Passive Pressure-Based Fluid Flow Control Using Bourdon Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable fluid delivery devices face challenges in achieving accurate and repeatable dosage control due to environmental factors like temperature, and they require constant actuation, which is energy-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A passive, pressure-based fluid flow control assembly, such as a bourdon tube, is used to regulate fluid flow based on calibrated pressure, allowing for precise control of fluid dosage and eliminating the need for additional power-consuming devices by operating as a check valve to prevent backflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional valves are used for fluid regulation, then fluid flow control is achieved, but dosage accuracy and repeatability deteriorate due to environmental factors like temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic valves with a purely mechanical pressure-based flow control assembly. This mechanical system uses a bourdon tube that responds to pressure differential changes, eliminating the need for electronic components that are sensitive to temperature and environmental factors, thereby improving dosage accuracy and repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from electronic signals to mechanical pressure differential. The flow control assembly uses a bourdon tube that expands or contracts based on pressure changes, providing a direct mechanical response that is not affected by temperature variations, thus achieving more stable and accurate dosage control.
2Productivity
If constant actuation is used to control fluid flow, then flow regulation is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to battery limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-based flow control assembly is self-regulating and does not require external actuation. The bourdon tube automatically responds to pressure differential changes within the fluid delivery system, controlling flow without needing constant electronic signals or battery power, thereby eliminating energy consumption associated with constant actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous actuation, the system uses periodic pressure changes that naturally occur during fluid delivery cycles. The mechanical flow control assembly responds to these periodic pressure variations, providing flow regulation without requiring continuous energy input, thus improving energy efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If additional power-consuming devices are added for flow control, then flow regulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for additional power-consuming electronic control devices by implementing a purely mechanical flow control solution. The pressure-based system uses only passive mechanical components, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining effective flow regulation capability.
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
This solution provides accurate, repeatable, and energy-efficient control of fluid flow, reducing susceptibility to environmental conditions and eliminating the need for additional power-consuming devices, thereby enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of wearable medicament delivery devices.
Implementation Method 1
A passive, pressure-based fluid flow control assembly, such as a bourdon tube, is used to regulate fluid flow based on calibrated pressure
Implementation Method 2
operating as a check valve to prevent backflow
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid delivery devices with passive or pressure-based control valves are described. For example, a fluid delivery device may include a fluid path, a pressure source fluidically coupled to a fluid source storing a fluid, and a pressure-based control valve arranged in the fluid path and configured to move in an opening direction in response to a fluid delivery pressure applied by the pressure source in an upstream portion of the fluid path against the pressure-based control valve, in which the pressure control valve is in an open configuration responsive to the fluid delivery pressure being equal to or greater than a cracking pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure-based control valve may be or may include a bourdon tube. Other embodiments are described.