External Vibration Sensor for Pipe Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water flow detection systems face challenges such as difficulty in detecting flow in noisy locations, remote leakage detection, error detection and location, unreliable flux determination, and incompatibility with mobile installations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a sensor system with a vibration detector attached to a pipe or hose, which detects vibration patterns caused by a ticker mechanism in the sprinkler assembly, allowing for the determination of fluid flow without inserting components into the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are used to detect water flow, then flow detection is achieved, but detection becomes difficult in noisy locations where acoustic signals are masked by noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the pipe structure as an intermediary to transmit vibrations from the water flow to the sensor. Instead of detecting acoustic signals directly in the noisy environment, the sensor detects vibrations transmitted through the pipe wall, which acts as a mediator that isolates the detection from external noise interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces acoustic detection (sound wave detection in air) with mechanical vibration detection through the pipe wall. This substitution of detection medium from air-borne acoustic signals to structure-borne mechanical vibrations eliminates the problem of noise masking in the acoustic frequency range.
2Measurement precision
If flow rate meters or pressure transducers are inserted into the pipe, then flow detection is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to more components that can fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the interior of the pipe and places it on the exterior surface. By attaching the sensor to the outer wall of the pipe, the system eliminates the need to insert any components into the pipe, thereby reducing device complexity and avoiding additional failure points while maintaining flow detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe wall itself serves as the intermediary that transmits flow-induced vibrations to the externally mounted sensor. This eliminates the need for intrusive measurement devices while still enabling accurate flow detection through the mechanical coupling provided by the pipe structure.
3Measurement precision
If traditional flow detection systems are used, then flow measurement is achieved, but leakage and failure detection becomes difficult in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system enables continuous monitoring of vibrations along the pipe, allowing for real-time detection of changes in flow patterns that indicate leakage or failure. This continuous detection capability ensures that issues are identified promptly even in remote locations without requiring periodic manual inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback about the flow state through vibration monitoring. By analyzing changes in vibration patterns, the system can detect anomalies such as leaks or blockages and provide immediate feedback about system health, enabling timely response to problems in remote installations.
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 a robust, simple, and reliable method for detecting fluid flow in pipes, capable of operating in noisy environments and detecting leaks, while maintaining the integrity of existing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system comprising at least one sensor for registering presence of vibration, wherein the at least one sensor is attached to at least one selected from a group comprising the hose or pipe and a structure in mechanical communication with the hose or pipe, and wherein the sensor system is configured to detect vibration patterns caused by the ticker
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
A system for determining the presence of fluid flow in a pipe is provided. The object of the invention is achieved by a vibration detector attached to the pipe.