Configurable Planar Sensor Pad for Wireless Fluid Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection systems are not easily installable, lack adjustability, and rely on local audible alarms that may not function during power outages, making them ineffective for detecting small, slow water leaks in various appliance configurations.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained leak detection system with a configurable sensing pad that can be trimmed to fit different shapes, equipped with a wireless communication module powered by an independent source, capable of transmitting alarm signals to smartphones or computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pad sensors are provided in fixed sizes, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but they cannot be adjusted to fit different footprint configurations and may not adequately cover the area of concern
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing pad is designed with a removable perimeter border that allows the active sensing area to be dynamically adjusted by the user. The border can be trimmed or removed to create different sensing area configurations, enabling the same pad to adapt to various footprint sizes and shapes while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the complete pad assembly
2Area of stationary object
If small sensors are used under appliances, then they can fit in limited spaces, but they may not come into contact with fluid due to their small footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing pad is segmented into a removable perimeter border and an inner active sensing area. This segmentation allows the border to extend the overall footprint for better fluid contact probability while the inner area contains the actual sensing elements, separating the functions of coverage and detection
3Reliability
If local audible alarms are used, then immediate notification is provided, but they require nearby electrical power which may not be available during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a battery-powered wireless alarm that operates independently of external electrical power. The alarm unit contains its own power source and can autonomously transmit notifications via wireless communication protocols, making the system self-sufficient and reliable during power outages while maintaining effective notification capabilities
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 early detection of minute leaks with adjustable coverage and reliable remote notification, ensuring timely corrective action without the need for nearby power sources.
Implementation Method 1
the sensing component is configured to sense the smallest of fluid leaks
Implementation Method 2
the sensing component is configured to sense the smallest of fluid leaks
Implementation Method 3
be able to wirelessly transmit a self powered, alarm signal to the owner's smart phone, tablet or computer
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a user configurable and sizeable planar sensor pad having electrical circuits thereon, adjacent to a trough or groove formed in the sensor pad. These circuits are energized upon the application of a conductive fluid into the trough and once activated initiates a wireless communication device to transmit an alarm to a mobile device of the user, such as a smart phone, alerting the user of the detected fluid leak. The device may be self contained, operating on its own DC power source and may not require the use of a computer, a WI-Fi signal, or the internet.