Double-Wall Pipe Connector Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel injection systems for diesel engines are inefficient in detecting fuel leaks due to slow and troublesome methods, which hinder the accurate localization of leaks within the system.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector with a leak channel and closure member that allows fluid flow to a leakage outlet when pressure rises, combined with throttling to dampen pressure pulsations and prevent fluid flow from the outer space, enabling rapid leak detection and isolation in a double-walled fuel injection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional leak detection methods (plugs or disengageable hoses) are used, then leak detection is possible, but the detection speed is slow and the process is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting leaks through pressure monitoring in the outer flow space, eliminating the need for manual inspection or specialized detection equipment. The control unit continuously monitors pressure and automatically identifies leaks without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical leak detection methods (plugs, disengageable hoses) with a pressure-based sensing system. Pressure sensors and control units monitor the outer flow space to detect leaks automatically, substituting manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic detection.
2Loss of time
If the closure member allows fluid flow to the leakage outlet for rapid leak detection, then leak detection speed improves, but fluid may escape from the outer space
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and monitors only the pressure parameter in the outer flow space to detect leaks, separating the detection function from the fuel delivery function. This allows leak detection without requiring fluid to escape or mix between systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer flow space acts as an intermediary chamber that captures leaked fuel without allowing it to escape to the environment. The pressure sensor monitors this intermediate space to detect leaks before fuel can cause harm.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the throttling restricts fluid flow to dampen pressure pulsation, then system stability improves, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The throttling is applied locally only to the return line, not to the main fuel delivery line. This localized restriction dampens pressure pulsations in the return flow without significantly affecting the pressure and flow in the main fuel supply to the injectors.
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 solution enables rapid and accurate detection of fuel leaks, preventing fluid flow from the outer space and reducing pressure pulsations, thus improving the efficiency of fuel injection systems by isolating leaks and maintaining system stability.
Implementation Method 1
The closure member is arranged to move from the first position to the second position when fluid pressure in the leak channel rises above a certain limit
Implementation Method 2
The throttling in the third channel dampens pressure pulsation caused by a high pressure pump, which is connected to the pipe connector for supplying fluid to pipe connector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pipe connector (24) comprising a first fitting (25) con- nectable to the first double wall pipe, the first fitting (25) comprising a first portion (45) connectable to the inner flow space and a second portion (46) connectable to the outer flow space of the first double wall pipe, a second fitting (26) connectable to the inner flow space of the second double wall pipe, a third fitting (27) and a leak channel (31) arranged in flow connection with the second portion (46) of the first fitting. The pipe connector is provided with a clo- sure member (34) having a first position, in which flow of fluid from the leak channel (31) to the leakage outlet (32) is prevented, and a second position, in which flow of fluid from the leak channel (31) to the leakage outlet (32) is al- lowed, which closure member (34) is arranged to move from the first position to the second position when fluid pressure in the leak channel (31) rises above a certain lim- it. The pipe connector is also provided with a blocking means (28) for preventing flow of fluid from the outer flow space of the second double wall pipe from passing through the pipe connector (24).