Gas Flow Sensor for Vehicle Safety Shut-Off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety shut-off devices for liquid gas systems in vehicles and trailers primarily focus on accident scenarios, failing to reliably shut off gas supply in other malfunction situations such as unintended gas leaks or unexpected changes in gas consumption.
Innovation Solution
A safety shut-off device incorporating a flow sensor to determine the current gas flow, an evaluation unit to assess its plausibility against a permissible maximum flow, and an electronic unit controlling an electromagnetic gas valve to shut off the supply when an impermissible flow is detected, combined with an accident sensor for double safety in accident scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow sensor and evaluation unit are added to detect and assess gas flow, then the reliability of gas supply shut-off in malfunction situations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor continuously monitors gas flow and provides feedback to the evaluation unit, which compares the measured flow against expected consumption patterns. When a discrepancy is detected, the system triggers a shut-off response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables reliable detection of malfunctions such as pipe breaks or unauthorized gas usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit acts as an intermediary between the flow sensor and the gas valve control system. It processes the raw flow data, applies plausibility checks against consumption patterns, and generates control signals for the gas valve. This intermediary layer adds intelligence to the system without requiring direct complex integration between all components.
2Speed
If the sampling frequency for determining current gas flow is increased, then the response time to detect gas leaks is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling frequency of the flow sensor is made dynamic rather than static. The system adjusts the sampling rate based on operational conditions - using higher frequencies when gas consumption patterns indicate potential malfunctions and lower frequencies during normal operation. This dynamic adaptation maintains rapid leak detection capability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during stable operating conditions.
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
Ensures reliable shut-off of gas supply in various malfunction situations, preventing unintended gas leaks and ensuring quick response to unsafe gas consumption patterns while minimizing false shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
a gas valve which can be opened or closed using electromagnetic force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety shut-off device for a liquid gas system with one or more gas consumers for vehicles and/or vehicle trailers to prevent the unintentional release of gas. It comprises an electromagnetic gas valve for shutting off the gas supply, an electronic unit for controlling the electromagnetic gas valve, and a flow sensor for determining the current gas flow from a gas storage tank. Furthermore, the invention includes an evaluation unit for comparing the current gas flow with a permissible maximum gas flow and an electronic unit that controls the electromagnetic gas valve to shut off the gas supply when the evaluation unit detects a current gas flow exceeding the permissible maximum gas flow.