Vacuum Structure Leak Detection with Local Pressure Increase and Flow Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak detection methods for vacuum structures in large components like rotor blades or wing shells are inadequate, as they either fail to locate leaks accurately or are too time-consuming, and small leaks may not cause sufficient pressure differences for reliable detection, leading to compromised component quality and workflow delays.
Innovation Solution
Increasing ambient pressure in specific areas of the vacuum structure using an overpressure device and monitoring flow changes with a flow sensor to detect leaks, utilizing an electronic evaluation unit for precise leak identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vacuum measurement or acoustic leak detector is used to detect leaks, then leak presence can be determined, but leak location cannot be identified and detection is too time-consuming for large components
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum structure is divided into multiple partial areas, with each area equipped with its own flow sensor. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple regions, enabling leak location identification while maintaining efficient detection across large components without time-consuming sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point vacuum measurement to distributed spatial monitoring by placing flow sensors at multiple locations across the vacuum structure. This dimensional expansion from 0D to 2D/3D monitoring enables both leak detection and location identification simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If vacuum measurement is used to detect leaks, then leak presence can be determined, but very small leaks cannot be reliably detected due to insufficient pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring global vacuum pressure, the invention uses local flow sensors at multiple partial areas to detect localized pressure changes caused by leaks. This local measurement approach increases sensitivity to small leaks while maintaining reliability, as each sensor monitors its specific region independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow sensor acts as an intermediary device that amplifies the effect of small leaks by measuring flow rate changes rather than direct pressure differences. This intermediary measurement approach enables reliable detection of very small leaks that would otherwise produce insufficient pressure changes.
3Reliability
If traditional leak detection methods are used, then detection can be performed, but component quality may be compromised and workflow delayed due to inability to locate leaks accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensors continuously monitor the vacuum structure during the vacuuming process and infusion process, enabling leak detection before component production is compromised. This preliminary detection prevents quality issues and avoids workflow delays by identifying leaks early in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit continuously receives flow information from multiple flow sensors and provides real-time feedback about leak presence and location. This feedback mechanism enables immediate corrective action, maintaining component quality and preventing workflow delays through timely leak identification and localization.
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 reliable and efficient detection of leaks in vacuum structures by identifying increased flow rates through small openings, ensuring high-quality component production without delays.
Implementation Method 1
detecting flow information during evacuation of the vacuum structure by means of a flow sensor arranged between the vacuum structure and the vacuum pump
Implementation Method 2
Increasing the ambient pressure in at least a partial area of the vacuum structure by means of a pressure increasing device
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum structure which can be evacuated by means of a vacuum pump
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a leak in a vacuum structure which can be evacuated by means of a vacuum pump, the method comprising the following steps: - increasing the ambient pressure in at least a partial area of the vacuum structure by means of a pressure increasing device, - detecting flow information when evacuating the vacuum structure by means of a flow sensor arranged between the vacuum structure and the vacuum pump at the increased ambient pressure, and - detecting a leak in the vacuum structure as a function of the detected flow information by means of an electronic evaluation unit.