Blood Processing Holder Ultrasonic Sensor Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood processing apparatuses face challenges in easily and reliably measuring the haematocrit value of blood fluid, often due to issues with sensor coupling and air bubble interference in the measurement chamber.
Innovation Solution
A blood processing apparatus with a holder device that includes an ultrasonic sensor element coupled to the bottom wall of the measurement device's chamber element, allowing for effective transmission and reflection of ultrasonic signals to determine haematocrit, and an infrared sensor element for temperature measurement, with a closure element exerting a predefined force for secure coupling and a tilted chamber arrangement to prevent air bubble interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the ultrasonic sensor element is placed inside the measurement device, then the measurement structure becomes more compact, but the sensor coupling becomes more difficult and air bubbles may interfere with the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is divided into two separate components: the measurement device with the flow chamber and the holder device with the ultrasonic sensor element. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned optimally outside the chamber while maintaining reliable coupling through the bottom wall, avoiding air bubble interference that would occur if the sensor were placed inside the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom wall of the chamber element serves as an intermediary medium that transmits ultrasonic signals from the sensor element to the blood fluid. This intermediate structure enables reliable sensor coupling while keeping the sensor outside the measurement chamber, preventing air bubbles from interfering with the measurement path.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the chamber element is arranged horizontally, then air bubbles can rise to the top, but the ultrasonic sensor coupling becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber element is tilted at an angle between 10° and 45° relative to the horizontal plane, introducing a dimensional change to the standard horizontal arrangement. This tilt angle optimizes both air bubble removal (allowing bubbles to rise to the outlet port) and ultrasonic signal transmission (maintaining effective coupling between the sensor and bottom wall).
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
Enables reliable and accurate measurement of haematocrit values and temperature within the blood processing apparatus, ensuring precise control of blood processing operations while minimizing the impact of air bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasonic sensor element is adapted to produce an ultrasonic sensor signal for measuring a haematocrit value of a blood fluid in the flow chamber
Implementation Method 2
allowing for effective transmission and reflection of ultrasonic signals to determine haematocrit
Implementation Method 3
an infrared sensor element for temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A blood processing apparatus includes a measurement device having at least one chamber element extending along a longitudinal axis and including a circumferential wall extending about the longitudinal axis, a bottom wall and a top wall together defining a flow chamber. The blood processing apparatus further includes a holder for the measurement device, the holder including a base having a reception opening for receiving the measurement device and a closure element movably arranged on the base for locking the measurement device in an inserted position in the reception opening. An ultrasonic sensor of the holder is arranged on the base. The ultrasonic sensor, in the inserted position of the measurement device, faces the bottom wall of the at least one chamber element, wherein the bottom wall extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis.