Thermal Sensor Using Phase-Change Material for Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal detection systems for hot fluid leaks in aircraft and other systems are inadequate in accurately detecting high-temperature conditions, leading to fluid loss and potential damage to surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A thermal sensor comprising solid particles that transition between solid and liquid states at a threshold temperature, with different electrical conductivities, is used between electrodes, allowing for precise detection of temperature changes and leak identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal sensors are used to detect hot fluid leaks, then leak detection capability is provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the composition material from solid to liquid at a specific threshold temperature, which fundamentally alters its electrical conductivity. This parameter change enables the sensor to detect temperature thresholds through simple electrical resistance measurements, providing reliable leak detection while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the composition material between solid and liquid states at a threshold temperature. When hot fluid leaks and raises the temperature, the composition transitions from solid to liquid, causing a measurable change in electrical conductivity between the electrodes. This phase transition mechanism provides clear, binary leak detection signals.
2Measurement precision
If accurate temperature alarm setting is provided along the length of sensors, then leak detection precision is improved, but sensor complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into multiple discrete temperature sensing zones along its length, each containing composition material with specific threshold temperature properties. This segmentation allows different sections of the sensor to detect temperature thresholds at different locations, providing accurate spatial and thermal information without requiring complex electronics or processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition material acts as an intermediary between the thermal field and the electrical measurement system. It translates temperature changes into electrical conductivity changes, enabling precise temperature threshold detection through simple electrical resistance measurements between electrodes, without requiring complex temperature sensing electronics.
3Area of stationary object
If thermal sensors are mounted along conduit length, then leak detection coverage is improved, but installation difficulty increases for curvilinear sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sensor design that can conform to curvilinear conduit sections. The sensor structure includes flexible components that allow it to bend and follow the contour of pipes and conduits, enabling installation along complex routing paths while maintaining continuous detection coverage throughout the entire conduit length.
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 thermal sensor effectively detects temperature thresholds, preventing fluid loss and damage by accurately identifying high-temperature leaks, and can be flexibly mounted along both straight and curvilinear conduit sections.
Implementation Method 1
solid particles that comprise a state-changing material that transitions at a threshold temperature between solid and liquid states having different electrical conductivities
Implementation Method 2
transitions at a threshold temperature between solid and liquid states having different electrical conductivities
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
A thermal sensor (200) and a method of making a thermal sensor (200) is disclosed. The thermal sensor (200) includes a first electrode (201), a second electrode (203), and a composition (207) between the first and second electrodes (201, 203). The composition (207) includes solid particles of a state-changing material that transitions at a threshold temperature between solid and liquid states having different electrical conductivities.