system.
2Measurement precision
If a flat semi-permeable membrane is used for gas separation, then gas detection accuracy is improved, but membrane rupture risk increases under pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flat membrane with a tubular membrane structure. This curved, cylindrical configuration provides structural strength to resist pressure changes while maintaining the semi-permeable properties needed for accurate gas detection. The tubular shape distributes stress more evenly, preventing rupture under varying pressure conditions.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple components (valves, filters, membranes) are used for gas extraction and analysis, then detection capability is enhanced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The tubular membrane serves both as the separation medium and as a structural element within the housing. The pump system integrates flow control and circulation functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive gas detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs components with multiple functions. The tubular membrane provides both gas separation and structural support. The pump system handles both gas circulation and flow direction control. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capabilities.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, maintenance-friendly, and reliable method for detecting gases in high-voltage devices, ensuring safe operation by eliminating the need for valves and reducing wear, while maintaining accurate gas detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (13), which consists of at least one semipermeable material and is constructed like a tube or hose
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) for detecting gas (4) in a high-voltage device (3) filled with an insulating medium (2) comprises an inlet (5) for introducing a carrier gas (16) and an outlet (6) for discharging a carrier gas (16); at least one gas sensor (12) for detecting a gas (4); a first pump (9) for conveying the carrier gas (16) in the apparatus (1); a membrane (13) which at least consists of at least one semipermeable material, is at least partially surrounded by the insulating medium (2) and is at least partially subjected to a flow of the carrier gas (16); a second pump (10) for conveying the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) and for conveying the carrier gas (16) out of the apparatus (1); wherein there is no valve which can be used to convey the carrier gas (16) into the apparatus (1) or out of the apparatus (1).