Miniaturized Beam Flow Regulator for Breath Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow regulating devices are not suitable for miniaturization and are too large to handle the relatively large flows required for exhaled breath analysis in handheld devices, such as asthma monitoring, which necessitates a more compact and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized fluid flow regulating device featuring an elongated beam element within a fluid flow channel that bends in response to pressure differences to regulate fluid flow, supported by means that adjust to optimize deflection and stiffness, allowing for passive regulation of flows between 10-300 ml/s over a pressure range of 1000 Pa.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable partition is used to regulate fluid flow, then flow regulation capability is improved, but device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The movable partition is segmented into multiple discrete beams arranged in parallel. Each beam independently deflects under pressure to regulate flow, eliminating the need for a single large partition while achieving the same flow control function with significantly reduced device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional partition plane to a three-dimensional array of beams extending in multiple directions. This dimensional transformation allows flow regulation to occur through beam deflection in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for miniaturization, then portability is improved, but ability to handle large flows deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow handling capacity is distributed across multiple parallel beams instead of relying on a single large component. Each beam handles a portion of the total flow, allowing the device to maintain high flow capacity while keeping individual beam dimensions small and the overall device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple beams are merged into a single integrated structure that functions as a unified flow regulator. The combined effect of all beams working in parallel enables the miniaturized device to handle large flows equivalent to those required for exhaled breath analysis (50±5 ml/s).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves efficient passive self-adjusting flow regulation, maintaining a consistent flow rate while being compact and cost-effective, suitable for integration into handheld breath analysis devices.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure difference over the inlet portion and the outlet portion causes the beam element to bend and regulate fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
an elongated beam element arranged in the flow channel, such that a pressure difference over the inlet portion and the outlet portion causes the beam element to bend
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a miniaturised fluid flow regulating device comprising a fluid flow channel with an inlet portion, an outlet portion and a flow regulation passage between the inlet portion and the outlet portion, an elongated beam element arranged in the flow channel, such that a pressure difference over the inlet portion and the outlet portion causes the beam element to bend and regulate fluid flow in the flow regulation passage. The invention further relates to a breath analysis device comprising such a flow regulating device for regulating a flow of exhaled breath.