Tracer Gas Mediating Unit with Marker Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current local leak detection methods using tracer gases, such as the sniffing and spraying methods, are unreliable due to the need for precise positioning of the sniffer or spraying tips, which can lead to incorrect test results if not positioned correctly within a predetermined distance interval, especially on complex test objects under poor lighting conditions, and are operator-dependent.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a positionable tracer gas mediating unit with a tip, including a marker and marker detector, to ensure the tip is positioned within a specific distance interval from the leakage testing point, using technologies like RFID tags, light reflecting components, or magnetic ink, to accurately detect and direct the tip to the correct location, reducing operator dependency and ensuring reliable test results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the sniffer tip or spraying tip is positioned manually to achieve reliable local leak detection, then the detection reliability is improved, but the operator dependency and positioning difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidoperator dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having the test object itself guide the positioning process through markers (RFID tags, light reflecting components, or magnetic ink) that automatically direct the tip to the correct leakage testing point, eliminating the need for operator skill and judgment in positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through markers that provide real-time positional information to the detecting instrument, allowing the system to automatically adjust and confirm correct positioning at the leakage testing point without operator intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the tip is positioned within a predetermined distance interval to ensure accurate detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the positioning difficulty and operator skill requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces markers (RFID tags, light reflecting components, or magnetic ink) as intermediary elements between the tip and the leakage testing point, which mediate the positioning process by providing clear, objective criteria for correct positioning without requiring operator judgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated detection systems (RFID readers, light detectors, or magnetic sensors) that objectively measure and confirm the tip's position relative to the marker, eliminating the need for operator skill in judging distance intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If manual positioning of the tip is used for local leak detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the test time and productivity decrease due to operator dependency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidtest time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning markers (RFID tags, light reflecting components, or magnetic ink) at the leakage testing point before the detection process, which automatically guides the tip to the correct location and eliminates time-consuming manual positioning during testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy or representation of the leakage testing point location through markers that can be detected by the instrument, allowing the system to automatically navigate to and position at the correct point without requiring the operator to physically locate and position manually

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 ensures accurate positioning of the tracer gas mediating unit, reducing the risk of incorrect test results and improving the efficiency and reliability of local leak detection, even on complex test objects, by automatically identifying the leakage testing point and ensuring the tip is directed correctly, thus reducing operator error and test time.

Implementation Method 1

using technologies like RFID tags, light reflecting components, or magnetic ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID:

Implementation Method 2

light reflecting components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

magnetic ink

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8689611B2Leak detection system comprising a tracer gas mediating unit

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 INFICON AB

AI summary

A system for detection of a leak at a leakage testing point of a test object by a tracer gas. A positionable tracer gas mediating unit has a tip. A marker is attachable at the leakage testing point. A marker detector is associated with the positionable tracer gas mediating unit. The tip of the tracer gas mediating unit is arranged to be positioned within a predetermined distance interval from the marker during a leak detection test. The marker detector is arranged to detect the marker when the tip is positioned within the predetermined distance interval so as to certify a correct positioning of the tip.