Fluid detection systems and methods using the same

A method of fluid detection, comprising, with a fluid detection system comprising a sensor module and an electronics module, the sensor module comprising a sensor housing, a liquid flow path extending through the sensor housing, an air flow path extending through the sensor housing, a divider wall disposed between and separating the liquid flow path from the air flow path, and a sensor element disposed within the divider wall and around an entire perimeter of the liquid flow path, the electronics module comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor element:

• detecting, with the sensor element disposed entirely outside the liquid flow path and within the divider wall, a capacitance within the liquid flow path, wherein a position of the sensor element is fixed relative to the liquid flow path;
• conveying a sensor signal indicative of the capacitance to the controller;
• determining a detected capacitance within the liquid flow path with the controller;
• comparing, with the controller, the detected capacitance to a capacitance threshold;
• and
• determining, with the controller, whether a wet event has occurred in the liquid flow path based at least in part on said comparing the detected capacitance to the capacitance threshold.

A fluid detection system, comprising:

• a sensor module comprising:
• a sensor housing, the sensor housing comprising:
• a liquid flow path that extends through the sensor housing;
• an air flow path that extends through the sensor housing;
• and
• a divider wall disposed between and separating the liquid flow path from the air flow path;
• and
• a sensor element disposed within the divider wall and extending around an entire perimeter of the liquid flow path such that the sensor element does not contact liquid in the liquid flow path and a position of the sensor element is fixed relative to the liquid flow path, the sensor element configured to generate a detection signal in response to liquid within the liquid flow path;
• and
• a controller configured to determine that liquid is or is not present within the liquid flow path based, at least in part, on the detected capacitance.