Thermal Dispersion Flow Meter Leak Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water monitoring systems are inadequate for detecting small fluid leaks and do not account for the presence of occupants, leading to delayed detection of leaks and subsequent property damage.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter system with integrated leak detection and geo-fencing control, utilizing sensor probes with no moving parts to detect water flow as low as a few ounces per hour, and an occupant detection system using geo-fencing, RFID tags, and sensors to adjust the leak detection mode based on occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing water monitoring systems are used, then installation is simple, but detection precision for small fluid leaks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: sensor probes for flow detection, geo-fencing control unit for occupancy detection, and automated valve control. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system precision for detecting small leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical flow meters are replaced with thermal dispersion sensors that use heat transfer principles to detect fluid flow. This substitution enables detection of very small leaks (a few ounces per hour) without the mechanical limitations of moving parts, significantly improving measurement precision.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then leak detection reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system dynamically adjusts its operation based on occupancy status detected by geo-fencing. When occupants are present, the system maintains continuous monitoring for immediate leak detection. When no occupants are detected, the system reduces monitoring intensity or enters standby mode, maintaining reliability while significantly reducing energy consumption during extended periods without occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (monitoring frequency, sensor activation states) based on occupancy conditions. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high detection reliability when needed while conserving energy during periods of low risk, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and energy efficiency.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated shut-off control is added, then property damage prevention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines leak detection, occupancy sensing via geo-fencing, and automated valve control into an integrated system. By merging these functions into a unified control architecture, the system prevents property damage through automated response while minimizing the complexity that would result from separate standalone systems. The integrated design allows shared components and coordinated operation across all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where sensors continuously monitor flow conditions and occupancy status, the control unit processes this information, and automated valves adjust water supply accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables proactive prevention of property damage by automatically responding to leak conditions or occupancy changes, reducing harm while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.
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 system effectively detects even small fluid leaks, prevents property damage by automatically shutting off water supply, and minimizes water waste by detecting unknown water loss, while also ensuring timely leak detection based on occupancy status.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter system with integrated leak detection and geo-fencing control, utilizing sensor probes with no moving parts to detect water flow
Implementation Method 2
a heating element in communication with the fluid conduit system and configured to heat the fluid in the fluid conduit system upon detection of freezing conditions
Implementation Method 3
a sensor package attached near an inlet of a fluid conduit system and configured to measure temperature and fluid flow rate of the fluid in the fluid conduit system
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure. Geographic location, occupancy sensors and occupant identifiers are used to control the system to facilitate operation and minimize leak damage when occupants are away.