Handheld Ultrasonic Tester With Rotary Mode Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas leak sensors lack a safe and portable method for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors, particularly in industrial settings where pressurized gas installations are common, leading to issues with false alarms and decreased detection range due to environmental interference.
Innovation Solution
A handheld ultrasonic testing device with two operational modes (test and alarm) is developed, featuring an intrinsically safe housing, removable battery pack, and a rotary selector mechanism to prevent accidental activation, allowing for safe and effective testing of ultrasonic gas leak detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gas leak sensors are used in industrial settings, then gas leak detection is enabled, but false alarms increase and detection range decreases due to environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic testing device as an intermediary tool to test and verify the performance of gas leak detectors. This separate testing apparatus generates controlled ultrasonic signals to simulate gas leaks, allowing for accurate calibration and verification without the interference of actual environmental conditions. The testing device acts as a mediator between the detector and the environment, enabling reliable performance verification.
2Ease of operation
If a portable test unit is developed for testing gas leak detectors, then testing capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protective actions by designing the testing device with multiple safety mechanisms that prevent accidental activation. These include a rotary selector switch that must be deliberately positioned to the test mode, a push-button requirement for signal generation, and an intrinsically safe housing design. The device incorporates counter-measures in advance to offset the potential harmful effect of accidental activation, allowing portable operation without compromising safety.
3Length of stationary object
If ultrasonic testing signals are generated continuously, then detection range is improved, but energy consumption increases and false alarms may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by generating ultrasonic test signals in controlled intervals rather than continuously. The device allows the operator to trigger test signals as needed, with the ultrasonic transducer emitting signals only when activated by the push-button after rotary selector positioning. This periodic activation maintains adequate detection range for testing purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 provides a safe and portable solution for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors, reducing false alarms and improving detection range by enabling controlled testing modes and preventing unintended activation, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transduction device configured to, in response to a first determination by the rotary position sensing device that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the first testing mode, generate a first ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device
Data Source
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Figure 1C
AI summary
Example computer systems, computer apparatuses, computer methods, and computer program products are disclosed for testing an ultrasonic gas leak detection device. An example method includes determining a rotary position of a rotary selector of the handheld ultrasonic testing device. The method further includes determining whether the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to a first testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device or a second testing mode for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device. The method further includes generating a first ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the first testing mode. The method further includes generating a second ultrasonic signal for testing the ultrasonic gas leak detection device in response to determining that the rotary position of the rotary selector corresponds to the second testing mode.