Tape Leak Detection System With Slave Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection sensors, such as cable, band, and module types, face challenges including high installation costs, limited selection widths, difficulty in accurate leak location determination, especially for multiple leaks, and inefficiencies in remote monitoring and rapid response due to complex installation requirements and limited connectivity options.
Innovation Solution
A tape-form leak detection system comprising a leak sensing film with parallel resistance lines and signal lines, connected by slave controllers that send leak signals to a master controller for remote monitoring, utilizing wireless communication and integrated alarm modules to accurately determine and alert on multiple leak locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable type leak sensor is used to detect leaks accurately, then leak location precision is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to required brackets and fixed cable lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible band-type sensor instead of rigid cable types. The band can be directly wrapped around pipes or containers without requiring additional brackets or mounting structures. This flexible film approach maintains leak detection precision while eliminating the complex installation requirements of cable-type sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The band-type sensor design serves multiple functions: it detects leaks through resistance changes, provides flexible installation by wrapping around various shapes, and eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between precision and installation complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If a band type leak sensor is used for wide area detection at low cost, then detection area and cost-effectiveness are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately check leak location
Solution Approach 1:
The band-type sensor is divided into multiple sensing sections along its length, with each section having independent resistance characteristics. When a leak occurs, the system can identify which specific section shows resistance change, thereby determining the leak location. This segmentation allows wide-area detection while maintaining location precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical location identification methods with electrical resistance-based detection. By measuring resistance changes at different sections of the band, the system electronically determines leak location rather than requiring mechanical position markers or visual inspection, thus maintaining precision across wide detection areas.
3Ease of operation
If module type leak sensors are used for easy installation and low cost, then ease of installation and cost are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect multiple leak locations
Solution Approach 1:
The band-type sensor is divided into multiple independent sensing sections that can simultaneously detect leaks at different locations. Each section monitors resistance changes independently, allowing the system to identify multiple leak positions along the band. This segmentation enables both easy installation and multi-location detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous band structure provides uninterrupted leak detection along its entire length, unlike discrete module-type sensors. The continuous sensing capability allows simultaneous detection of multiple leaks at any position along the band, maintaining both ease of installation and measurement precision for multiple locations.
4Measurement precision
If cable type leak sensors are used for accurate leak detection, then measurement precision is improved, but response time increases due to difficulty in connecting to external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The band-type sensor integrates multiple connection interfaces and communication capabilities directly into the sensor unit. This universal design allows immediate connection to various external devices (alarms, control systems, mobile devices) without requiring complex intermediate wiring or adapters, thus reducing response time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensing element, signal processing, and communication interfaces into an integrated band-type sensor unit. This merging eliminates the time delays associated with separate cable connections and external processing units, enabling rapid leak detection and immediate notification to external devices while maintaining precise leak location identification.
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 rapid and accurate detection of multiple leak locations with efficient remote monitoring, reducing response time and operational costs by providing precise leak positioning and alerting mechanisms through a networked system.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric current flows through an electric wire, a resistance value is changed when water comes in contact with the electric wire. The band type leak detection sensor can detect whether water leaks or not based on a change of the resistance value.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a leak detection device and a remote monitoring system using the same. In accordance with the present invention, locations where multiple leaks have occurred can be accurately determined by connecting a plurality of leak sensing films in series using a plurality of slave controllers having connectors, detecting a leak occurring between the slave controllers, and sending the detected leak to a master controller at a remote place. Furthermore, the present invention provides a remote monitoring system capable of checking whether a leak has occurred or not at a remote place using an apparatus for controlling the leak sensing films.