Temperature Regulating Device with Level-Based Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature regulating devices are unable to accurately monitor the amount of circulating liquid flowing between the device and the load, making it difficult to detect leakage of the circulating liquid, particularly when environmentally harmful fluorinated liquids are used.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulating device equipped with a main tank, circulation passage, circulating pump, temperature control unit, and a control unit that includes a processor for leakage detection, utilizing level detection sensors and a liquid level reference position to detect changes in the circulating liquid level and trigger alarms for leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing level sensors are used to monitor circulating liquid level, then basic level detection is provided, but accurate leakage detection is not achieved because the sensors cannot detect small changes in liquid level caused by leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a reference liquid level measurement before leakage detection begins. The processor stores this reference value and compares subsequent measurements against it, enabling detection of small level changes that indicate leakage without requiring complex absolute measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified level detection approach that measures only the change in liquid level relative to a reference point, rather than requiring precise absolute level measurement. This partial measurement strategy is sufficient for leakage detection while avoiding the complexity of high-precision absolute level sensors.
2Reliability
If fluorinated liquid is used as circulating liquid for temperature regulation, then effective temperature control is achieved, but environmental harm increases due to the harmful effects of fluorinated liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of the circulating liquid level by repeatedly measuring the liquid level in the tank and comparing it to the reference value. When a discrepancy indicating leakage is detected, the system provides feedback through alarm signals to alert operators, enabling timely response to prevent environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that translates raw level sensor data into meaningful leakage detection information. By comparing sensor readings against the reference value and determining whether leakage has occurred, the processor mediates between the physical liquid level and the control system's decision-making process.
3Reliability
If no leakage detection mechanism is implemented, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to detect circulating liquid leakage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service leakage detection using existing level sensors and a processor that is already part of the temperature regulation system. The processor utilizes the level sensor data for dual purposes: normal operation monitoring and leakage detection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated leakage detection hardware.
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 accurate monitoring of circulating liquid flow and early detection of leakage, ensuring the device's operational integrity and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a first level detection sensor configured to detect a level of the circulating liquid stored in the main tank
Implementation Method 2
a circulating pump configured to send the circulating liquid in the main tank to the load through the circulation passage
Implementation Method 3
a temperature control unit that is provided to the circulation passage and that is configured to control a temperature of the circulating liquid that has regulated the temperature of the load
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a temperature regulating device that is capable of accurately grasping a change in the amount of a circulating liquid flowing between the temperature regulating device and a load and that is capable of early detecting leakage of the circulating liquid. [Solution] A temperature regulating device 1 includes: a main tank 20 storing a circulating liquid L; a circulation passage 10, through which the circulating liquid in the tank is sent to a load 70 and which receives the circulating liquid from the load to send the circulating liquid to the tank; a circulating pump 23 configured to send the circulating liquid in the tank to the load through the circulation passage; a temperature control unit 8, which is provided to the circulation passage and which is configured to control a temperature of the circulating liquid that has regulated a temperature of the load; and a control unit 60 including a processor 61 configured to execute a leakage detection process of detecting leakage of the circulating liquid. The tank includes a level switch 55 configured to detect a level of the circulating liquid, and a liquid level reference position Ps, where the detection of the leakage of the circulating liquid starts, the liquid level reference position Ps being located above the switch. When the level of the circulating liquid is detected by the switch within a first set time in the leakage detection process, the processor determines that the circulating liquid is leaked from the temperature regulating device and outputs a first alarm signal.