WO2008109998A1

WO2008109998A1 - Method and apparatus for detecting humidity

Info

Publication number: WO2008109998A1
Application number: PCT/CA2008/000461
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric GÉRARD
Original assignee: Gerard Eric
Priority date: 2007-03-12
Filing date: 2008-03-11
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations, the apparatus comprising a data network, a plurality of humidity sensor units, each installed at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations, each providing a corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level at said location, a plurality of sensor interfaces, each connected to at least one corresponding humidity sensor unit from said plurality of humidity sensor units and to said data network, each receiving the corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level and providing the signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of the location and a monitoring unit connected to the data network for receiving and providing each of the signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of the location.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING HUMIDITY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of detection systems. More precisely, this invention pertains to a method and apparatus for detecting humidity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any real-estate owner will agree to say that water leaks cause a lot of damages. This is especially true since water leaks are often discovered because of the damages they create. Water leaks are therefore discovered much too late, at that time where the amount of damage is already material.

In fact and as it is known to the skilled addressee, water leaks may be caused from various reasons. For instance, a water leak may be caused by a defective or an inefficient insulation material. This is for instance the case in leaks originating from roofs. Another type of water leaks may be caused by defective piping elements. Those leaks may occur randomly in virtually any places of a building, an apartment or a house. Preventing those types of leaks can be very cumbersome.

There is therefore a need for a method and apparatus that will overcome at least one of the above-identified drawbacks.

Features of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations, the apparatus comprising a data network, a plurality of humidity sensor unit, each installed at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations, each providing a corresponding signal inductive of a humidity at the location, a plurality of sensor interfaces, each connected to at least one corresponding humidity sensor unit and to the data network, each receiving the corresponding signal inductive of a humidity level providing the signal inductive of a humidity level with an indication of the location and a monitoring unit connected to the data network for receiving and providing each of the signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of the location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus for detecting humidity; the apparatus comprises a plurality of humidity sensors, a plurality of sensor interfaces, a monitoring unit and a data network.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a configuration in which a humidity sensor and a corresponding sensor interface are installed.

Fig. 3 is a perspective enlarged view of a configuration in which a humidity sensor and a corresponding sensor interface are installed.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the configuration in which a humidity sensor and a corresponding sensor interface are installed.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing where a humidity sensor is installed in one embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the humidity sensor and the corresponding sensor interface have been installed.

Fig. 7 is a rear exploded and perspective view of a sensor interface according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a front perspective view of an assembled sensor interface according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a humidity sensor that has been installed together with an enlarged view thereof.

Fig. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a location in which a humidity sensor and a corresponding sensor interface have been installed.

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view which shows a plurality of humidity sensors connected together.

Fig. 12 is a front perspective and enlarged view of a humidity sensor shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a rear perspective and enlarged view of the humidity sensor shown in Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a humidity sensor prior its installation.

Fig. 15 is a front perspective and exploded view of one embodiment of a humidity sensor prior its installation.

Fig. 16 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a humidity sensor prior its installation.

Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are by way of illustration of an example by which the invention may be practiced. It will be understood that other embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed.

Now referring to Fig. 1 , there is shown an embodiment of an apparatus for detecting humidity 100. Such apparatus for detecting humidity 100 may be advantageously used in various locations such as in a home, in an apartment building, in a commercial building or in any other type of construction.

In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1 , the apparatus for detecting humidity 100 comprises a plurality of humidity sensor units 102, a plurality of sensor interfaces 104, a data network 106 and a monitoring unit 108.

More precisely and in the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1 , the plurality of humidity sensor units 102 comprises a first humidity sensor unit 110, a second humidity sensor unit 112, a third humidity sensor unit 114, a fourth humidity sensor unit 116, a fifth humidity sensor unit 118 and a sixth humidity sensor unit 120.

Each humidity sensor unit of the plurality of humidity sensor units 102 is installed at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations of a building for instance and is adapted for providing a corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level at a given location. In one embodiment, the humidity sensor is made of corrosion- resistant material and comprises a low resistance electrical conductor. It will also be further appreciated that the shape of the humidity sensor unit may vary depending on an application sought.

The plurality of sensor interfaces 104 comprises, in the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 1 , a first sensor interface 122, a second sensor interface 124, a third sensor interface 126, a fourth sensor interface 128, a fifth sensor interface 130 and a sixth sensor interface 132.

Each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 is operatively connected to at least one corresponding humidity sensor unit of the plurality of humidity sensor units 102. In one embodiment, each humidity sensor unit is connected to a corresponding sensor interface using a pair of wires, electronically rated for a better reading. Moreover, each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 is further operatively connected to the data network 106.

More precisely, each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 receives a corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level and provides at least one part of the signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of the location where the humidity sensor unit is located. Each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 is connected to the monitoring unit 108 via the data network 106. In one embodiment the connection is performed using a bidirectional communication link.

It will be appreciated that each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 enables the connecting of at least one humidity sensor unit to the monitoring unit 108. In one embodiment, each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 is transmitting data using RS 485 protocol with a bidirectional central interface. Still in one embodiment, each given sensor interface comprises an automatic and permanent addressing system for uniquely addressing the sensor interface. It will be appreciated that the addressing of each sensor interface of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 is performed at the time of installation.

Each sensor interface is then accessed by the monitoring unit 108 using the addressing system.

In one embodiment, the data network 106 comprises a RS 485 BUS. Alternatively, the data network comprises a network based on the RS 232 protocol or the like.

Also, it will be further appreciated that in the embodiment disclosed, each of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104 may be directly addressed by the monitoring unit 108.

The monitoring unit 108 is connected to the data network 106. More precisely, the monitoring unit 108 is used to display information related to a level of humidity at a corresponding location using the provided signal indicative of the humidity level with the indication of the location where the humidity sensor unit is located. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various embodiments of the monitoring unit 108 may be provided. For instance, in one embodiment, the monitoring unit 108 may have an interface comprising a user interface, such as an alphanumeric keyboard, a display unit, such as a liquid crystal display, a buzzer and a transformer.

It will be further appreciated that the monitoring unit 108 may further inform the user on the operation of the apparatus 100. The monitoring unit 108 may further be used to program the plurality of sensor interfaces 104.

Moreover, the display unit of the monitoring unit 108 may be adapted to display information such as a location of a conductive fluid (e.g. water) infiltration. The indication of a water infiltration may comprise, for instance, an identification of a site and an identification of a distance to the detected conductive fluid infiltration. The display unit of the monitoring unit 108 may further be used to provide additional data such as information on a time and the date of the infiltration as well as an indication of an infiltration intensity scale.

In one embodiment, the infiltration intensity scale ranges from 1 (i.e. low infiltration) to 5 (i.e. high infiltration). The display unit of the monitoring unit 108 may also provide an indication of last events as well as the location of a beginning of a major conductive fluid infiltration.

The display unit of the monitoring unit 108 may further comprise a protection system such as an automatic circuit breaker device in case of a flood, a warning panel connectivity by relay contact to notify a central alarm in case of an event, etc.

It will be further appreciated that in one embodiment, the monitoring unit 108 may be interconnected to an existing alarm control panel. The skilled addressee will appreciate that this is of great advantage in order to relay a water infiltration alarm via the alarm control panel of an existing alarm company.

Now referring to Fig. 2, there is shown an embodiment of a location where the humidity sensor unit 110 is installed. It will be appreciated that the sensor interface 122 is also installed and is visible by a user or an operator. As shown in Fig. 2, the humidity sensor unit 110 is installed on a basement concrete 200 at an intersection between a vertical concrete planar surface 202 and an horizontal concrete planar surface 204. Still in the embodiment disclosed in Fig.2, a vertical isolation material 206 is installed on the vertical concrete planar surface 202 above the humidity sensor unit 1 10. A plurality of structural divisions 208 are vertically positioned on the vertical isolation material 206. Finally, a wall 210 is vertically mounted on the plurality of structural divisions 208. In the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 2, a molding 212 is installed on the bottom part of the wall 210.

It will be appreciated that in one embodiment the sensor interface 122 is installed in the molding 212. Alternatively, the sensor interface 122 may be installed on the bottom part of the wall 210 in the case where there is no molding 212 on the bottom part of the wall 210.

It will be appreciated that the sensor interface 122 may be further cast in silicone enabling it to be drowned in a conductive fluid in case of flood for instance.

It will therefore be appreciated that in the embodiment disclosed, the humidity sensor 110 is positioned on the bottom part of the basement concrete 200. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the humidity sensor 1 10 as well as the sensor interface 122 may be positioned in another plurality of positions depending on an application sought.

Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 2. As clearly shown, the humidity sensor 110 is installed at the intersection between the vertical concrete planar surface 202 and the horizontal concrete planar surface 204. Moreover, the sensor interface 122 is shown as being installed inside the molding 212. The molding 212 is mounted on the bottom of a wall 210 which is mounted on the plurality of structural divisions 208 which are vertically positioned on the vertical isolation material 206. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that in this embodiment the sensor interface 122 is visible by a user who is knowledgeable of its existence. Moreover, it will be appreciated that in this embodiment, the sensor interface 122 is located in the vicinity of the humidity sensor 110, to which it is connected to, which is of great advantage. In fact, in case of a conductive fluid infiltration detected by the humidity sensor 110, the user will know that the infiltration is in the vicinity of the sensor interface 122 since the humidity sensor 110 is operatively connected to the humidity sensor 110.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view indicating where the humidity sensor unit 110 is installed according to one embodiment and further wherein the sensor interface 122 is installed according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 shows where the humidity sensor 110 is installed in one embodiment. The skilled addressee will appreciate that in one embodiment, the humidity sensor 110 is installed after the building of the concrete surface 200 of the building. More precisely, the humidity sensor 110 is mounted on a rack 1 100. In fact, it will be appreciated that the rack 1 100 is first installed at the intersection between the vertical concrete planar surface 202 and the horizontal concrete planar surface 204.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment where the vertical isolation material 206 has been mounted on the vertical concrete planar surface 202 above the humidity sensor 110. Still in the embodiment, the plurality of structural divisions 208 have been vertically mounted on the vertical isolation material 206. The wall 210 has been further mounted on the plurality of structural divisions 208. In this embodiment, the sensor interface 122 is installed on the bottom of the wall 210 and the rack 1100 has been installed to receive a plurality of humidity sensor units.

Now referring to Fig. 7, there is shown an embodiment of 1he sensor interface 122. As shown in Fig. 7, the sensor interface 122 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The skilled addressee will appreciate that because of this shape it is easy to install the sensor interface 122 in a material since only a drilling may be required to perform such installing. The skilled addressee will appreciate that alternatively various other shapes may be used.

Still referring to Fig. 7, the sensor interface 122 comprises a light indicator 700 in visual contact with a clear lens 702. The clear lens 702 is provided for enabling a user to check the sensor interface 122. In one embodiment the clear lens 702 is made of a transparent plastic material. Alternatively, many other materials may be used for the clear lens.

It will be appreciated that the light indicator 700 may enable a user to do a maintenance test on a corresponding at least one humidity sensor unit to which it is connected to in order to check for instance, the corresponding humidity sensor power supply and communication for instance. The light indicator 700 may further be used in case of the detection of a conductive fluid in order to advantageously locate it. In one embodiment the light indicator 700 comprises a LED.

The sensor interface 122 further comprises a sensor interface circuit board 704 to which the light indicator 700 is electrically connected to. The sensor interface circuit board 704 is used to process data coming from at least one humidity sensor unit to which the sensor interface 122 is connected to. More precisely, the sensor interface circuit board 704 is used to receive a corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level from at least one humidity sensor unit and is further used to provide the signal indicative of a humidity level together with an indication of the location of the humidity sensor unit to the monitoring unit 108 via the data network 106. It will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that various embodiments of the sensor interface circuit board 704 may be provided.

Moreover it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that various type of components may be used on the sensor interface circuit board 704 depending on various criteria such as a product cost or the like.

Still referring to Fig. 7, the sensor interface 122 further comprises a cover 706 for covering the sensor interface circuit board 704 as well as the light indicator 700. In one embodiment the cover 706 comprises a plastic cover. It will be appreciated that the cover 706 comprises at its back a wire hole 708. The sensor interface circuit board 704 of the sensor interface 122 and the corresponding humidity sensors are connected using wires that are inserted through the wire hole 708. In a preferred embodiment, the wire hole 708 is located in the back of the sensor interface 122.

Now referring to Fig. 8, there is shown a front perspective view of an assembled sensor interface 122. In this embodiment, the clear lens 702 has been mounted on the cover 706. As mentioned previously, the clear lens 702 is provided for enabling a user to check the light indicator 700 of the sensor interface 122. The skilled addressee will appreciate that various other shapes may be provided for the sensor interface 122 as mentioned previously. For instance, the sensor interface 122 may further comprises an LCD display for displaying information such as a distance to a detected conductive fluid infiltration and a sign, e.g. an arrow, indicative of the direction to the detected conductive fluid infiltration.

Fig. 9 shows how the humidity sensor 110 and the sensor interface 122 are installed. It will be appreciated that the humidity sensor 1 10 has a width equal to the width of the vertical isolation material 206 which is of great advantage. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the humidity sensor 110 is positioned such that it simultaneously touches the vertical concrete planar surface 202 and the horizontal concrete planar surface 204 thus enabling to detect a conductive fluid infiltration on both surfaces.

Fig. 10 shows an embodiment where the humidity sensor 110 has been installed in the molding 212 on the bottom part of the wall 210.

Fig. 11 shows how the humidity sensor 110 is installed on the rack 1100 to which another plurality of humidity sensors 1102 are connected to. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the rack 1 100 may be provided with various lengths suitable for various configurations. In one embodiment, the rack 1100 is made with a non-conductive material such as plastic. In an alternative embodiment, the rack 1100 is made of steel. Fig. 12 shows an enlarged view of Fig. 11 wherein the rack 1100 is used to support a plurality of humidity sensors. As shown, the humidity sensor 110 may be mounted on the rack 1 100 using a plurality of rivets 1200 which are in one embodiment aluminum pop rivets. As mentioned previously, it will be appreciated that in one embodiment, the rack 1100 is first installed at the intersection between the vertical concrete planar surface 202 and the horizontal concrete planar surface 204. Then each of the plurality of humidity sensors is mounted on the rack 1100. It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of humidity sensors may be mounted on the rack 1100 using various means. Fig. 12 further shows another embodiment of a sensor interface 1202 of the plurality of sensor interfaces 104. In this embodiment, the sensor interface 1202 is installed inside a humidity sensor and is secured to the rack 1100. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor interface 1202 comprises a backup circuit since it is located at a location where a conductive fluid infiltration is possible.

Fig. 13 shows a rear perspective view of Fig. 11 which shows a plurality of holes 1300 used for securing the humidity sensor 1 10 using the plurality of bolts 1102. Alternatively, other means may be used for securing the humidity sensor 110 to the plurality of holes 1300 of the rack 1100. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the sensor interface 1202 is connected to the rack 1100 using a plurality of holes 1302.

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the humidity sensor unit 1 10 before it is installed on the rack 1 100. It will be appreciated that the humidity sensor unit 110 has, in this embodiment, a planar but flexible shape.

More precisely, the humidity sensor unit 1 10 comprises a first conductive material 1400, a second conductive material 1402, a first isolation material 1404, a second isolation material 1406, a conductive material 1408, two conductive materials 1410, two solder tabs 1412 and a plurality of rivets 1416.

As shown in Fig. 14, the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 have an n-pronged shape. In one embodiment, the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 are made of an electrically conductive silicone such as EC 102 supplied by CS Hyde. Alternatively the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 are made of a Kapton XC black conductive polyimide film manufactured by DuPont^(TM). Still in another embodiment, the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 are made using a copper surface treated using a SD 2841 HAL-IR carbon conductive ink, manufactured by Peters.

Now referring to Fig 15, there is shown how the humidity sensor unit 1 10 is built according to one embodiment. More precisely and as shov/n in Fig. 15, the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 are mounted on the first isolation material 1404 and the second isolation material 1406 which ensure that there is no electrical connection between the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402. In fact, an electrical connection may occur between the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402 in the case where there is a conductive fluid such as water such as in the case of a conductive fluid infiltration between the first conductive material 1400 and the second conductive material 1402.

The conductive material 1408 is mounted on top of the second conductive material 1402 while the conductive material 1410 is mounted under the first conductive material 1400 on each side of the first conductive material 1400. Moreover, each of the two solder tabs 1412 is connected to corresponding one of the two conductive materials 1410. Each of the two solder tabs 1412 is connected to a positive voltage while the conductive material 1408 is connected to a negative voltage in one embodiment. Accordingly the presence of a conductive fluid in the humidity sensor unit 1 10 may be detected by measuring conductivity between at least one of the two solder tabs 1412 and the conductive material 1408.

It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, the humidity sensor unit 110 comprises a single conductive material. The skilled addressee will appreciate however that in such embodiment the humidity sensor unit 110 is less precise than in the case where it comprises two conductive materials. Still in this embodiment, the presence of a conductive fluid in the humidity sensor unit may be detected by measuring resistivity between two ends of the humidity sensor.

Now referring to Fig. 16, there is shown a rear perspective view of the assembled humidity sensor unit 110.

While it has been disclosed a given shape for the humidity sensor unit, it will be appreciated that various other shapes may be used. For the base of a chimney, sensors may be made with the same material (such as e.g. silicone electrically conductive) but they can be assembled differently for a better conductivity between materials. Also the installation is made easier.

The monitoring unit 108 is located on the wall of the room to monitor. In the case of a plurality of locations to monitor, the monitoring unit 108 may be located at a remote given location. A plurality of humidity sensor units is located on the bottom of the walls and is suitable for detecting humidity. Upon detection of humidity, an alarm may be triggered on the monitoring unit 108.

While illustrated in the block diagrams as groups of discrete components communicating with each other via distinct data signal connections, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiments are provided by a combination of hardware and software components, with some components being implemented by a given function or operation of a hardware or software system, and many of the data paths illustrated being implemented by data communication within a computer application or operating system. The structure illustrated is thus provided for efficiency of leaching the present preferred embodiment.

Although the above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations, said apparatus comprising: a data network; a plurality of humidity sensor units, each installed at a corresponding one of a plurality of locations, each providing a corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level at said location; a plurality of sensor interfaces, each connected to at least one corresponding humidity sensor unit from said plurality of humidity sensor units and to said data network, each receiving said corresponding signal indicative of a humidity level and providing said signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of said location; and a monitoring unit connected to said data network for receiving and providing each of said signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of said location.

2. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said data network operates according to a protocol selected in a group consisting of RS 485 and RS 232.

3. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sensor interfaces comprises a light indicator for providing a light signal to a user.

4. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 3, wherein the light signal is provided in at least one of a conductive fluid detection and a maintenance test.

5. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of sensor interfaces comprises a LCD display for providing a direction to a detected conductive fluid.

6. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said monitoring unit comprises a graphics user interface for displaying said signal indicative of a humidity level with an indication of said location to a user.

7. The apparatus for detecting humidity at a plurality of locations as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of humidity sensor units comprises at least one conductive material having an n-pronged shape for detecting a conductive fluid using the n-pronged shape.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of humidity sensor units comprises two conductive materials and at least one electrical isolation material, each of the two conductive materials having a n- pronged shape; further wherein said two conductive materials are mounted on each other and separated from each other using the at least one electrical isolation material.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said two conductive materials and said at least one electrical isolation material comprise flexible materials such that each humidity sensor unit of the plurality of humidity sensor units touches simultaneously a vertical surface and a horizontal surface.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of humidity sensor units is mounted on a rack using a plurality of rivets.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein said plurality of rivets comprises aluminum pop rivets.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of sensor interfaces is located inside a corresponding humidity sensor unit of the plurality of humidity sensor units.

M