Gas Leak Alarm With Auto Shutoff and Leak Location Reporting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas alarm and safety systems fail to detect gas leaks, alert nearby individuals, shut off gas flow, and notify emergency and utility services effectively, while also lacking the ability to provide information on leak location and gas concentration.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes gas leak sensors connected to a controller which triggers audible/visual alarms, shuts off gas flow via a master shutoff valve, and notifies remote monitoring systems, with optional features for leak location and gas-to-air ratio reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing gas alarm systems are used, then gas leak detection is provided, but automatic shutoff of gas flow and notification of emergency services are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate functions (gas leak detection, audible alarm, visual alarm, automatic gas shutoff, and emergency service notification) into a single integrated gas alarm and safety system. The controller coordinates all these functions through a unified architecture, allowing the system to perform comprehensive safety operations rather than just detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas alarm system is designed as a multi-functional device that not only detects gas leaks but also provides audible and visual alarms, automatically shuts off gas flow through connected valves, and notifies both emergency services and utility companies. This universal approach ensures comprehensive safety response within a single system.
2Reliability
If existing gas alarm systems are used, then gas leak detection is provided, but information about leak location and gas concentration is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller receives signals from multiple gas leak detectors positioned at different locations, processes this information to determine leak location and gas concentration levels, and uses this feedback to activate appropriate responses including specific alarms and notifications to emergency services with detailed information.
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
Effectively detects gas leaks, alerts nearby individuals, shuts off gas supply, and notifies services to minimize damage, while providing information on leak location and gas concentration for timely responses.
Implementation Method 1
Gas leak detectors, spaced apart and in proximity to gas-using devices, detect the presence of gas
Data Source
AI summary
A system which detects gas leaks near devices which use “natural gas” or other flammable gases such as methane, ethane, propane or butane and implements multiple automatic responses to the detection of such leaks including emitting audible alarms, contacting utility and emergency service providers, and shutting off the flow of the flammable gases is disclosed. Optional to the system allowing the system to report on the approximate location of the leak and/or the approximate danger level caused by the leak by reporting on the gas/air ratios in the area are also disclosed. A method for implementing the method of the invention is also disclosed.