Residential LPG Regulator Shutoff Device for Automatic Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for LPG leak detection in residential settings lack remote notification and automatic shutoff capabilities, posing safety hazards as they require occupants to manually intervene, which can be risky and unsafe, especially when they are outside the ambient region.
Innovation Solution
A shutoff device mounted on residential LPG regulators that detects leaks and automatically shuts off the valve using a transceiver for remote communication, an actuator to rotate the valve knob, and sensors to determine the valve position, enabling remote, non-intrusive, and automatic control of the leak.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is required to shut off the valve, then the system structure remains simple, but safety hazards increase when occupants are outside the ambient region
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects gas leaks and shuts off the valve without requiring human intervention. The microcontroller unit autonomously processes sensor signals, determines leak conditions, and activates the actuator to close the valve, making the system self-protecting and eliminating the need for manual safety actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical valve operation is replaced by an automated electromechanical system. Sensors detect gas presence, the microcontroller processes this information, and an actuator mechanically closes the valve, substituting human mechanical action with an automated sensor-actuator system that provides reliable safety response.
2Reliability
If remote notification capability is added, then safety improves for absent occupants, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback about gas leak conditions to remote users through the transceiver. When sensors detect a leak, the microcontroller triggers the transceiver to send notifications to remote devices, creating a feedback loop that informs absent occupants of dangerous conditions and enables timely response.
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver acts as an intermediary between the local sensor system and remote user devices. It receives signals from the microcontroller and transmits them through communication networks to remote devices, mediating the information flow between the detection system and the end user without requiring direct connection.
3Loss of time
If automatic shutoff is implemented, then response time improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors for gas leaks before dangerous conditions develop. By maintaining constant surveillance with sensors and having the actuator ready to activate, the system performs preliminary detection and is prepared to immediately shut off the valve when a leak is detected, eliminating response delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic shutoff system self-activates upon detecting a leak condition, eliminating the time loss associated with human awareness and manual intervention. The microcontroller autonomously processes sensor data and triggers the actuator, providing immediate response that prevents escalation of the hazard.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for leak detection and remote, non-intrusive, automatic shutoff in residential regulators are provided. Such systems and methods can include a shutoff device that includes a mounting bracket for mounting on a supply container, a linking device for coupling to a knob of a valve of a regulator of the supply container, and an actuator for, responsive to a control signal, automatically rotating the linking device, which rotates the knob, which rotates the valve from an on position to an off position. In some embodiments, a leak sensor can detect a presence of a fuel leak and, responsive thereto, transmit the control signal to the actuator, and in some embodiments, a position sensor can determine that a current position of the valve is indicative of the on position and, responsive thereto, transmit the control signal to the actuator.