Wireless Pressure Sensor for Test Leak Device Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test leak devices face challenges in accurately monitoring and calibrating leak rates due to pressure variations, temperature fluctuations, and the need for large, expensive pressure measurement instruments, which can lead to errors and fail to detect gross leaks effectively.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a wireless pressure sensor in the test leak device allows for real-time, independent monitoring of pressure within the compressed gas container, eliminating the need for complex calculations based on temperature measurements, and enables remote calibration and detection of pressure losses using a receiver that can initiate calibration processes and read stored leak rate values via RFID technology.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a direct pressure measurement is implemented using traditional pressure measuring instruments, then the pressure can be monitored accurately, but the device becomes large, expensive, and requires cable connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice size and connection requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure measuring instruments with a wireless electronic pressure sensor. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components and cable connections while maintaining accurate pressure measurement capability. The wireless sensor transmits data electronically, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the data processing system. This intermediary enables data transmission without physical cable connections, reducing device complexity and installation requirements while preserving accurate pressure monitoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If theoretical calculations based on temperature measurements are used to determine leak rate, then no direct pressure measurement is needed, but large temperature fluctuations or unforeseen pressure losses lead to large errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidleak rate determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect temperature-based calculations with direct electronic pressure sensing. This substitution provides real-time accurate pressure data that directly reflects the actual state of the compressed gas container, eliminating errors from temperature fluctuations and theoretical assumptions while maintaining system simplicity through wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous pressure monitoring with wireless feedback to a receiver or display device. This real-time feedback mechanism allows immediate detection of pressure changes and leak rate deviations, enabling timely calibration adjustments without the delays and inaccuracies of periodic temperature-based calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a large compressed gas container is used to maintain stable pressure, then the leak rate remains relatively constant, but the device becomes bulky and less portable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure stabilityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using a large gas container for pressure stability with an electronic pressure sensing and monitoring system. This allows the use of a smaller, more portable gas container while maintaining reliable pressure data through continuous wireless monitoring, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution provides accurate, spatially independent monitoring and early detection of deviations in leak rates, enhancing the reliability of calibration processes and enabling on-site calibration of multiple devices without the need for cumbersome cables or instruments.

Implementation Method 1

designed for wireless transmission of the measured pressure values to a receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless transmission:

Implementation Method 2

The pressure sensor is preferably provided with a battery that feeds the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

The pressurized gas container is leaked with a predetermined leak rate. The test gas escaping through the test leak flows out at the specified leak rate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3028024B1Test leak device having an integrated pressure sensor
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 INFICON GMBH
  • EP3028024B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A test leak device for calibrating or testing leak detection apparatuses, said test leak device having a pressurized gas container that has an inlet for filing in a test gas and a leak that has a predefined leak rate. The test leak device has an integrated pressure sensor that monitors the pressure in the pressurized gas container and is designed for the wireless transmission of the measured pressure values to a receiver.