Micro flow path flow velocity control device
By combining a sensor and a peristaltic pump on the outer wall of the glass tube, the accuracy and compatibility issues of traditional micro-flow rate measurement are solved, achieving efficient, low-cost, and automated flow rate control, which is suitable for various liquid types and space-constrained applications.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHENZHEN GENTING AUTOMATION TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies suffer from low measurement accuracy at low flow rates, complex structures, frequent maintenance, poor material compatibility, low automation, and large space requirements, making them unsuitable for measuring highly corrosive or high-viscosity liquids.
The design employs upper and lower sensors on the outer wall of a glass tube combined with a peristaltic pump. It calculates the flow rate through time difference and automatically cleans up residual liquid, avoiding bubble interference. It uses corrosion-resistant materials and non-contact sensors to achieve independent operation of the flow path.
It achieves high-precision and stable measurement of minute flow rates, reduces maintenance costs, adapts to various liquid types, is suitable for space-constrained scenarios, and improves automation and measurement accuracy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224245043U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of environmental monitoring equipment technology, specifically to a micro flow path velocity control device. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as biology, medicine, chemistry, and water quality testing, there is often a need for high-precision delivery and flow rate control of trace amounts of liquids. These applications typically require systems that are compact, have precise flow rate control, and are highly corrosion-resistant.
[0003] Traditional flow rate control methods often employ mechanical drive devices such as plunger pumps, gear pumps, or metering pumps to regulate flow. These devices control liquid flow by driving core components (such as valve cores and pistons) with electric motors, resulting in complex structures and high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the liquid comes into direct contact with internal metal or precision parts, it is prone to corrosion and clogging when exposed to highly corrosive or high-viscosity liquids, affecting equipment lifespan and measurement accuracy.
[0004] In the measurement of minute flow rates (e.g., 5 μL / s to 20 μL / s), traditional methods typically rely on sensors to monitor the liquid flow state in real time. However, due to the long and thin pipes, air bubbles are easily generated, which can interfere with the sensor signal and lead to measurement errors.
[0005] The shortcomings of existing technology:
[0006] 1. Low measurement accuracy:
[0007] At very low flow rates (5 μL / s to 20 μL / s), traditional sensors are severely affected by bubble interference, making it difficult to achieve high-precision measurements.
[0008] The presence of air bubbles can cause sensors to misinterpret results, thus affecting the accuracy of experimental results.
[0009] 2. Complex structure and frequent maintenance:
[0010] Mechanical pumps such as plunger pumps and gear pumps have complex structures and high manufacturing costs.
[0011] It requires regular inspection and replacement of worn parts, resulting in high maintenance frequency and inconvenience in use.
[0012] 3. Poor material compatibility:
[0013] When liquid comes into direct contact with the internal metal or precision components of the pump body, it can easily cause corrosion or blockage when used with highly corrosive or high-viscosity liquids.
[0014] Not suitable for general measurements of multiple types of liquids.
[0015] 4. Low level of automation:
[0016] Existing systems often require manual intervention in the operation process, and data recording is not automated enough;
[0017] The lack of an automatic residual liquid removal function affects the efficiency of continuous measurement.
[0018] 5. Large space occupation:
[0019] Traditional measuring devices are bulky and unsuitable for space-constrained applications, such as portable testing instruments or miniaturized laboratory systems.
[0020] Therefore, existing technologies have shortcomings and need further improvement. Utility Model Content
[0021] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a miniature flow path velocity control device.
[0022] To achieve the above objectives, the specific solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0023] This utility model provides a miniature flow path velocity control device, comprising:
[0024] A detection component used to detect the flow rate of a liquid;
[0025] Extraction component, used to extract residual liquid from the detection component after detection;
[0026] The detection assembly includes the flow path to be measured, a glass tube, an upper sensor, and a lower sensor;
[0027] The glass tube is connected in series in the flow path being measured. The upper sensor and the lower sensor are mounted on the outer wall of the glass tube and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the glass tube.
[0028] The extraction assembly includes an extraction flow path and a peristaltic pump;
[0029] The peristaltic pump is connected in parallel in the extraction flow path, and one end of the extraction flow path is connected to the flow path being measured.
[0030] The liquid to be measured enters the glass tube from the bottom through the flow path. The first time is recorded when the liquid reaches the lower sensor, and the second time is recorded when the liquid continues to rise and reaches the upper sensor. The time difference between the two times is obtained. The liquid volume is calculated based on the distance between the upper and lower sensors and the inner diameter of the glass tube, and the liquid flow rate is obtained.
[0031] After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump to extract the residual liquid in the tested flow path.
[0032] Furthermore, the control device also includes a liquid outlet pipeline and a liquid outlet check valve;
[0033] The liquid to be tested enters from the outlet pipe, the inlet of the flow path being tested is connected to the outlet pipe, the outlet of the flow path being tested is connected to the check valve, and the outlet of the extraction flow path is also connected to the check valve.
[0034] The liquid being tested enters the flow path from the outlet pipe, and when it passes through the glass tube connected in series in the flow path, the flow rate of the liquid is detected by the lower and upper sensors, and then it is discharged through the one-way valve.
[0035] After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump, connect the inlet of the extraction flow path to the flow path under test, and the peristaltic pump will draw the liquid from the flow path under test to the extraction flow path, and then discharge it through the one-way valve.
[0036] Furthermore, the outer wall of the glass tube is provided with an upper fixing seat and a lower fixing seat for installing and fixing the glass tube.
[0037] Furthermore, the liquid outlet check valve is mounted on a fixed plate.
[0038] Furthermore, the lower sensor and the upper sensor are photoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors.
[0039] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the glass tube is larger than the inner diameter of the hoses in the measured flow path and the extraction flow path, in order to dissolve tiny air bubbles in the liquid.
[0040] Furthermore, the glass tube is provided with sealing joints at both ends, and the glass tube is connected to the flexible tube of the flow path being tested through the sealing joints.
[0041] Furthermore, the volume of the glass tube is 500uL-1000uL, suitable for measuring minute flow rates of 5μL / S-20μL / S.
[0042] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0043] 1. Achieving high-precision measurement of minute flow velocities
[0044] By setting two sensors (such as photoelectric or capacitive sensors) on the outer wall of the glass tube, the flow rate can be calculated by using the time difference of the liquid rising in the glass tube and the volume of the glass tube. This enables accurate and stable flow rate detection in a small flow range of 5μL / s to 20μL / s.
[0045] The glass tube, as the measuring section, has excellent transparency and non-contact measurement characteristics, avoiding the interference and contamination caused by direct contact between traditional sensors and liquids.
[0046] 2. Effectively eliminates the influence of air bubbles and improves measurement stability.
[0047] The inner diameter of the glass tube is larger than the inner diameter of the flow path being measured and the extraction flow path hose, which reduces the flow rate of the liquid after entering the glass tube. This helps to dissolve tiny air bubbles in the liquid, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement results.
[0048] To avoid problems such as sensor mis-triggering or abnormal data fluctuations caused by bubbles.
[0049] 3. Simple structure and low maintenance cost
[0050] The device uses a combination of glass tubes and flexible tubes, with no complex mechanical parts or easily damaged components inside, resulting in a simple overall structure.
[0051] The liquid only comes into contact with the hose and glass tube, avoiding damage to the core components of the equipment by corrosive liquids. It has strong corrosion resistance and requires very low maintenance frequency.
[0052] Using a peristaltic pump as a power source eliminates the need for a motor to drive precision components such as valve cores, significantly reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.
[0053] 4. High degree of automation and easy operation
[0054] The measurement process is fully automated, including liquid filling, flow rate detection, and residual liquid extraction, without the need for manual intervention.
[0055] After the test is completed, the peristaltic pump is started to automatically extract the residual liquid. It stops automatically when the current sensor can no longer detect liquid, so that the next measurement can start quickly.
[0056] It supports continuous measurement, which improves experimental efficiency and system response speed.
[0057] 5. Applicable to various liquid types, highly versatile.
[0058] The liquid flows only through the corrosion-resistant hose and glass tube, making it suitable for a wide range of liquids, including highly corrosive and high-viscosity liquids, and thus having broad applicability.
[0059] It is particularly suitable for micro-volume control scenarios in fields such as biology, medicine, chemistry, and water quality testing where precise liquid dosage is required.
[0060] 6. Compact size and high space utilization
[0061] The overall design is compact and suitable for installation inside space-constrained instruments and equipment;
[0062] The glass tube has a volume of 500uL-1000uL, which is suitable for flow rate measurement in the range of 5μL / s to 105μL / s, meeting the requirements of miniaturized systems.
[0063] 7. Measurement does not affect the original flow path connection, ensuring high safety.
[0064] The measurement process is carried out during the liquid discharge stage, which will not interfere with the normal operation of the original flow path;
[0065] The design of the liquid outlet check valve prevents liquid backflow and ensures safe and reliable system operation.
[0066] 8. The two flow paths operate independently without interfering with each other.
[0067] The measured flow path and the extraction flow path are independent of each other and do not interfere with each other when they are working, ensuring that the measurement and evacuation processes are stable and orderly.
[0068] This improves the stability and repeatability of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0069] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.
[0070] Attached image captions:
[0071] 1. Lower sensor; 2. Glass tube; 3. Upper sensor; 4. Measured liquid; 5. Upper mounting base; 6. Upper sealing joint; 7. Measured flow path; 8. Fixing plate; 9. Liquid outlet line; 10. Extraction flow path; 11. Peristaltic pump; 12. Liquid outlet check valve; 13. Lower mounting base; 14. Lower sealing joint. Detailed Implementation
[0072] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, not the entire structure.
[0073] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0074] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0075] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 this utility model. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.
[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a miniature flow path velocity control device, comprising:
[0077] A detection component used to detect the flow rate of a liquid;
[0078] Extraction component, used to extract residual liquid from the detection component after detection;
[0079] The detection assembly includes the flow path under test 7, glass tube 2, upper sensor 3, and lower sensor 1;
[0080] The glass tube 2 is connected in series in the flow path 7 to be measured. The upper sensor 3 and the lower sensor 1 are installed on the outer wall of the glass tube 2 and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the glass tube 2.
[0081] The extraction assembly includes an extraction flow path 10 and a peristaltic pump 11;
[0082] The peristaltic pump 11 is connected in series in the extraction flow path 10, and one end of the extraction flow path 10 is connected to the measured flow path 7.
[0083] The liquid to be tested 4 enters the glass tube 2 from below through the flow path 7. The first time is recorded when the liquid reaches the lower sensor 1, and the second time is recorded when the liquid continues to rise and reaches the upper sensor 3. The time difference between the two times is obtained. The liquid volume is calculated based on the distance between the upper sensor 3 and the lower sensor 1 and the inner diameter of the glass tube, and the liquid flow rate is obtained.
[0084] After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump 11 to extract the residual liquid in the tested flow path 7.
[0085] The control device also includes a liquid outlet pipeline 9 and a liquid outlet check valve 12;
[0086] The liquid to be tested enters from the outlet pipe 9, the inlet of the flow path 7 being tested is connected to the outlet pipe 9, the outlet of the flow path 7 being tested is connected to the check valve, and the outlet of the extraction flow path 10 is also connected to the check valve.
[0087] The liquid to be tested 4 enters the flow path 7 from the outlet pipe 9. When it passes through the glass tube 2 connected in series in the flow path 7, the flow rate of the liquid is detected by the lower sensor 1 and the upper sensor 3, and then it reaches the one-way valve for discharge.
[0088] After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump 11, connect the inlet of the extraction flow path 10 with the test flow path 7, and the peristaltic pump 11 draws the liquid from the test flow path 7 to the extraction flow path 10, and then discharges it through the one-way valve.
[0089] The outer wall of the glass tube 2 is provided with an upper fixing seat 5 and a lower fixing seat 13 for installing and fixing the glass tube 2.
[0090] The liquid outlet check valve 12 is mounted on the fixed plate 8.
[0091] The lower sensor 1 and the upper sensor 3 are photoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors.
[0092] The inner diameter of the glass tube 2 is larger than the inner diameter of the hose of the measured flow path 7 and the extraction flow path 10, and is used to dissolve tiny air bubbles in the liquid.
[0093] The glass tube 2 is provided with sealing joints at both ends, and the glass tube 2 is connected to the hose of the flow path 7 being tested through the sealing joints.
[0094] The glass tube 2 has a volume of 500uL-1000uL, which is suitable for measuring minute flow rates of 5μL / S-20μL / S.
[0095] The principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0096] 1. Flow velocity measurement stage
[0097] (1) Liquid flow and detection
[0098] The liquid to be tested 4 enters the flow path 7 from the outlet pipe 9 and flows upward along the flow path into the glass tube 2 (with an inner diameter larger than the flexible tube, used for defoaming).
[0099] When the liquid reaches the lower sensor 1 (photoelectric / capacitive type) at the lower end of the glass tube 2, the sensor is triggered and records the first time (t1).
[0100] As the liquid continues to rise, when it reaches the upper sensor 3 at the top of the glass tube 2, the sensor is triggered and records the second time (t2).
[0101] (2) Flow velocity calculation
[0102] The system calculates the time difference (Δt=t2-t1) of the liquid flowing through the upper and lower sensors 1.
[0103] Calculate the volume of liquid flowing through the glass tube 2 (V=πr²L) based on the inner diameter of the glass tube 2 and the fixed distance (L) between the two sensors.
[0104] The final flow rate (Q) is derived from the formula Q=V / Δt, achieving high-precision measurement of 5–105 μL / S (especially suitable for 5–20 μL / S).
[0105] 2. Residual liquid cleaning stage
[0106] (1) Automatic extraction of residual liquid
[0107] After the measurement is completed, the system starts the peristaltic pump 11 and switches to the extraction flow path 10.
[0108] The peristaltic pump 11 uses negative pressure to draw the residual liquid in the glass tube 2 and the test flow path 7 into the extraction flow path 10, and then discharges it through the one-way valve to avoid cross-contamination.
[0109] (2) Detection termination conditions
[0110] When sensor 1 detects that there is no liquid in glass tube 2, peristaltic pump 11 automatically stops working to ensure that the flow path is emptied.
[0111] The system has been reset and is ready for the next measurement.
[0112] 3. Key design synergies
[0113] Dual flow path isolation: The measured flow path 7 (measurement) and the extraction flow path 10 (cleaning) are physically isolated by a one-way valve to ensure that the measurement and cleaning processes do not interfere with each other.
[0114] Defoaming design: The inner diameter of glass tube 2 is enlarged, allowing tiny bubbles to dissipate naturally during flow, thus improving measurement accuracy.
[0115] Non-contact sensing: Photoelectric / capacitive sensors do not come into contact with liquids, avoiding corrosion or contamination, and are compatible with highly corrosive liquids such as strong acids and strong alkalis.
[0116] Fully automated: From measurement to cleaning, everything is done automatically without human intervention, reducing operational errors.
[0117] 4. Applicable Scenarios
[0118] It is suitable for fields requiring high precision, corrosion resistance, and miniaturized flow rate control, such as biomedicine (trace reagent delivery), chemical analysis (corrosive liquids), and water quality testing (micro-flow monitoring).
[0119] Summarize
[0120] This device achieves precise measurement of minute flow velocities and cleaning of residual liquids through time difference velocity measurement and automatic flow path switching. Combined with corrosion-resistant materials, defoaming structures, and non-contact sensing technologies, it solves the shortcomings of traditional methods in terms of accuracy, compatibility, and maintenance, and has the comprehensive advantages of high efficiency, reliability, and low cost.
[0121] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the present utility model concept and based on the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A micro-flow path velocity control device, characterized in that, include: A detection component used to detect the flow rate of a liquid; Extraction component, used to extract residual liquid from the detection component after detection; The detection assembly includes the flow path to be measured, a glass tube, an upper sensor, and a lower sensor; The glass tube is connected in series in the flow path being measured. The upper sensor and the lower sensor are mounted on the outer wall of the glass tube and are spaced apart along the axial direction of the glass tube. The extraction assembly includes an extraction flow path and a peristaltic pump; The peristaltic pump is connected in series in the extraction flow path, and one end of the extraction flow path is connected to the flow path being measured. The liquid to be measured enters the glass tube from the bottom through the flow path. The first time is recorded when the liquid reaches the lower sensor, and the second time is recorded when the liquid continues to rise and reaches the upper sensor. The time difference between the two times is obtained. The liquid volume is calculated based on the distance between the upper and lower sensors and the inner diameter of the glass tube, and the liquid flow rate is obtained. After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump to extract the residual liquid in the tested flow path.
2. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device also includes a liquid outlet pipeline and a liquid outlet check valve; The liquid to be tested enters from the outlet pipe, the inlet of the flow path being tested is connected to the outlet pipe, the outlet of the flow path being tested is connected to the check valve, and the outlet of the extraction flow path is also connected to the check valve. The liquid being tested enters the flow path from the outlet pipe, and when it passes through the glass tube connected in series in the flow path, the flow rate of the liquid is detected by the lower and upper sensors, and then it is discharged through the one-way valve. After the test is completed, start the peristaltic pump, connect the inlet of the extraction flow path to the flow path under test, and the peristaltic pump will draw the liquid from the flow path under test to the extraction flow path, and then discharge it through the one-way valve.
3. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the glass tube is provided with an upper fixing seat and a lower fixing seat for installing and fixing the glass tube.
4. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid outlet check valve is mounted on a fixed plate.
5. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower and upper sensors are photoelectric sensors or capacitive sensors.
6. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the glass tube is larger than the inner diameter of the hoses in the measured flow path and the extraction flow path, and is used to dissolve tiny air bubbles in the liquid.
7. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass tube is provided with sealing joints at both ends, and the glass tube is connected to the flexible tube of the flow path to be measured through the sealing joints.
8. The micro-flow path velocity control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The glass tube has a volume of 500uL-1000uL and is suitable for measuring minute flow rates of 5μL / S-20μL / S.