Pneumatic Network Snapshot Assessment for Leaks and Humidity Shifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing the condition of a pneumatic network are time-consuming and require initial data from a leak-free state, making it difficult to detect deviations in a timely manner, and they primarily focus on leaks rather than other potential issues like pressure losses and humidity differences.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that synchronizes parameter detection at multiple locations and times to create snapshots of the network, using sensors to collect data on pressure, flow rate, humidity, and context information, allowing for immediate assessment without an initialization period and enabling detection of anomalies, trends, and corrective actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual pressure gauge measurement is used to assess network condition, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure gauge measurements with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses sensors, data acquisition devices, and computer processing to continuously measure and analyze network parameters, eliminating manual intervention while improving both speed and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate devices including data acquisition cards, processing units, and software algorithms that mediate between the physical network parameters and the final assessment results, enabling automated continuous monitoring without direct manual measurement
2Reliability
If historical data initialization is required for leak detection, then measurement reliability is improved, but time consumption increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the monitoring system with sensor placements, measurement parameters, and assessment algorithms before deployment, allowing immediate operation without requiring historical data collection or initialization periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient from installation, automatically configuring itself and beginning measurements immediately without requiring manual initialization or historical data preparation, making it easy to deploy and operate
3Measurement precision
If focus is placed on leak detection only, then measurement precision for leaks is improved, but adaptability to detect other network conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal monitoring system that can detect multiple network conditions including leaks, pressure variations, flow rate issues, and equipment performance problems through a single integrated platform that measures multiple parameters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors multiple physical parameters (pressure, flow rate, temperature, humidity) in addition to leak detection, using changes in these parameters to assess overall network condition and identify various types of problems beyond just leaks
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for assessing a condition of a pneumatic network comprising at least one compressor configured to compress a gas, and at least one pneumatic consumer, the method including the steps of detecting one or more parameters and associated context information of the gas at at least two distinct locations of the pneumatic network and at two distinct points in time; and synchronizing the detection at a first and second point in time respectively, thereby obtaining a first and second snapshot, respectively, of the pneumatic network; and assessing the condition of the pneumatic network based on the first and the second snapshot.