Gas Supply Warning System with Automatic Reservoir Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressurized gas systems lack effective alarm mechanisms to detect malfunctions downstream of the regulator, such as disconnections, leaks, and blockages, and fail to provide advance warnings for gas cylinder exhaustion, especially in remote locations, and do not allow for remote monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A fluid supply warning and communication system that includes a primary reservoir pressure monitor module, a changeover/reservoir pressure monitor module, and a communication/flow monitor module, which senses pressure and flow rate anomalies, generates error signals, and automatically switches to a reserve gas source, while enabling remote monitoring and control through digital displays and user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cylinder pressure sensor is used to detect gas exhaustion, then the alarm can detect when the cylinder is empty, but it cannot detect malfunctions downstream of the regulator such as disconnections, leaks, and blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pressure sensor and a flow sensor into a single alarm device. The pressure sensor detects cylinder exhaustion while the flow sensor detects downstream malfunctions such as disconnections, leaks, and blockages. This merging allows one device to provide comprehensive monitoring covering all types of gas supply failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm device is designed to perform multiple detection functions: it monitors both pressure (for cylinder exhaustion) and flow rate (for downstream malfunctions). This multi-functional design makes the device universally applicable to detect any gas supply interruption regardless of its cause, enhancing adaptability to different malfunction scenarios.
2Loss of time
If an alarm device is placed at the gas cylinder location, then it can detect malfunctions promptly, but remote users cannot be alerted and the device cannot be controlled from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication module that acts as an intermediary between the alarm device and remote users. This module transmits alarm signals and device status information to remote locations via wireless communication, enabling remote users to be alerted immediately when malfunctions occur without requiring physical presence at the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical presence at the alarm device with electronic communication systems. Remote users can monitor device status and receive alerts through digital communication channels, eliminating the mechanical constraint that users must be physically near the device to access alarm information or control functions.
3Device complexity
If the alarm device requires manual checking by users, then the device structure can be simple, but users must constantly monitor the device which is impractical especially when incapacitated or remote
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm device automatically performs monitoring and detection functions without requiring user intervention. The integrated pressure and flow sensors continuously monitor gas supply conditions, and the communication module automatically transmits alerts to remote users. This self-service capability eliminates the burden of constant manual checking while maintaining comprehensive surveillance.
4Device complexity
If a single gas reservoir is used, then the system is simple, but gas supply is interrupted when the reservoir is exhausted or malfunctions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic changeover mechanism that switches from a depleted or malfunctioning primary reservoir to a standby reserve reservoir before gas supply is completely interrupted. The system monitors reservoir status and automatically activates the backup reservoir when needed, ensuring continuous gas supply without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides a reserve gas reservoir as a cushion against supply interruption. This backup reservoir is maintained in readiness to compensate for exhaustion or malfunction of the primary reservoir, creating a safety buffer that ensures continuous operation of the gas-dependent system without interruption.
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 system provides timely and remote alerts for gas system malfunctions, ensures continuous gas supply by automatically switching to a reserve source, and allows for remote monitoring and control of pressurized gas systems, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a primary reservoir pressure sensor for measuring the fluid pressure of the primary fluid reservoir, and generating the primary reservoir pressure data
Implementation Method 2
a flow sensor for measuring a fluid flow rate, and generating the fluid flow rate data
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid supply warning and communication system including fluid tight engagements being made with tubing having at least one connector end chosen from a universal connector, a twist-on nipple, and a v-shaped end. A gas supply warning and communication system including a first upstream gas path, a second upstream gas path, and a downstream gas path made with tubing having at least one connector end chosen from a universal connector, a twist-on nipple, and a v-shaped end. A method of increasing humidity in a downstream gas path in the gas supply warning and communication system by flowing gas through a downstream gas path tubing that increases humidity to an end use appliance.