Sensor Valve Release for Compressible Fluid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for utility pipelines face challenges in efficiently coupling sensors to pipes and in removing compressible fluids, which can degrade sensor accuracy and signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a pressable valve mounted on a sensor housing that can be easily coupled to a pipe, allowing for the selective release of compressible fluids and enhancing sensor accuracy by removing trapped gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is coupled to a pipeline to monitor fluid flow and detect leaks, then measurement capability is improved, but compressible fluids (air bubbles) can accumulate in the sensor housing and degrade signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a drain valve that enables removal of compressible fluids (air bubbles) from the sensor housing. This extraction principle directly addresses the problem by providing a mechanism to take out the harmful compressible fluid accumulation that degrades signal quality, while maintaining the sensor's measurement capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional sensor housing is used without a drain valve, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to remove compressible fluids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is segmented into functional zones: a sensor mounting area, a fluid drainage path, and a valve mechanism. This segmentation allows the housing to perform multiple functions (sensor protection, fluid drainage, air removal) without significantly increasing overall complexity. The drain valve is integrated as a separate modular component that can be operated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain valve is designed to be operable by the user without requiring disassembly of the sensor housing or specialized tools. The valve mechanism allows operators to manually drain compressible fluids themselves, making the system self-servicing and reducing maintenance complexity despite the added component.
3Reliability
If the sensor housing is made sealed to protect the sensor, then reliability is improved, but compressible fluids cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing transitions from a fully sealed static state to a dynamically controllable state through the drain valve. The housing remains sealed for sensor protection during normal operation, but can be selectively opened via the valve mechanism when fluid drainage is required. This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between protection mode and maintenance mode as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The drain valve acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sealed sensor housing and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that allows compressible fluids to be removed while maintaining the overall sealed structure for sensor protection. The valve mediates between the conflicting requirements of sealing and fluid release.
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 quick and efficient installation of sensors on existing pipes and improves sensor accuracy by removing compressible fluids, thereby enhancing the operation and maintenance of utility pipeline systems.
Implementation Method 1
Many sensors of this type, including hydrophones, utilize a piezoelectric transducer that generates an electric potential when subjected to a pressure change, such as an underwater sound wave.
Implementation Method 2
a pressable valve mounted on the sensor housing and selectively movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly comprising a sensor housing configured to couple to a pipe, a sensor mounted on the sensor housing and configured to measure a parameter, and a pressable valve mounted on the sensor housing and selectively movable from a closed configuration to an open configuration.