Vacuum Bell Probe Flexible Seal for Non-Invasive Gas Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum bell probes are unable to effectively detect leaks in underground gas pipes buried beneath hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete without requiring drilling, as they cannot generate sufficient vacuum pressure to draw gas through these materials.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum bell probe with a flexible suction cup and a high-elasticity seal ring that adapts to the ground surface, allowing for a vacuum pressure of at least 200 millibars below atmospheric pressure to be generated, enabling gas to be drawn directly through the surface and detected without drilling, and a handle with a spring mechanism to apply force without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a vacuum bell probe is pressed against hard ground surface (asphalt or concrete), then a seal should be formed to create vacuum, but the required force is too high and the probe cannot generate sufficient vacuum pressure to draw gas through the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible suction cup made of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the ground surface, creating an effective seal without requiring excessive force. The flexible membrane allows the probe to adapt to surface irregularities while maintaining vacuum integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing interface by using a compliant elastomeric material with specific durometer hardness (40-70 Shore A) that can deform under moderate force to create a tight seal, enabling vacuum pressure below 200 millibar to be achieved on hard surfaces
2Reliability
If drilling holes into the ground surface is performed to detect leaks, then gas can be drawn out for detection, but the method becomes invasive and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible suction cup probe performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals against the ground surface, creates the necessary vacuum pressure, and draws gas through the surface material itself without requiring pre-drilled holes. The probe adapts to the surface and performs the detection function in one integrated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible elastomeric suction cup acts as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the ground surface, enabling gas to be drawn through the surface material (asphalt or concrete) without direct mechanical contact or drilling, thus providing a non-invasive detection method
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid seal ring is used to create a seal on the ground surface, then the structure is stable, but it cannot adapt to surface irregularities like small stones or dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is constructed from elastomeric material that provides both structural stability and surface adaptability. The material's elasticity allows it to conform to irregularities in the ground surface while maintaining a stable, reliable seal configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring uses composite construction combining rigid structural elements with flexible elastomeric sealing surfaces, creating a component that maintains structural integrity while adapting to varying ground surface conditions through the compliant sealing interface
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
Enables non-invasive leak detection in underground gas pipes by effectively drawing gas through asphalt or concrete surfaces, eliminating the need for drilling and ensuring a tight seal, while the spring handle prevents damage from applied force.
Implementation Method 1
The elasticity of which is higher than the elasticity of the suction cup. The seal ring defines a contact surface for contacting a ground surface
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum pump connected to the interior volume of the suction cup is used to generate a vacuum within the interior at or below 200 milibar below atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
enabling gas to be drawn directly through the surface
Implementation Method 4
Upon generating the vacuum within the suction cup, the suction cup collapses like a bellow and the gas escaping from a leak in an underground pipe is drawn through the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum bell probe for detecting leaks in underground gas pipes may include a flexible suction cup having a bottom side forming a suction opening. The suction cup may define an interior volume. The bottom side may include a soft seal ring having a higher elasticity than the suction cup, surrounding the suction opening and forming a contact surface adapted to create a seal in contact with a ground surface under which a gas leak may be assumed such that a vacuum may be generated within the interior volume upon contact to the ground surface.