Leakage Mitigation System Using Chemical Gas Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for detecting and mitigating water leaks from containers like water heaters require electric power and complex control systems, making them expensive and cumbersome to implement.
Innovation Solution
A leakage mitigation system that uses a canister containing reactants to produce gas upon leakage, triggering a mechanical shut-off valve to restrict water flow, eliminating the need for electric power and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical sensors and control mechanisms are used for leak detection and mitigation, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical sensors, control boards, and electronically operated valves with a purely mechanical system. A lever arm with a weight acts as a mechanical sensor to detect water accumulation, mechanically triggers a valve closure mechanism, and uses a spring-loaded valve for water shut-off. This eliminates all electrical components while maintaining reliable leak detection and mitigation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system is self-actuating and requires no external power source or control electronics. The weight on the lever arm automatically detects water presence through gravitational force, the mechanical linkage automatically triggers valve closure, and the spring-loaded valve automatically shuts off water flow. The system serves itself without external intervention or electrical power.
2Measurement precision
If electrical power supply and control systems are implemented, then leak response accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical control systems with simple mechanical components that can be manufactured using conventional machining and assembly processes. The lever arm, weight, and mechanical valve linkage are straightforward mechanical parts that do not require electronic circuit boards, sensors, or power supply integration, significantly simplifying manufacturing and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system uses simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The lever arm, weight, and mechanical valve are basic parts that do not require expensive electronic components, making the overall system more cost-effective and easier to manufacture.
3Reliability
If chemical reactants and gas production mechanisms are used, then valve actuation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple spring-loaded mechanical valve that is actuated by the movement of the lever arm when water is detected. The spring provides reliable return force to close the valve, and the mechanical linkage directly transmits the detection signal to the valve without requiring complex chemical reactant systems or gas production mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex mechanisms from the system. Instead of using chemical reactants or gas production to actuate the valve, the design uses only the essential mechanical components: a lever arm with weight for detection, a mechanical linkage for signal transmission, and a spring-loaded valve for actuation. This removes extraneous complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
Provides a low-cost, effective solution for detecting and preventing water leaks by using a chemical reaction to actuate a mechanical shut-off valve, reducing damage and hazards without the need for electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a canister configured to (i) contain a first reactant and a second reactant and, (ii) based on a volume of liquid leaked from the tank, allow the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to produce a gas
Implementation Method 2
The shut-off valve is configured to actuate between the open condition and the closed condition based on pressure exerted thereon by the flow of the gas
Implementation Method 3
The liquid collection chamber and the shell are together configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the leakage detection device with respect to the canister based on a volume of liquid collected in the liquid collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A leakage mitigation system includes a leakage detection device having a canister configured to: (i) contain a first reactant and a second reactant and, (ii) based on a volume of liquid leaked from a tank, allow the first reactant and the second reactant to react with each other to produce a gas. A shut-off valve coupled to an inlet pipe of the tank is configured to actuate between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, a conduit extending between the leakage detection device and the shut-off valve allows flow of the gas from the leak detection device to the shut off valve. In order to mitigate the leakage of water, the shut-off valve is actuated between the open condition and the closed condition based on the pressure exerted thereon by the flow of the gas.