Piezoelectric Cable Flow Sensor for Potable Water Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow sensors are unsuitable for potable water distribution systems due to material compositions and are difficult to detect leaks or pipe bursts, leading to damage and service interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A configurable flow sensor with a housing and piezoelectric cable that can be inserted into a pipe, utilizing a coaxial cable with a piezoelectric material layer to detect fluid flow and generate a measurable output, allowing for timely detection of pipe leaks or failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow sensors are used in potable water distribution systems, then flow detection capability is provided, but material composition incompatibility and reliability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the sensor components by using a housing made of compatible materials (such as stainless steel or food-grade plastics) and a piezoelectric cable with piezoelectric material (such as PVDF) that is chemically inert and compatible with potable water, thereby eliminating material composition incompatibility while maintaining sensor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow sensing elements with a piezoelectric cable that detects flow through piezoelectric effect, eliminating the need for mechanical components that may be incompatible with water distribution systems, thereby improving reliability without material compatibility issues
2Loss of time
If pipe leaks or bursts occur, then fluid flow disruption happens, but detection and location are difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a piezoelectric cable as an intermediary sensing element that converts mechanical vibrations from leaking fluid into electrical signals, making the leak detection process easier and faster by transforming an difficult-to-detect physical phenomenon into an easily measurable electrical signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the piezoelectric cable continuously monitors fluid flow and generates electrical signals that are processed by a control system to provide real-time feedback about leak conditions, enabling rapid detection and location of leaks or bursts
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
Enables timely detection of pipe leaks or failures, minimizing collateral damage and service disruptions by generating a measurable output that indicates changes in fluid flow, which can trigger warnings or alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric cable. In a further aspect, the piezoelectric cable can comprise at least one of an inner conductive layer, a piezoelectric material layer that can at least partially circumferentially surround and contact the inner conductive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A flow sensor for a pipe includes a housing defining an interior chamber; a mounting adapter that is circumferentially coupled to an open proximal end of the housing; and a piezoelectric cable that at least partially extends within the interior chamber of the housing. The piezoelectric cable includes a piezoelectric material.