Bubble Detection Sensor Rotation Offset Angle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bubble detection sensors in fluids face challenges in sensitivity and efficiency due to lateral offset of emitters and receivers, which reduces signal reception and requires additional amplification or processing, especially for detecting smaller bubbles.
Innovation Solution
The sensor axis is set at a rotation offset angle to optimize the ratio of signal sensitivity to efficiency, allowing for increased detection of small bubbles without significant efficiency loss, achieved by positioning the emitter and receiver at specific angles within the fluid conduit housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the emitter and receiver are offset laterally to increase sensitivity for detecting smaller bubbles, then the sensitivity is improved, but the efficiency of signal reception decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the rotation offset angle of the emitter and receiver assembly relative to the longitudinal axis of the fluid conduit. By optimizing this angular parameter, the system achieves a balance where sensitivity to small bubbles is enhanced while signal transmission efficiency is maintained, resolving the contradiction between these two performance metrics.
2Loss of energy
If expensive signal amplification or better signal processing is added to increase efficiency of the offset arrangement, then the efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic signal processing systems with a simple mechanical/angular adjustment of the emitter and receiver assembly. By optimizing the rotation offset angle, the system achieves efficient signal reception without requiring expensive amplification circuits or complex signal processing electronics, thus improving efficiency while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 configuration enhances the sensitivity to small bubbles while maintaining efficiency, enabling reliable detection without the need for expensive signal amplification or processing, suitable for critical applications like medical fluid infusion.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter and a receiver may be rotated to account for refraction of the signal through the fluid medium
Implementation Method 2
an emitter and a receiver may be rotated to account for refraction of the signal through the fluid medium. The angle of rotation of the emitter and receiver is selected only to optimize the efficiency of the signal; ensuring as much as possible of the signal emitted by the emitter is received by the receiver as a result of the refraction
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble detection sensor includes an emitter having an emitting surface and a receiver positioned on a side of a fluid conduit opposite the emitter. The receiver has a receiving surface adapted to receive a signal emitted by the emitter through a fluid of the fluid conduit. A sensor axis extending normal to the emitting surface and the receiving surface is disposed at a rotation offset angle with respect to a plane extending normal to a longitudinal conduit axis of the fluid conduit. The rotation offset angle is set to optimize a ratio of a sensitivity of the signal received by the receiver to an efficiency of the signal received by the receiver.