External Vibration Sensor for Pipe Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water flow detection systems in agricultural watering systems face challenges such as difficulty in detecting flow in noisy locations, remote leakage detection, unreliable flux determination, and measurement errors, particularly in mobile installations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration sensor system is attached to pipes or structures in mechanical communication with them to detect vibrations caused by fluid flow, allowing for robust and reliable measurement of water flow without inserting components into the pipe, and can be used on watering systems with hose reels and sprinkler carts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic signals are used to detect water flow, then flow detection is achieved, but detection reliability deteriorates in noisy locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic signal detection with vibration sensor detection. Instead of using microphones to capture acoustic signals generated by water flow, the invention attaches vibration sensors directly to the pipe to detect mechanical vibrations caused by flowing water. This mechanical detection method is less susceptible to noise interference from the environment, thereby improving reliability in noisy locations while maintaining flow detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If flow rate meters are inserted into pipes, then accurate flow measurement is achieved, but device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the internal pipe environment and places it on the external pipe surface. Instead of inserting flow rate meters inside the pipe that require connection to water supply and electrical power, the invention attaches vibration sensors externally to the pipe. This eliminates the need for internal components, reduces system complexity, and removes failure points associated with inserted devices while maintaining measurement precision through vibration analysis.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple components are added to detect leakage, then detection capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vibration sensor system multi-functional to detect both normal water flow and abnormal leakage conditions using the same component. By monitoring vibration patterns, frequency characteristics, and amplitude variations, the single vibration sensor can distinguish between legitimate flow operations and leakage events. This universal approach improves leakage detection capability while maintaining high reliability by avoiding additional specialized components that could fail.
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 enables simple, robust, and reliable detection of water flow, locating leaks, and determining flow rates without compromising existing equipment, allowing for quick intervention to prevent soil erosion and water waste.
Implementation Method 1
The system is using at least one sensor for registering presence of vibration. The at least one sensor may be selected from a group comprising a vibration detector and a microphone.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining the presence of fluid flow in a pipe is provided. The object of the invention is achieved by a vibration detector attached to the pipe.