Silicon Oil Sensor Using Total Internal Reflection for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicon oil sensors have poor detection sensitivity and are difficult to manufacture, and they often mistake rainwater for leaked silicon oil, leading to unreliable detection of silicon oil leaks from outdoor electric power terminals.
Innovation Solution
A silicon oil sensor using a transparent member with a laser source that emits a laser beam, where the incident angle is selected for total reflection when air is present and refraction occurs when silicon oil is detected, allowing for accurate differentiation between air, silicon oil, and water, and including light detection devices for real-time alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conductive layer with conductive particles is used to detect silicon oil leakage, then the sensor can detect leakage based on resistance changes, but the detection sensitivity is poor and the response is very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical resistance-based detection mechanism with an optical detection system. A laser beam passes through a transparent member, and when silicon oil leaks, it blocks or refracts the light, causing a detectable change in light transmission. This optical system provides immediate detection response and high sensitivity, eliminating the slow response inherent in conductive particle-based resistance measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in light transmission properties (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to identify silicon oil leakage. When silicon oil enters the detection chamber, it alters the light path or transmission intensity, providing a clear visual or measurable signal for immediate detection, thereby achieving high measurement precision and fast response time.
2Reliability
If a fiber sensor with a plastic body is used, then the sensor can detect silicon oil, but the manufacturing process is very complicated and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into distinct functional modules: a transparent member (chamber), a laser source, and a light detector. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled, greatly simplifying manufacturing compared to the monolithic fiber sensor with plastic body that requires pouring and polishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent member as an intermediary component that simplifies the overall structure. Instead of directly embedding fibers in a complex plastic body, the transparent member serves as a simple container or chamber that guides light and collects oil, making the manufacturing process much easier while maintaining detection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a fiber sensor is used in outdoor environment, then it can detect silicon oil, but it cannot differentiate between rain water and leaked silicon oil, causing false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing the transparent member with specific geometric features or by positioning the laser beam at a particular angle/incident point. This localized configuration creates a detection zone that is sensitive to silicon oil properties (such as refractive index or absorption characteristics) but less sensitive to rain water, enabling differentiation between the two substances and reducing false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical detection system, such as varying the laser wavelength, incident angle, or detection threshold, to differentiate between silicon oil and rain water. By adjusting these parameters, the system can be tuned to detect the specific optical properties of silicon oil while ignoring or filtering out signals from rain water, thereby improving detection accuracy in outdoor environments.
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 sensor provides timely and accurate detection of silicon oil leaks, preventing power failures and avoiding false positives from rainwater, with a simpler and more reliable manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an incident angle θ of the laser beam (L) with respect to the side surface is selected so that a total reflection of the laser beam (L) occurs on the side surface when the oil receiving section is filled with air
Implementation Method 2
A refraction of the laser beam (L) occurs along a refraction path (L2) when the oil receiving section collects silicon oil
Data Source
AI summary
A silicon oil sensor is provided and includes a transparent member and a laser source emitting a laser beam. The transparent member includes a light receiving passageway with an oil receiving section and a side surface. The laser beam is directed into the light receiving passageway such that an incident angle θ of the laser beam (L) with respect to the side surface is selected so that a total reflection of the laser beam (L) occurs on the side surface when the oil receiving section is filled with air and exits out of the transparent member along a total reflection path (L1). A refraction of the laser beam (L) occurs along a refraction path (L2) when the oil receiving section collects silicon oil.