Leak Detection Apparatus with Flexible Wicking Sidewall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid leak detection systems struggle with detecting low flow rates in difficult-to-access areas, such as those around machines with curved tubing, and require larger adjacent planar surfaces for effective operation, which limits their applicability in confined spaces like machine enclosures.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection apparatus featuring a first and second flexible member made of electrically conductive materials in a normally open circuit state, surrounded by a liquid wicking permeable sidewall that becomes conductive upon liquid presence, along with a liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element and channeling structure to facilitate early detection of low flow rate leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional leak detection apparatus is placed in an ideal location to detect low flow rate leaks early, then the timeliness of detection is improved, but the device requires a larger adjacent planar surface area that cannot be accommodated in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from requiring a two-dimensional planar surface for leak detection to utilizing a three-dimensional curved surface that conforms to the machine enclosure. The flexible sidewall can wrap around curved surfaces and confined spaces, eliminating the need for a large flat area while maintaining detection sensitivity through the liquid wicking capability along the curved surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible sidewall made of liquid wicking permeable material that can conform to curved surfaces and confined spaces. This flexible structure allows the apparatus to adapt to various installation locations including under machines with curved tubing, eliminating the need for a rigid large planar surface while maintaining effective liquid detection through the flexible liquid-wicking material.
2Measurement precision
If the apparatus is designed to detect very low liquid leakage flowrates, then the early detection capability is improved, but the device becomes more sensitive to false signals from condensation or humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the sidewall material specifically liquid wicking permeable, which allows it to distinguish between true liquid leaks and ambient moisture. The liquid wicking property creates a localized capillary action that draws liquid along the surface, providing a clear signal only when actual leakage occurs, rather than responding to general humidity or condensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid wicking permeable sidewall acts as an intermediary between the liquid leak and the conductive members. It selectively transports liquid through capillary action while filtering out false signals from humidity or condensation, ensuring that the circuit only closes when actual liquid leakage is present.
3Measurement precision
If multiple leak detection apparatus are used to pinpoint the leak source location, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and installation burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal leak detection apparatus that can be applied to various locations and machine types through its flexible sidewall configuration. The same basic design can detect leaks from different sources (water supply lines, drainage lines, condensation lines) and can be installed in multiple locations simultaneously, reducing the need for different specialized devices for each detection location.
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 apparatus effectively moves from a normally open to a closed circuit state upon detecting liquid, providing timely alerts for maintenance and reducing damage by directing liquid towards conductive members, enhancing sensitivity and adaptability for curved surfaces and confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall that is about a radial axis, the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall is positioned adjacent to the first and second flexible members
Implementation Method 2
a liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element that is oriented adjacent to the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall wherein the liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element is oppositely disposed of the first and second flexible members
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for liquid leak detection includes first and second flexible members each constructed of an electrically conductive material that is in a normally open circuit state. Also included is a liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall that is positioned adjacent to the first and second flexible members, the liquid permeable surrounding sidewall is constructed of a non electrically conductive material. Operationally, the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall becomes electrically conductive when a liquid is present in the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall, facilitating the first and second flexible members to move to a closed circuit state that results in a perceptible output. Additionally, included is a liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element that is oriented adjacent to the liquid wicking permeable surrounding sidewall wherein the liquid permeable planar web reinforcing element is oppositely disposed of the first and second flexible members.