Remote Leak Indication Using Wicking in Confined Fluid Interfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sensor systems are ineffective in detecting small volumes of leaked fluid in close proximity to fluid-sensitive parts due to space constraints, leading to slower detection speeds and increased damage to sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
A fluid detection system utilizing a wicking material to draw fluid from a first location to a second location, where a remote fluid indicator undergoes a detectable alteration, detected by an optical sensor without physical contact, allowing for efficient fluid detection in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fluid management is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity increases and consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated fluid management where the machine monitors and manages its own fluid levels, filtering, and disposal without requiring manual intervention. The automated fluid management system continuously monitors fluid levels, filters fluids automatically, and manages waste disposal, freeing operators from manual labor while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fluid management operations with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect fluid levels and conditions, and electronic controls automatically activate pumps, filters, and disposal mechanisms, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems that maintain consistency and reduce labor intensity.
2Reliability
If automated fluid management is implemented, then consistency and reliability improve, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fluid management system performs multiple functions through integrated components: fluid level monitoring, filtration, pumping, waste disposal, and alert generation are all handled by a single unified system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manual systems and simplifies overall operation despite the increased automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediaries such as sensors, control units, and automated mechanisms to mediate between the fluid management needs and the operator. These intermediaries handle the complex monitoring and control functions, allowing the operator to maintain simplicity in operation while the system manages the complexity of automated fluid management.
3Reliability
If frequent manual fluid changes are performed, then fluid freshness is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system ensures continuous fluid management by continuously monitoring fluid levels, filtering fluids continuously, and automatically replacing fluids when necessary. This eliminates the interruptions and time losses associated with manual fluid changes, maintaining continuous operational efficiency while ensuring fluid freshness through automated monitoring and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor fluid conditions and provide information to the control system. When fluids require replacement or filtering, the system automatically responds without requiring operator intervention, thereby maintaining fluid freshness while eliminating the time consumption of manual monitoring and fluid changes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid detection system includes a wicking material to draw fluid away from a first location with space limitations and proximate to a fluid device or a fluid interface. The wicking material draws the fluid to a remote fluid indicator at a second location. Contact between fluid and the remote fluid indicator produces a detectable alteration to the remote fluid indicator, and a non-contact optical sensor detects the alteration.