Sniffing Probe Hose Line with Selectable Capillary Cross Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detectors face a trade-off between minimizing dead time and detecting the smallest traceable leak rate, as the gas flow in the sniffing probe affects the sensitivity and response time, requiring a compromise that is not easily adaptable without exchanging the hose line.
Innovation Solution
A hose line with selectively closable capillary tubes of varying cross sections allows for adjustable gas flow by opening the appropriate valve, enabling the same sniffing line to be used for different devices with different gas flow requirements without the need for valve changes in the main device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the gas flow in the sniffing probe is increased to minimize dead time, then the response time is reduced, but the smallest traceable leak rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hose line is designed with multiple capillary tubes of different cross-sections that can be selectively activated. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between different gas flow rates depending on the measurement task, transforming a static system into an adaptable one that can optimize between dead time and detection sensitivity as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of capillary tube cross-section to control gas flow characteristics. By providing capillary tubes with different inner diameters (e.g., 0.4mm, 0.6mm, 0.8mm), the system can adjust the gas flow rate to match different measurement requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast response and high sensitivity.
2Productivity
If different devices with different gas flow requirements are used, then each device needs a different hose line, but this increases device complexity and requires hose line exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The hose line is designed as a universal multi-functional component that can serve multiple devices with different gas flow requirements. By incorporating multiple capillary tubes of varying cross-sections into a single hose line assembly, the system achieves universality, allowing one hose line to replace multiple specialized hose lines and eliminate the need for exchanges between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The hose line is segmented into multiple independent capillary tube channels, each with different flow characteristics. These segmented channels can be selectively activated based on the specific device requirements, allowing a single hose line to function as multiple specialized hose lines would normally be needed.
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
This solution reduces dead time and increases distance sensitivity, allowing the user to adapt gas flow to measurement situations without exchanging the hose line, enabling the same hose line to be used across devices with different operational gas flows.
Implementation Method 1
The flow in the capillary tube is caused by the pressure difference between the inlet of the sniffing probe and the outlet end of the capillary tube at the main device
Data Source
AI summary
The leak detector includes a basic device which includes a vacuum pump, a test gas sensor, and a hand-held sniffing probe. The sniffing probe is connected with the basic device via a flexible hose line which includes capillary tubes. At least two capillary tubes are provided, which are adapted to be opened via valves. Thus different capillary cross sections can be rendered operative. The dead time between the entry of the test gas into the sniffing probe and the detection by the test gas sensor can be changed and/or selected. Thus, even the smallest detectable leak rate can be changed and/or selected. The leak detector can be adapted to different requirements by the user without the need for exchanging the hose line. Further, it is possible to equip different leak detectors of the same device family with the same hose lines.