WO2015136547A1

WO2015136547A1 - A system for alerting and preventing leakage of combustible gases and reporting and monitoring gas level

Info

Publication number: WO2015136547A1
Application number: PCT/IN2014/000657
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amol Panjabrao KORE; Ashish Chandrakant GAIKWAD; Krishnakant Vasantrao RASKAR
Original assignee: Regent, R & D Technologies P. Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-10
Filing date: 2014-10-17
Publication date: 2015-09-17
Also published as: CN105143842A

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level,. The system having a fixture secured, a coupling rod, a driving means, a first device and a second device. The fixture is secured on a cylinder of combustible gas. The coupling rod is retractably disposed on the fixture, a first end of the coupling rod is coupled with a knob of a combustible gas regulator. The driving means is connected to other end of the coupling rod. The first device is disposed on the cylinder and connected with the driving means, the first device capable of detecting gas leakage and operating the driving means to turn OFF the regulator on detecting leakage of the gas from the cylinder. The second device is coupled with the MCB switch and communicating with the first device, wherein the second device upon receiving triggers from the first device upon gas leakage, the second device alerts generates alerts and communicates to a predefined phone number by message and trips the MCB switch for cutting OFF electric supply.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR ALERTING AND PREVENTING LEAKAGE OF COMBUSTIBLE GASES AND REPORTING AND MONITORING GAS LEVEL

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level. Particularly, 5 the present invention relates to a system for alerting and preventing on leakage of the combustible gases from storage cylinders, such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG cylinders, which can alert about leakage and indicate about the gas left in the cylinder.

Background of the invention:

Domestic accidents caused due to combustible gas, such LPG gas leakage from storage cylinders are very common now days. This is usually caused due to ignorance. The LPG is a highly inflammable gas, hence it has to be handled with

15 great precaution. It is not practically possible every time to provide due attendance towards the cylinder for leakage of the gas. Specifically, when there is nobody in the home, then it might be inconvenient to look after the leakage of the gas. Person may forget to turn off the burner of the gas stove or the cylinder regulator while going out of the house. Also, the burner may get off due to sudden blow of

20 wind, which may not be noticed immediately. This situation may create mishap due to leakage of the LPG through the cylinder. Another problem in day to day life is that of remembering the time to refilling the cylinder. Generally, it's a common tendency to forget the refilling date of the cylinder until it empty. Lack of awareness about the LPG may create accidents or mishaps like leakage of gas which may lead to physical injury as well as damage to the property. To avoid such accidents, there is a need to provide a system which will prevent the leakage of the gas and further remind about the refilling of the gas. To avoid such accidents, there is a need to provide a system which will overcome all the above mentioned drawbacks.

Objects of the invention:

Object of the present invention is to provide a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, (such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG), and reporting and monitoring gas level. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, which can sense the leakage of the gas and automatically turn off a regulator of the cylinder immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, which can trip the main MCB switch of the housing immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. One more object of the present invention is to provide a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, which can also alert about the refilling of the cylinder to a dealer and a consumer of the gas whenever the cylinder is about to empty.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, which is robust in construction.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, which is economical to manufacture. Summary of the invention

According to the present invention there is provided a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level. The system having a fixture secured, a coupling rod, a driving means, a first device and a second device. The fixture is secured on a cylinder of combustible gas. The coupling rod is retractably disposed on the fixture, a first end of the coupling rod is coupled with a knob of a combustible gas regulator. The driving means is connected to other end of the coupling rod. The first device is disposed on the cylinder and connected with the driving means, the first device is capable of detecting gas leakage and operating the driving means to turn OFF the regulator on detecting leakage of the gas from the cylinder. The second device is coupled with the MCB switch and communicating with the first device, wherein the second device upon receiving triggers from the first device upon gas leakage, generates alerts and communicates to a predefined phone number by message, audio call and trips the MCB switch for cutting OFF electric supply. Both the devices will communicate each other wirelessly. Gas level indication alerts and refilling messages will be send to the consumer and dealer via second device once get notification from first device.

Brief Description of drawings The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: Figure 1 shows the perspective view a fixture of the system in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows another the perspective view side view of figure 2; Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a first device of the system, and Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a second device of the system.

Detail description of the invention

An embodiment of this invention, illustrating its features, will now be described in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The present invention provides a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level. The system can sense the leakage of the gas and automatically turn off the regulator of the cylinder immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. Further, the system trips the main MCB switch of the housing immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. Also, the system provides alert about the refilling of the cylinder to a dealer and a consumer of the gas whenever the cylinder is about to empty. Furthermore, the system is robust in construction and economical to manufacture.

The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

Referring now to figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, a various aspect of a system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, such as LPG from the gas cylinder in accordance with the present invention are illustrated. The system includes a fixture 10, a coupling rod 12, a driving means, a first device 30, and a second device 60. The fixture 10 is arcuate strip of metal adapted to fit on the supporting member of the LPG cylinder as shown in figure 2 and 3. The strip can be made of any other material other than material apart from metal. Further, the fixture 10 includes a curved portion 10a and a detachably securing member 10b. The curved portions 10a is curved like a hook and is disposed against one of supporting member of the LPG cylinder and then the detachably securing member 10b is secured to the curved portion 10 over a threaded rod 10c thereby securing the fixture 10 to the LPG cylinder juxtaposition to a regulator. Further, the coupling rod 12 is passed through the fixture 10 directing radically towards the regulator, through a threaded portion 12e, the coupling rod 12 is secured to the fixture 10 by passing and turning the coupling rod 12 through a hexagonal nut 12a. Whenever, there is need to operate the regulator or to change the cylinder, the coupling rod 12 can be pulled and then the regulated knob is disengaged, thereby enabling manual operation. Also, the coupling rod 12 includes a through slot 12c on an end portion extending towards the regulator for holding the knob of the regulator there between, and the opposite end is having rectangular opening 12d for coupling with the driving means. Specifically, in the present invention the driving means is an electric motor 14 as shown in figure 1. Alternatively, the driving means is a pulley with a belt (not shown) driven by a motor and the motor is disposed on lower portion of the cylinder.

Referring again to figures 1 and 2, corresponding threading is provided on the coupling rod 12. Also, a spring 20 with a bush 22 is disposed around the coupling rod 12. Specifically, the spring 20 is disposed on the coupling rod 12 and between the fixture 10 and the bush 22. The spring 20 is a tension spring, which enables to maintain extended position without external force is applied on the coupling rod 12. Further, a locking slot 24 is provided on the coupling rod 12 for locking the movement thereof.

Referring now to figure 3, block diagram of the first device 30 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Specifically, the first device 30 is secured to a lower portion of the cylinder. The first device 30 includes a weight sensor 32, a gas sensor 34, a buzzer 36, a display 38, a keypad 40, a light source 42, a RF transmitter 44, a battery 46 and a controller 48. The weighing sensor 32 is a strain gauge which is capable of measuring the weight of the gas cylinder and sends the reading to the controller 48. The gas sensor 34 is capable of sensing leakage of gas around the cylinder and sends the inputs to controller 48. The display 38 displays various status of the cylinder. The keypad enables 40 enables to entry details required in the first device 30. The light source 42 is a LED capable of alerting by flashing light on leakage of the gas. The battery 46 is a chargeable battery and supplies power to all the elements of the first device 30 for there working. In an embodiment, the battery is charged by using non-conventional sources of energy like solar and or photo cell energy.

The RF (radio frequency) transmitter 44 enables to transmit signals to the second device 60. Further, on occurrence of gas leakage, the gas sensor 34 senses the gas and sends signals to the controller 48. The controller 48 upon receiving inputs from the gas sensor 34 triggers the buzzer 36, the light source 42 and sends alerting signals to the second device 60. Upon receiving such alerts, the buzzer 36 starts generating sound alert, the display 38 displays alert messages and triggers are sent to the second device 60. Also, the motor 14 is operated to rotate the coupling rod 12 to turn off the regulator, thereby preventing further gas leakage. The motor 14 is mounted on a support plate 14a, which may be secured to the fixture 10. The motor 14 gets electric supply and signals through a supply pin 14b as shown in figure 1.

Referring now to figure 4, a block diagram of the second device 60 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Specifically, the second device 60 is secured to a lower portion of the cylinder. The second device 60 includes a buzzer 62, a display 64, a keypad 66, a GSM (Global System for Mobile) communication means 68, a light source 70, a RF (radio frequency) receiver 72, a battery 74, a MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) switch operator 76, a recording/ unit 80 and a controller 78. The keypad 66 enables to feed phone number that need to be contacted through short message through GSM communication means 68 and other details to the second device 60. The MCB switch operator 76 enables turning OFF of the MCB switch. The light source 70 is a LED capable of flashing light. The buzzer 62 generates alert sound. The RF receiver 72 for receiving RF signals from the RF transmitter 44 of the first device 30 and communicating the same with the controller 78. Upon receiving gas leakage signals from the first device 30, the controller 78 of the second device 60 the trigger the buzzer 62 to raise sound alert, the light source 70 for flash light alert, the GSM communication means 68 for sending short message to the concern person, of to the number which is feed to the controller 78 and also trips the MCB switch by triggering the MCB switch operator 76. The recording unit 80 enables to record sound of audio and data as an audio recording unit. In an embodiment, the battery 74 is charged by using non-conventional sources of energy like solar and or photo cell energy. Further, the controller 48 of the first device 30 along with the weight sensor 32 is programmed to generate triggers when the weight of the cylinder drops to a predefined weight. This message is displayed in the display 38 regarding refill/replacement of the cylinder. The second device 60 upon receiving these signals from the first device 30 sends message to the concern person or on the number feed to the second deceive 60. Also, the controller 78 can be programmed to send message to the gas dealer, so that they can arrange to deliver the filled cylinder.

The system of the present invention the system has advantage of detecting, preventing and alerting leakage combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level. The system senses the leakage of the gas and automatically turns OFF the regulator of the cylinder immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. Further, the system trips the main MCB switch of the housing immediately on sensing the leakage of the gas. Also, the system provides alert about the refilling of the cylinder to a dealer and a consumer of the gas whenever the cylinder is about to empty. Furthermore, the system is robust in construction and economical to manufacture.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A system for detecting, preventing and alerting on leakage of combustible gas, and reporting and monitoring gas level, the system comprising:

a fixture secured on a cylinder of combustible gas;

a coupling rod retractably disposed on the fixture, a first end of the coupling rod is coupled with a knob of a combustible gas regulator;

a driving means connected to other end of the coupling rod;

a first device disposed on the cylinder and connected with the driving means, the first device capable of detecting gas leakage and operating the driving means to turn OFF the regulator on detecting leakage of the gas from the cylinder;

a second device coupled with the MCB switch and communicating with the first device, wherein the second device upon receiving triggers from the first device upon gas leakage, generates alerts and communicates to a predefined phone number by message and trips the MCB switch for cutting OFF electric supply.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving means is a motor capable of rotating the coupling rod by predefined angle.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving means is rope and pulley, wherein the pulley is coupled to the coupling rod and the rope is operated by a motor disposed near the first device.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling rod having a spring for maintaining coupling with the regulator knob in normal condition, to disengage the coupling rod from the regulator knob the coupling rod can be pulled away from the knob.

5. The system a claimed in claim 1, wherein the first device having;

a weight sensor for sensing weight of the cylinder;

a gas sensor for sensing combustible gas;

a buzzer for providing sound alert;

a display for displacing information;

a keypad for entering information;

a light source for providing visual alerts;

a RF transmitter for communicating with the second device; a battery for supplying electricity to the first device;

a controller with a data storage is programmed to trigger the buzzer, a light source, and communicate with the second device to trip the MCB switch, also, programmed to send alerts on sensing a predefined reduced weight of the cylinder.

6. The system a claimed in claim 5, wherein the weight sensor is a strain gauge.

7. The system a claimed in claim 5, wherein the light source is LED.

8. The system a claimed in claim 1, wherein the second device having; a buzzer for providing sound alert;

a display for displacing information;

a keypad for entering information for configuring the controller;

a GSM communication means for sending short messages on cell phone of a predefined person;

a light source for providing visual alerts;

a RF received for communicating with the first device;

a battery for supplying electrify to the first device;

a MCB switch operator for tripping the MCB switch;

a controller with a data storage upon receiving gas leakage signals from the first device is programmed to trigger the buzzer, flash the light, to send message through the GSM communication means, also, sends message in case the cylinder weight reaches predefined weight indicating that the cylinder need to be refilling or replacement.

9. The system a claimed in claim 8, wherein the light source is LED.

10. The system a claimed in claim 5 and 8, wherein The system claimed in claim 5, wherein the battery is charged by using non-conventional sources of energy like solar and or photo cell energy.