Leak Test Fluid Injection for Low-Vapor-Pressure Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional leak detection methods and devices are ineffective for test objects filled with liquids having low vapor pressure, as they cannot introduce sufficient quantities of such fluids and do not utilize external gas flow, making it difficult to detect leaks in batteries and refrigeration components under negative pressure.

Innovation Solution

A leak detection device and method utilizing a reservoir filled with a test fluid of low vapor pressure, a pump to deliver the fluid in liquid or spray form, and a detector to analyze the leaked fluid without external gas flow, ensuring sufficient fluid delivery and detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a leak detection device is used to check sealing tightness in liquid-filled inspection objects, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional functional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The leak detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect leaks in liquid-filled inspection objects, function as an imaging device to capture images of the inspection object, and serve as a user interface for displaying images and receiving user input. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the leak detection functionality with imaging capabilities and user interface functions into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the leak detection components and the display screen, merging what would traditionally be separate devices into one unified system that reduces complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the leak detection device includes imaging and display functions, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface functions including image display and user input reception are integrated directly into the housing of the leak detection device. The display screen is positioned to face upward when the housing is in its leak detection configuration, allowing users to interact with the device without requiring separate imaging or display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device serves as both a leak detection instrument and a complete imaging system with user interface. The same housing that contains the leak detection components also houses the display screen and user input mechanisms, creating a universal device that handles multiple operational tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed for both leak detection and image display, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with configurable orientations, allowing it to be positioned in different configurations depending on the operational mode. The housing can be oriented with the display screen facing upward for user interaction or reconfigured for optimal leak detection positioning, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single housing design serves multiple functions: it contains the leak detection components, houses the display screen, and provides the structural framework for both leak detection and user interface operations. This universal housing design reduces the need for multiple specialized components that would be required if separate devices were used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effective leak detection and calibration of devices for low vapor pressure fluids, allowing accurate detection and verification of leak detection systems for batteries and refrigeration components.

Implementation Method 1

the determining the leak signal comprises determining the leak signal on the basis of capacitance values determined by the capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4314750B1Functional test of a leak detection device for the leak test of a test object filled with a liquid
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 INFICON GMBH
  • EP4314750B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4314750B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a test leakage device for functionally testing a leak detection device for checking the sealing tightness of an inspection object (14) filled with a liquid (12), the inspection object having an internal pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The test leakage device comprises: - a reservoir (102) filled with a test liquid (104), the test liquid (104) having a vapor pressure of less than 500 mbar at room temperature, and the reservoir (102) having an outlet (106); and - a pump (100), which cooperates with the reservoir (102) and is designed to convey the test liquid (104) out of the reservoir (102), such that the test liquid (104) is discharged in liquid form from the reservoir (102) by the pump (100) via the outlet (106).