Liquid Sensor Resonance Circuit for Early Leak Characterization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing leak detection technologies for fluidic systems in aircraft are costly, provide limited information beyond leak presence, and struggle with complex systems involving multiple fluid flows, with pressure sensors being expensive, ultrasonic devices bulky, and optical cable systems affected by temperature differences and reflections.

Innovation Solution

A liquid sensor with an inductor-capacitor resonance circuit is used to measure self-capacitance, combined with a liquid transport material to detect and characterize leaks by analyzing capacitance changes over time, enabling accurate determination of leakage rates and fluid types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure sensors are used for leak detection, then leak presence can be detected, but the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with an electrical measurement system based on self-capacitance changes. The liquid sensor uses an inductor-capacitor resonance circuit to detect leaks through electrical property changes rather than mechanical pressure detection, significantly reducing cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces liquid transport material as an intermediary between the leak source and the liquid sensor. This material transports leaked fluid to the sensor, enabling detection without requiring direct contact between the sensor and the leak, thus allowing the use of simpler, lower-cost sensing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ultrasonic devices are used for leak detection, then leak presence can be detected, but the device becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky ultrasonic detection devices with a compact electrical resonance circuit. The inductor-capacitor circuit provides leak detection through electrical measurements rather than acoustic wave detection, dramatically reducing device volume while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If optical cable systems are used for leak detection, then leak presence can be detected, but the system is affected by temperature differences and reflections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidtemperature sensitivity and reflections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical cable systems with an electrical resonance-based detection system. The inductor-capacitor circuit measures self-capacitance changes caused by liquid accumulation, which are not affected by temperature variations or optical reflections, thereby eliminating these harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If existing leak detection technologies are used, then leak presence can be detected, but limited information about leakage rates and fluid types is provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak detection capabilityVSAvoidleakage rate and fluid type information

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (self-capacitance) of the liquid sensor to extract multiple types of information. By monitoring how self-capacitance changes over time and analyzing the characteristics of these changes, the system can determine both the presence of leaks and characteristics such as leakage rates and fluid types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous monitoring of self-capacitance changes and uses this feedback information to characterize the leak. The resonance circuit provides real-time electrical property data that is analyzed to extract detailed leak characteristics, transforming a simple presence detection system into one that provides comprehensive leak information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 cost-effective and accurate detection of leaks at early stages, avoiding downtime and effectively characterizing leakage rates and fluid types, suitable for aircraft and other structures.

Implementation Method 1

an inductor-capacitor resonance circuit electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes, the inductor-capacitor resonance circuit to measure a self-capacitance of the liquid sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250389609A1Methods and apparatus for leakage identification

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for leakage identification are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus to determine at least one of a presence of a leak or a characteristic of the leak corresponding to a target, includes a liquid sensor corresponding to the target, the liquid sensor including first and second electrodes, and a liquid transport material, wherein at least a portion of the liquid transport material is positioned between the first and second electrodes, and an inductor-capacitor resonance circuit electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes, the inductor-capacitor resonance circuit to measure a self-capacitance of the liquid sensor.