Optical Fluid Level Detector for Radon Manometer Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radon remedial systems in homes and buildings are difficult to monitor, especially in inaccessible areas like basements and crawl spaces, as existing manometers require manual inspection to detect fluid level changes indicating system malfunctions, which can lead to increased radon exposure if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A detector system using a light emitting diode (LED) and photodetector mounted on opposite sides of a manometer tube generates a digital switching signal when the fluid level changes, allowing for automatic system shutdown and alarm activation at a remote location, enabling remote monitoring and ensuring system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection of manometer fluid level is used to detect system malfunctions, then device complexity is reduced, but monitoring reliability and response time deteriorate due to inaccessible locations and delayed detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an optical detection system. A light source emits light through the transparent manometer tube, and a photodetector on the opposite side detects light intensity changes. When fluid level rises to block the light path, the photodetector signal changes, automatically triggering malfunction detection without requiring manual access to the manometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about fluid level position. The light travels through the transparent tube, and its interaction with the fluid (blocking or transmitting) carries the measurement information to the photodetector, enabling remote monitoring of the manometer without direct contact.
2Speed
If manual monitoring of radon remedial systems is used, then device complexity is minimized, but response time to malfunctions deteriorates due to inaccessible monitoring locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual inspection with automatic optical detection. The light source and photodetector continuously monitor fluid level position, immediately detecting when the fluid rises to block the light path. This automatic detection system provides real-time malfunction notification, dramatically improving response time compared to manual checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-detection without human intervention. The optical system automatically senses fluid level changes, processes the light intensity variations, and triggers malfunction alerts on its own, eliminating the need for operators to physically access and check the manometer.
3Reliability
If optical detection system with light source and photodetector is implemented, then monitoring reliability and speed are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical level sensors with a simple optical system. The light source and photodetector are positioned to detect light blocking by the fluid, providing reliable automatic monitoring. This optical approach uses readily available components and avoids complex mechanical mechanisms, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high 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
The system provides reliable, automatic detection and response to fluid level changes in radon remedial systems, preventing potential radon exposure by generating a clear digital signal for system shutdown and alarm activation, even in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode (LED) and photodetector mounted on opposite sides of a manometer tube
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector mounted on an opposite side of the tube. The light and photodetector are mounted at a first predetermined location along the tube
Implementation Method 3
A change in the fluid level in the manometer indicates a change in the degree of vacuum or suction created by a fan
Data Source
AI summary
A detector for detecting a change in a fluid level and generating a digital signal uses a light source and a photodetector mounted diametrically on a tube in a predetermined location where a change in fluid level is to be detected. The circuit provides two stable output states or levels, one which corresponds to fluid not being in the tube between the light source such as an LED light and the photodetector and the other level when fluid is in the tube. In a particular application, the invention is utilized to monitor fluid level in a predetermined location of a manometer to shut off a radon remedial system and provide audio/and or visual alarms when there is a fluid level change which indicates that the radon remedial system is not operating effectively.