Capacitive leak and flammable vapor detection system
US10697846B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2027/222
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single capacitive sensor that may detect both water leaks and flammable vapors. The sensor may have two electrodes not touching each other but supported with an insulative material between the electrodes that allows fluids to enter between the electrodes. An electronic circuit connected to the capacitive sensor may determine the capacitance of the two electrodes. Fluids may enter between the electrodes and affect their capacitance. Permittivities of the fluids may be calculated from their effects on capacitance. Ranges of the permittivities may indicate the kind of substances and their intensity of presence. Water and flammable vapors are examples of such substances. The electronic circuit may be connected to a control module of a water heater, in that if the intensity or concentration of detected water or flammable vapors reaches a pre-set threshold, then the circuit may trigger an alarm and/or shut down the water heater.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.