Liquid circuit blockage sensor

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of detection device technology, and in particular to a liquid path blockage sensor. The liquid path blockage sensor includes: a sensing component, a control component, and a main body; the sensing component includes a base and a sensing tube, the base having a cavity, a first sensing element on one side wall of the cavity, and a second sensing element on the other side wall of the cavity; the sensing tube passes through the cavity to communicate with an external fluid pipeline; both the base and the control component are connected to the main body; the control component includes a control module and a first contact and a second contact communicatively connected to the control module, the first contact contacting the first sensing element, and the second contact contacting the second sensing element. The liquid path blockage sensor provided by this invention can determine the blockage of the fluid pipeline based on the detected change in capacitance between the first and second sensing elements, and has a simple structure and is easy to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of detection device technology, and in particular to a liquid circuit blockage sensor. Background Technology

[0002] In medical experiments, large quantities of reagents and samples are transported through fluid circuits. If blockages occur in these circuits and are not detected in time, the pressure inside the tubing will continue to increase, eventually causing the tubing to rupture. The resulting liquid splashes out, contaminating the experimental equipment and potentially spreading disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a sensor capable of detecting tubing blockages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a liquid circuit blockage sensor to solve the above-mentioned technical problems to a certain extent.

[0004] This invention provides a liquid path blockage sensor, comprising: a sensing component, a control component, and a main body; the sensing component includes a base and a sensing tube, the base having a cavity, a first sensing element on one side wall of the cavity, and a second sensing element on the other side wall of the cavity, the sensing tube passing through the cavity for communication with an external fluid pipeline; both the base and the control component are connected to the main body; the control component includes a control module and a first contact and a second contact communicatively connected to the control module, the first contact contacting the first sensing element, and the second contact contacting the second sensing element.

[0005] The sensing tube in the liquid path blockage sensor provided by this invention is connected to the outlet of a power element (e.g., a pump) in an external fluid pipeline. When the liquid path is blocked, the power element in the fluid pipeline continues to operate, and liquid continues to flow out of the outlet of the power element. However, because the fluid pipeline is blocked and not flowing, liquid continuously accumulates in the sensing tube. The sensing tube expands under the action of the continuously accumulating liquid, thereby increasing the capacitance between the first sensing element and the second sensing element. The first contact and the second contact respectively contact the first sensing element and the second sensing element. The control module can receive the signal of the change in capacitance between the first sensing element and the second sensing element. When the capacitance value increases to a set threshold, the control module sends a signal to the control system of the device or an external terminal, which can then control the power element to stop working.

[0006] The liquid path blockage sensor provided by this invention can determine the blockage of the fluid pipeline based on the change in capacitance between the first and second sensing plates. It has a simple structure, is easy to use, and can protect the fluid pipeline, preventing it from bursting and leaking liquid, thereby avoiding liquid contamination of equipment and adverse effects on experimental personnel, and protecting their life and health.

[0007] Furthermore, the main body is provided with a mounting groove, and the base is detachably connected to the mounting groove.

[0008] Furthermore, the mounting groove includes a front opening and an end opening that are interconnected; in the thickness direction of the main body, one side wall of the main body is provided with the front opening, and in the length direction of the main body, both ends of the main body are provided with the end opening; in the width direction of the main body, the first contact is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove, and the first contact is a spring sheet, and the first sensing sheet is located on the side of the cavity corresponding to the first contact.

[0009] Furthermore, in the width direction of the main body, the first sensing element is provided on both opposite sidewalls of the cavity, and the two first sensing elements are electrically connected. In the thickness direction of the main body, the second sensing element is provided on the sidewall of the cavity near the bottom of the mounting groove. In the width direction of the main body, the first contact point is provided on both opposite inner sidewalls of the mounting groove. In the thickness direction of the main body, the second contact point is located at the bottom of the mounting groove, and the control component is connected to the side of the main body near the bottom of the mounting groove.

[0010] Furthermore, at least one of the first sensing sheet and the second sensing sheet is made of iron plate; a magnet is provided in the mounting groove, and the magnet is attracted to the at least one of them.

[0011] Furthermore, the second sensing element is made of iron plate; in the thickness direction of the main body, a magnet mounting base is provided on the side of the main body away from the opening of the mounting groove, and the magnet mounting base is provided with a magnet fixing groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the base is provided with a viewing window corresponding to the front opening, and the viewing window is covered with a transparent cover plate.

[0013] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the side of the base with a viewing window.

[0014] Furthermore, at least one of the first sensing sheet and the second sensing sheet is provided with a flow hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the control module includes a circuit board and a capacitance measurement module, a power supply module, and an alarm module connected to the circuit board; both the first contact and the second contact are connected to the circuit board.

[0016] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily limit the scope of this disclosure. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the subject matter of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specification and drawings serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of the liquid path blockage sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the liquid path blockage sensor from a second-view perspective.

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the main body of the liquid path blockage sensor.

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the sensing component in the liquid path blockage sensor.

[0022] Icons: 1-Sensing component; 3-Main body; 4-Magnet mounting base; 5-External connection fixing base; 11-Base; 12-Sensing tube; 13-First sensing plate; 14-Interface; 15-Viewing window; 16-Hand-hold part; 17-Flow hole; 21-Control module; 22-First contact point; 31-Mounting slot; 32-Front opening; 33-End opening; Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0024] The components of the embodiments of the invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention.

[0025] Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a liquid path blockage sensor, including: a sensing component 1, a control component, and a main body 3; the sensing component 1 includes a base 11 and a sensing tube 12, the base 11 has a cavity, a first sensing element 13 is provided on one side wall of the cavity, and a second sensing element is provided on the other side wall of the cavity, the sensing tube 12 passes through the cavity for communication with an external fluid pipeline; the base 11 and the control component are both connected to the main body 3; the control component includes a control module 21 and a first contact 22 and a second contact communicatively connected to the control module 21, the first contact 22 contacts the first sensing element 13, and the second contact contacts the second sensing element.

[0030] The sensing tube 12 in the liquid circuit blockage sensor provided in this embodiment is connected to the outlet of a power element (e.g., a pump) in an external fluid pipeline. When the fluid path is blocked, the power element in the fluid pipeline continues to operate, and liquid continues to flow out of the power element's outlet. However, because the fluid pipeline is blocked and not flowing, the liquid continuously accumulates in the sensing tube 12. Under the action of the continuously accumulating liquid, the sensing tube 12 expands. When the sensing tube 12 expands to a certain extent, the liquid inside the sensing tube 12 approaches the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate, thereby increasing the capacitance between the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate. Alternatively, the sensing tube 12 may burst, and the liquid inside the sensing tube 12 may directly enter the base 11, directly changing the medium between the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate, thereby increasing the capacitance between the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate. The first contact 22 and the second contact are in contact with the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate, respectively. The control module 21 can receive the signal of the change in capacitance between the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate. When the capacitance value increases to a set threshold, the control module 21 sends a signal to the control system of the equipment or an external terminal, which can then control the power element to stop working.

[0031] The liquid path blockage sensor provided in this embodiment can determine the blockage of the fluid pipeline based on the change in capacitance between the first sensing element 13 and the second sensing element. It has a simple structure, is easy to use, and can protect the fluid pipeline, preventing it from bursting and leaking liquid, thereby avoiding liquid contamination of equipment and adverse effects on experimental personnel, and protecting their life and health.

[0032] It is understandable that the sensing tube 12 in the liquid circuit blockage sensor is softer, more easily deformed, and more prone to bursting than the tube in the fluid circuit. This is so that the sensing tube 12 can expand and burst first when the fluid circuit is blocked.

[0033] The two ends of the sensing tube 12 can be connected to an external fluid pipeline through the interface 14.

[0034] It is understandable that both the first sensing element 13 and the second sensing element can be made of conductive metal plates.

[0035] The base 11 can be non-detachably connected to the main body 3 by welding, bonding or interference fit.

[0036] As an alternative, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the main body 3 is provided with a mounting groove 31, and the base 11 is detachably connected to the mounting groove 31.

[0037] In this embodiment, the base 11 is detachably connected to the mounting groove 31. On the one hand, the mounting groove 31 accommodates the base 11, which makes the liquid path blockage sensor small in size. On the other hand, when the sensing tube 12 in the sensing component 1 is deformed or burst due to fluid path blockage, the sensing component 1 can be removed from the mounting groove 31 for replacement, which is convenient for operation and avoids replacing the entire liquid path blockage sensor, thereby saving the cost of use.

[0038] There are several ways to detachably connect the base 11 and the mounting groove 31. For example, a retaining edge is provided at the edge of the opening of the mounting groove 31, and a flange is provided at the position of the base 11 corresponding to the opening of the mounting groove 31. The detachable connection between the base 11 and the mounting groove 31 is achieved by the snap-fit ​​between the retaining edge and the flange. Alternatively, a threaded mounting hole is provided at one end of the mounting groove 31 along the length of the base 11, and a connecting stud is provided at one end of the base 11. The connecting stud is tightened in the threaded mounting hole, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the base 11 and the mounting groove 31. In this case, the mounting groove 31 is provided through both ends of the main body 3 along the length of the main body 3, and the threaded connecting stud can be hollow so that the sensing tube 12 or the interface 14 can be extended for installation.

[0039] As an alternative, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the mounting groove 31 includes a front opening 32 and an end opening 33 that are interconnected; in the thickness direction of the main body 3, one side wall of the main body 3 is provided with the front opening 32, and in the length direction of the main body 3, both ends of the main body 3 are provided with the end opening 33; in the width direction of the main body 3, the first contact 22 is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove 31, and the first contact 22 is a spring sheet, and the first sensing sheet 13 is located on the side of the cavity corresponding to the first contact 22, so as to ensure that the first contact 22 can contact the first sensing sheet 13.

[0040] It should be noted that the width direction of the base 11 is the same as the width direction of the main body 3, the length direction of the base 11 is the same as the length direction of the main body 3, and the thickness direction of the base 11 is the same as the thickness direction of the main body 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, the base 11 can be directly inserted into the mounting groove 31 through the front opening 32. The first contact point 22 of the spring sheet, while contacting the first sensing element 13, presses against the first sensing element 13, thereby securing the base 11 within the mounting groove 31. When the sensing tube 12 needs to be replaced, the base 11 can be removed from the mounting groove 31. The use of the first contact point 22 of the spring sheet achieves both contact with the first sensing element 13 and fixation of the base 11, saving parts and facilitating installation.

[0042] As an alternative, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in the width direction of the main body 3, the two opposite sidewalls of the cavity are provided with the first sensing plate 13, and the two first sensing plates 13 are electrically connected (can be connected by wires). In the thickness direction of the main body 3, the sidewall of the cavity near the bottom of the mounting groove 31 (defined as the bottom wall of the cavity) is provided with the second sensing plate. In the width direction of the main body 3, the two opposite inner sidewalls of the mounting groove 31 are provided with the first contact point 22. In the thickness direction of the main body 3, the second contact point is located at the bottom of the mounting groove 31, and the control component is connected to the side of the main body 3 near the bottom of the mounting groove 31.

[0043] In this embodiment, two first sensing plates 13 are electrically connected to form one electrode plate, and a second sensing plate forms another electrode plate. The two first sensing plates 13 correspond one-to-one with two first contacts 22. Both first contacts 22 are spring plates, so there are spring plates on both sides of the base 11 to clamp the base 11, making the base 11 more stable.

[0044] The base 11 may include a side plate and an end plate. The side plate surrounds a hollow box with openings at both ends. The end plate covers the openings at both ends of the box. The interior of the base 11 forms a cavity. The first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate can be set on different side walls of the box. However, a window needs to be set on the outer wall of the box so that the first contact 22 can contact the first sensing plate 13 and the second contact can contact the second sensing plate.

[0045] As an alternative, the first sensing element 13 and the second sensing element can be directly used as the sidewalls of the base 11 and also as the sidewalls of the cavity. That is, the base 11 can be configured as a frame structure, and the first sensing element 13 and the second sensing element can be installed on the base 11 respectively, which is convenient for installation and can also reduce the weight of the liquid path blockage sensor.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, at least one of the first sensing sheet 13 and the second sensing sheet is made of iron plate; a magnet is provided in the mounting groove 31, and the magnet is attracted to the at least one of them.

[0047] The first sensing plate 13 can be made of iron plate, and a magnet is provided on the side of the mounting groove 31 corresponding to the first sensing plate 13; or, the second sensing plate can be made of iron plate, and a magnet is provided on the side of the cavity corresponding to the second sensing plate; or, both the first sensing plate 13 and the second sensing plate are iron plates, and magnets are provided on both the side of the cavity corresponding to the first sensing plate 13 and the side corresponding to the second sensing plate.

[0048] In this embodiment, the magnet attracts the iron plate, making the fixing of the sensing component 1 more stable.

[0049] As an alternative, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second sensing sheet is made of iron plate; in the thickness direction of the main body 3, on the side of the main body 3 away from the opening of the mounting groove 31 (that is, the bottom of the main body 3), a magnet mounting seat 4 is provided, and the magnet mounting seat 4 is provided with a magnet fixing groove.

[0050] In this embodiment, a magnet block can be installed in the mounting slot 31. This structure allows for the installation of a larger magnet block, thereby making the magnet's attraction stronger and the sensing component 1 more stably fixed.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, an external connection fixing seat 5 can also be provided on the main body 3. The external connection fixing seat 5 is provided with a connection hole, and the external connection fixing seat 5 can be connected to an external device by fasteners, thereby fixing the liquid circuit blockage sensor to the external device.

[0052] Both the magnet mounting base and the external connection fixing base can be multiple.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, based on the above embodiment, further, in the thickness direction of the base 11, a viewing window 15 corresponding to the front opening 32 is provided on one side of the base 11, and the viewing window 15 is covered with a transparent cover plate.

[0054] In this embodiment, the experimenter can observe the state of the sensing tube 12 inside the cavity at any time through the front opening 32 and the viewing window 15. If the sensing tube 12 expands, it is possible to discover that the fluid pipeline is blocked before the sensing tube 12 bursts.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, based on the above embodiment, the base 11 is further provided with a hand holding part 16 on the side with the viewing window. The hand holding part 16 makes it convenient for the experimenter to hold the sensing component 1, so as to conveniently insert the sensing component 1 into the mounting slot 31 or pull it out from the mounting slot 31.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, based on the above embodiment, at least one of the first sensing sheet 13 and the second sensing sheet is provided with a flow hole 17.

[0057] In this embodiment, a flow hole 17 can be provided on the first sensing plate 13, a sensing plate can be provided on the second sensing plate, or both the first and second sensing plates can have flow holes 17. When the sensing tube 12 bursts, the liquid can flow out through the flow hole 17, thereby balancing the pressure inside and outside the cavity and preventing fluid splashing.

[0058] Based on the above embodiments, the control module 21 further includes a circuit board and a capacitance measurement module, a power supply module and an alarm module connected to the circuit board.

[0059] The capacitance measurement module, power supply module, and integrated module are all integrated on a circuit board, achieving a high degree of integration. Furthermore, the three modules are electrically and communicatively connected. Both the first contact 22 and the second contact are connected to the circuit board, thus enabling the capacitance measurement module to measure the capacitance between the first sensing element 13 and the second sensing element. The power supply module converts external electrical energy into usable power for the liquid path blockage sensor. The alarm module issues an alarm when the capacitance reaches a set threshold, alerting the experimenter.

[0060] The capacitance measurement module uses the AT42QT1070 chip, the power supply module uses the AMS1117-5.0 chip, and the alarm module can realize audible and visual alarms.

[0061] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the present invention and form different embodiments.

Claims

1. A liquid path blockage sensor, characterized in that, include: The sensor assembly (1), control assembly, and main body (3) are described. The sensor assembly (1) includes a base (11) and a sensing tube (12). The sensing tube (12) is softer, more easily deformed, and more easily burst than the tube in the external fluid pipeline. The base (11) has a cavity. A first sensing plate (13) is provided on one side wall of the cavity, and a second sensing plate is provided on the other side wall of the cavity. At least one of the first sensing plate (13) and the second sensing plate is made of iron plate. At least one of the first sensing plate (13) and the second sensing plate is provided with a flow hole (17). The sensing tube (12) passes through the cavity to communicate with the external fluid pipeline. The main body (3) is provided with a mounting groove (31), and the base (11) is detachably connected to the mounting groove (31). The mounting groove (31) includes a front opening (32) and an end opening (33) that are interconnected. In the thickness direction of the main body (3), one side wall of the main body (3) is provided with the front opening (32), and in the length direction of the main body (3), both ends of the main body (3) are provided with the end opening (33). A magnet is provided in the mounting groove (31), and the magnet is attracted and fixed to the induction sheet made of iron plate. The base (11) is provided with a viewing window (15) corresponding to the front opening (32), and the viewing window (15) is covered with a transparent cover plate. The base (11) and the control component are both connected to the main body (3); the control component includes a control module (21) and a first contact (22) and a second contact that are communicatively connected to the control module (21). The control module (21) includes a circuit board and a capacitance measurement module, a power supply module and an alarm module connected to the circuit board. In the width direction of the main body (3), the first contact (22) is disposed on the inner side wall of the mounting groove (31), and the first contact (22) is a spring sheet. In the thickness direction of the main body (3), the second contact is disposed at the bottom of the mounting groove (31). The first contact (22) contacts the first sensing sheet (13), and the second contact contacts the second sensing sheet. Both the first contact (22) and the second contact are connected to the circuit board.

2. The liquid path blockage sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the width direction of the main body (3), the two opposite sidewalls of the cavity are provided with the first sensing sheet (13), and the two first sensing sheets (13) are electrically connected. In the thickness direction of the main body (3), the sidewall of the cavity near the bottom of the mounting groove (31) is provided with the second sensing sheet. In the width direction of the main body (3), the first contact point (22) is provided on both of the two opposite inner sidewalls of the mounting groove (31); the control component is connected to the side of the main body (3) near the bottom of the mounting groove (31).

3. The liquid path blockage sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second sensing sheet is made of iron plate; in the thickness direction of the main body (3), on the side of the main body (3) away from the opening of the mounting groove (31), there is a magnet mounting seat (4), and the magnet mounting seat (4) is provided with a magnet fixing groove.

4. The liquid path blockage sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (11) has a handle (16) on the side with a viewing window.

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