Bubble Detection in Sensor Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of bubbles in sensor systems used for extracorporeal fluid analysis can affect measurement accuracy, and existing methods require additional conductivity sensors for detection, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A software-based approach that analyzes anomalous readings from chemical characteristic sensors to detect bubbles in the fluid channel, allowing for the determination of bubble presence without additional hardware, and uses fluid pumping to remove bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductivity sensors are added to detect bubbles, then bubble detection capability is improved, but device complexity and sensor quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing chemical sensors perform multiple functions: their primary function of measuring chemical characteristics and a secondary function of detecting bubbles through anomaly analysis. By analyzing anomalous readings from sensors already present in the system (pH, ion concentrations), the patent achieves bubble detection without adding dedicated conductivity sensors, thus applying multi-functionality to resolve the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensor readings to detect bubbles, rather than requiring external or additional sensors. The chemical sensors serve themselves by providing data that can be analyzed for both chemical measurements and bubble detection, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional hardware complexity
2Measurement precision
If additional conductivity sensors are installed, then bubble detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Existing chemical sensors are made multi-functional to perform both chemical measurement and bubble detection, eliminating the need for additional conductivity sensors during manufacturing and assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the bubble detection function with the existing chemical sensing system, combining multiple functions into a single sensor array rather than requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby simplifying manufacturing
3Device complexity
If chemical sensors are used for bubble detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for bubble detection may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor readings and uses feedback from anomalous patterns to detect bubbles. By analyzing deviations from expected chemical measurements, the system achieves accurate bubble detection through software-based anomaly detection algorithms that process feedback from existing sensor data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical approach of using dedicated conductivity sensors with a software-based analysis approach. Instead of relying on physical conductivity measurement hardware, the system uses computational analysis of chemical sensor readings to detect bubbles, substituting mechanical detection with software processing
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a software-based approach for detecting bubbles in a fluid channel of a sensor system. According to this approach, readings from sensors which measure chemical characteristics of a sample fluid (e.g. ion concentrations of the sample fluid) are analysed. Any anomalous readings can be detected and analysed to determine whether the anomalous readings may be caused by the presence of one or more bubbles in the fluid channel. This approach removes the need to include additional conductivity sensors in the sensor system to detect bubbles, thereby freeing up sensor electrode sites which may be used for other sensors (e.g. additional calcium ion sensors). Bubbles that are detected can be shifted, or removed from the fluid channel entirely, by pumping fluid into the fluid channel.