Transparent Fitting Lock With Color Sensor for Chemical Leaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pulsation and micro-vibration within pipes can cause loose connections, leading to leakage of hazardous chemicals, and gradual corrosion from toxic gases can result in cracks and leaks, posing risks of property damage and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A locking device featuring a transparent fitting with a colorimetric sensor using a nanofiber membrane bound with color dye, which changes color upon exposure to hazardous chemicals, attached via transparent double-sided adhesive tape to quickly detect and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is installed to secure pipe connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The colorimetric sensor is integrated inside the locking device housing, nesting the detection function within the existing structural component. This allows the sensor to be protected and positioned without requiring separate external mounting, thus improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical locking to secure the pipe connection and chemical leak detection through the integrated colorimetric sensor. By combining these functions in a single device, the patent improves overall system reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a colorimetric sensor is integrated inside the locking device, then leak detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The colorimetric sensor utilizes a thin film or membrane structure that can be easily integrated into the locking device housing. This thin-film approach simplifies manufacturing compared to bulk sensor integration, as it requires minimal additional processing steps and can be attached using standard adhesive or sealing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent housing material serves as an intermediary that allows optical signals from the colorimetric sensor to pass through to the exterior for visual detection. This mediator enables the sensor function without requiring complex external optical systems or electronic components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity
3Illumination intensity
If the locking device housing is made transparent, then visual detection of color changes is improved, but material selection and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color change as the detection mechanism, with the colorimetric sensor changing color in response to chemical exposure. The transparent housing is specifically selected to allow these color changes to be visually observed from the exterior, directly supporting the detection function without requiring additional optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The housing material is selected based on its optical transparency parameter, allowing light to pass through for visual detection of the colorimetric sensor. This parameter-based material selection balances the need for transparency with manufacturing considerations, using commercially available transparent plastics or polymers that can be molded using standard techniques
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 device effectively prevents leakage by securing pipe connections and rapidly identifies leakage areas through visual color changes, enhancing safety and reducing damage from hazardous chemical leaks.
Implementation Method 1
a colorimetric sensor provided inside the fitting locking portion and of which color changes due to hazardous chemicals leaked from the fitting
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a locking device having applied thereto a colorimetric sensor for detecting hazardous chemical leak. The locking device for a fitting, according to an embodiment, may include: a fitting locking portion made of a transparent material and provided to surround a fitting of a pipe or valve; and a colorimetric sensor which is disposed inside the fitting locking portion and which changes in color due to a hazardous chemical leaked from the fitting.