Optical Coolant Leak Sensing With Randomized Light Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coolant leak detection systems in information handling systems are prone to false positives due to external interference or malicious attacks, leading to costly and unnecessary system shutdowns.
Innovation Solution
An optical detector system using a light source, light sensor, and controller with randomized encoding to illuminate and decode light patterns, mitigating false positives through frequency hopping and bit-time adjustments, ensuring unpredictable bit timing and amplitude modulation to distinguish genuine coolant leaks from external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coolant leak detection systems are used, then coolant leaks can be detected, but false positives occur due to external interference or malicious attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing frequency hopping and randomized encoding patterns that change over time. The light source modulates light at dynamically changing frequencies and patterns, making it impossible for external interferers to predict or replicate the signal. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by ensuring detection reliability while preventing false positives from external interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal and frequency parameters of the light signal through randomized encoding. The modulation pattern, frequency, and timing are continuously varied according to a randomized sequence, transforming the detection system into one that is immune to fixed-frequency interferers. This parameter changes approach directly addresses the false positive problem while maintaining detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If randomized encoding with frequency hopping is implemented, then false positives are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the controller multi-functional by having it perform both the modulation of the light source and the decoding of the sensor signals. The same controller that generates the randomized encoding pattern also processes the incoming optical signals, eliminating the need for separate complex modulation and demodulation devices. This universality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of randomized encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own controller to generate and process the encoding patterns self-service fashion. The controller creates the randomized modulation pattern for the light source and simultaneously decodes the corresponding sensor signals using the same random sequence stored in memory. This self-service approach eliminates external complexity requirements and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If light source and light sensor are used for detection, then coolant leaks can be detected optically, but external light interference causes false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through time-varying modulation of the light source at specific frequencies according to a randomized pattern. The light source is modulated in a periodic manner with changing frequencies and patterns, creating a signature that can be distinguished from external interference. This periodic action with randomized parameters resolves the contradiction by enabling precise detection while rejecting external light interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the light modulation frequency and pattern time-varying and unpredictable. The randomized encoding ensures that the modulation characteristics change continuously, making it impossible for external interferers to match the signal pattern. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating false readings from external light sources.
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
Effectively detects coolant leaks while significantly reducing the risk of false positives, enhancing system reliability and preventing unnecessary shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to illuminate objects within the information handling system with a pattern of light
Implementation Method 2
The light sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to absorbing light emitted from an object illuminated by the light source
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detector for detecting a coolant leak within an information handling system includes a light source, light sensor, and controller. The light source is configured to illuminate objects within the information handling system with a pattern of light. The pattern is determined according to a randomized encoding. The light sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to absorbing light emitted from an object illuminated by the light source. The signal is encoded according to the randomized encoding. A controller operatively coupled with the light sensor is configured to generate a decoded signal by reversing the randomized encoding of the signal. The controller is configured to identify a potential coolant leak in response to the decoded signal matching a predetermined pattern that indicates a coolant leak.