Leak Detection Sensor Module With Replaceable Reaction Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leak detection sensors face challenges such as high installation costs, limited flexibility, error-prone humidity sensitivity, and difficulty in reconnecting after maintenance, particularly with module-type sensors, which struggle with specific fluid detection and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A leak detection sensor module with a detachable cartridge containing a reaction material that changes from opaque to transparent or translucent upon oil absorption, allowing for easy replacement and reducing error rates by using a substrate, transmission member, and fixing body to analyze light signals, along with a see-through window and LEDs for visual leak indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a module-type leak sensor is used, then installation is easy and cost is low, but detection accuracy is limited and connectivity to peripheral devices is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into a reusable main body and a replaceable cartridge. The cartridge contains the reaction material and can be independently replaced, while the main body housing contains the light source, light receiver, and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the detection system to achieve higher precision through specialized reaction materials while maintaining ease of installation through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction material undergoes parameter changes (color, transparency, viscosity) when it contacts leaked fluid. These physical and chemical parameter changes enable more accurate detection of fluid leakage, improving measurement precision beyond simple presence/absence detection.
2Measurement precision
If a reaction material is used that changes state upon fluid contact, then detection accuracy improves, but the sensor requires replacement or cleaning which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be quickly swapped without affecting the main sensor body. This allows the reaction material to be replaced in minutes rather than requiring complex cleaning or calibration procedures, maintaining high productivity while using accurate reaction-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed for single-use or limited-use disposal after detecting fluid leakage. Instead of attempting to clean or reset the reaction material, the entire cartridge is replaced. This approach maintains detection accuracy by always using fresh reaction material while minimizing maintenance time through simple replacement procedures.
3Reliability
If the cartridge is made opaque to block light when no leak is detected, then false positives are reduced, but light transmission for detection is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge has non-uniform optical properties: the housing may be opaque or translucent for structural protection and false positive prevention, while the reaction material region is designed to be transparent or translucent to allow light transmission during normal operation. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between blocking light to prevent false positives and transmitting light for detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction material changes its optical properties (color, transparency) based on its reaction state. When unreacted, it allows light transmission for detection; when it reacts with leaked fluid, it changes appearance to indicate detection while maintaining system reliability by preventing false positives through its initial light-blocking properties when no leak is present.
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
Enables reliable and cost-effective oil leak detection with reduced error rates by allowing easy cartridge replacement and maintaining sensor module reliability through transparent or translucent state changes, facilitating recycling and accurate leak localization.
Implementation Method 1
the reaction material maintains an opaque state when oil is not absorbed to the reaction material and a state of the reaction material is converted to a transparent state or a translucent state when the reaction material absorbs and reacts with leaked oil
Implementation Method 2
when the reaction material absorbs and reacts with leaked oil
Implementation Method 3
an emitting portion generating light by a power supply
Implementation Method 4
the transmission member transmitting an emitted light
Implementation Method 5
a receiving portion receiving a refracted light
Data Source
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AI summary
Proposed is a leak detection sensor module including. The leak detection sensor module includes a body having an inner space in which a substrate, a transmission member, and a fixing body are mounted, the body having a bottom surface provided with a mounting hole in which a cartridge is mounted, the body having a side surface provided with a connection hole, and the body having steps. Furthermore, the leak detection sensor module includes a cover, the substrate to which an emitting portion and a receiving portion are connected and in which a microcomputer is mounted, the cartridge maintaining an opaque state when oil is not absorbed and being converted to a transparent or translucent state when the cartridge absorbs and reacts with a leaked oil, the transmission member transmitting an emitted light, and the fixing body fixing the substrate, the transmission member, the emitting portion, and the receiving portion.