FLUID LEAKAGE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES
First Claim
1. A fluid leakage sensor comprising:
- an electrically non-conductive body formed of an absorbent material, and positioned to collect and absorb a leaking electrically conductive fluid; and
an electrical circuit including at least two spaced-apart, uninsulated electrical conductive members lying within the non-conductive body and arranged such that the presence of the leaking fluid produces a closed circuit between the conductive members.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fluid leakage detection system includes a fluid leakage sensor and an alarming system. The fluid leakage sensor is electrically coupled to the alarming system, and is configured to send signals pertaining to any detected fluid leakage. Further, the fluid leakage sensor includes an electrically non-conductive body and an electrical circuit. The non-conductive body is positioned proximal to a leakage region and it collect and absorbs leaking fluid from the region. The electric circuit includes a first portion embedded within the non-conductive body, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The second portion of the electrical circuit lies exterior to the non-conductive body. The electrical circuit is open-circuited under no fluid leakage detection conditions, and is closed-circuited under leakage detection conditions. The alarm system is configured to generate an alarm signal when the electric circuit is closed-circuited.
30 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fluid leakage sensor comprising:
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an electrically non-conductive body formed of an absorbent material, and positioned to collect and absorb a leaking electrically conductive fluid; and an electrical circuit including at least two spaced-apart, uninsulated electrical conductive members lying within the non-conductive body and arranged such that the presence of the leaking fluid produces a closed circuit between the conductive members. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)
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2. The fluid leakage sensor of claim 2, wherein the non-conductive body includes a surface exposed to the leakage path of the leaking fluid;
- and the electrical circuit is arranged in a pattern substantially covering the surface.
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12. The fluid leakage detection system of claim 12, wherein the non-conductive body is impregnated with a non-aqueous soluble salt.
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14. A fluid leakage detection system for detecting leakage of an electrically conductive fluid from one or more portions of a vehicle, the system comprising:
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at least one fluid leakage sensor, including; an electrically non-conductive body formed of an absorbent material, and positioned to collect and absorb a leaking electrically conductive fluid; and an electrical circuit including at least two spaced-apart, uninsulated electrical conductive members lying within the non-conductive body and arranged such that the presence of the leaking fluid produces a closed circuit between the conductive members; a power source configured to supply electrical power to each sensor; and a central alarming system operably coupled to each fluid leakage sensor, the alarming system configured to generate signals indicating activation of one or more fluid leakage sensors. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification