Stopper Safety System with Foam-Isolated Transmitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Low-powered transmitters are unable to transmit signals through water, posing a challenge for monitoring pressure changes behind stoppers in pipelines filled with water, which can lead to stopper failure or flooding.
Innovation Solution
The stopper safety system includes a housing with a pressure sensor and transmitter attached to the stopper, using closed-cell foam to prevent water ingress and allowing signal transmission through air, with a receiver and monitor configured to alert users to unacceptable pressure levels, and an optional antenna module for ground-level operation to avoid signal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a low-powered transmitter is used to monitor pressure behind the stopper, then energy consumption is reduced and device simplicity is improved, but signal transmission through water is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (air or foam material) between the transmitter and the water-filled pipeline. The transmitter is positioned in a housing that creates an air-filled chamber, or is surrounded by foam material, allowing radio frequency signals to pass through while the stopper blocks water. This mediator enables low-powered transmission without direct water contact, resolving the contradiction between low power consumption and reliable signal transmission.
2Device complexity
If the transmitter is positioned close to the stopper end for compact design, then device complexity is reduced, but water ingress between transmitter and stopper wall compromises signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a housing structure that acts as a flexible barrier between the transmitter and water environment. The housing encloses the transmitter in an air-filled chamber, creating a protective shell that prevents water ingress while allowing the compact positioning of the transmitter near the stopper end. This flexible shell approach maintains both compactness and signal transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties: the housing may use waterproof materials to seal the transmitter, foam materials for signal transmission and water blocking, and flexible membranes to allow pressure sensing while maintaining the air barrier. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between compact positioning and water protection.
3Productivity
If the stopper holds back large volumes of water for maintenance work, then operational effectiveness is improved, but pressure build-up creates risk of stopper failure and flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitter continuously monitors pressure behind the stopper and wirelessly transmits readings to a receiver. When pressure reaches a predetermined safe limit, the system provides feedback through visual or audible alarms, enabling operators to take preventive action before stopper failure occurs. This feedback loop allows the stopper to hold back large water volumes safely while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by establishing predetermined pressure thresholds and alarm systems before pressure build-up becomes dangerous. The system is pre-configured with safe pressure limits, and operators receive advance warning through the monitoring system, allowing them to evacuate or take preventive measures before stopper failure occurs. This preliminary monitoring and warning approach transforms the hazardous pressure-holding operation into a controlled process.
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 reliable monitoring of pressure changes behind stoppers, providing early warnings for preventative measures and ensuring personnel safety by preventing stopper failure and flooding.
Implementation Method 1
at least one layer of a closed-cell foam material is provided between the transmitter and a wall of the stopper within the housing. The at least one layer of a closed-cell foam material is arranged so as to prevent or hinder ingress of water or other fluid between the transmitter and the wall of the stopper within the housing.
Implementation Method 2
a housing on an external portion of the first or second end of the stopper, the housing holding a pressure sensor and a transmitter
Implementation Method 3
the transmitter is configured wirelessly to transmit a measured pressure reading from the pressure sensor to the receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
There is disclosed a safety system for stoppers and bungs. In particular, there is disclosed a stopper safety system for stoppers (50) for pipes (60). The stopper safety system includes a housing (30) configured for attachment to a stopper. The housing is adapted to hold a pressure sensor and a transmitter. The transmitter is positioned in the housing such that the transmitter abuts a first end of the stopper. The stopper safety system also includes a receiver (20) and a monitor (10). The transmitter is configured to wirelessly transmit a measured pressure from the pressure sensor to the receiver (20) and the monitor (10) and the monitor is configured to display the measured pressure.