US 12,460,985 B1
Leak detection systems and methods
Gregory David Hansen, San Antonio, TX (US); Andre Rene Buentello, San Antonio, TX (US); Jose L. Romero, Jr., San Antonio, TX (US); Nina Schuessler, San Antonio, TX (US); and Galo M. Alava, Tampa, FL (US)
Assigned to United Services Automobile Association (USAA), San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed by United Services Automobile Association (USAA), San Antonio, TX (US)
Filed on Dec. 14, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/550,680.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/128,414, filed on Dec. 21, 2020.
Int. Cl. G01M 3/16 (2006.01); G01M 3/26 (2006.01); G08B 21/18 (2006.01); E04D 13/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01M 3/16 (2013.01) [G01M 3/26 (2013.01); G08B 21/182 (2013.01); E04D 13/006 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A leak detection system, comprising:
a leak detection sensor assembly configured to be positioned on or within a roofing shingle of a building, the leak detection sensor assembly comprising:
a plurality of electrical conductors;
an output device; and
a fluid-absorber in contact with the plurality of electrical conductors and the output device, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors, the output device, and the fluid-absorber are configured to define a closed electrical circuit with a first volume of fluid present at the fluid-absorber and are configured to define an open electrical circuit with less than the first volume of fluid present at the fluid-absorber, and wherein the fluid-absorber comprises a hydrochromic material that is configured to change colors with a second volume of fluid present at the fluid-absorber;
wherein the output device is configured to provide a first output in response to a change of color of the hydrochromic material and to provide a second output in response to the closed electrical circuit.