Buffer Elements for Differential Pressure Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differential pressure sensors in anesthetic dispensing devices are prone to damage from sudden, brief peaks in pressure due to differences in response times between supply lines, leading to excessive pressure differences that exceed the sensor's measuring range.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating buffer elements with higher response time constants than the supply lines, connected between the gaseous component lines and the differential pressure sensor, to dampen pressure peaks by increasing flow resistance and delaying pressure changes at the sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a differential pressure sensor with high sensitivity is used to ensure accurate monitoring of mixing ratios, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to damage from sudden pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces buffer volumes (dead volumes) in the connection lines between the supply lines and the differential pressure sensor. These buffer volumes act as cushioning elements that absorb sudden pressure peaks before they reach the sensor. The buffer volumes are dimensioned to ensure that pressure transients are dampened, protecting the high-sensitivity sensor from damage while maintaining accurate differential pressure measurement for mixing ratio monitoring.
2Reliability
If buffer elements are introduced to protect the sensor from pressure peaks, then reliability is improved, but the response time of the pressure measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buffer volumes selectively at specific locations in the pressure measurement system - namely in the connection lines between the supply lines and the differential pressure sensor. The buffer volumes are positioned locally where pressure transients originate, allowing them to dampen pressure peaks without significantly delaying the measurement of steady-state differential pressure. This localized application minimizes the impact on response time while maintaining sensor protection.
3Reliability
If the flow resistance in the connection lines is increased to dampen pressure peaks, then the sensor is protected from damage, but the normal operation of the anesthetic dispensing device is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the dynamic characteristics of the buffer volumes to differentiate between transient pressure peaks and steady-state pressure conditions. During normal operation, the buffer volumes allow free flow of gases with minimal resistance. When sudden pressure peaks occur, the buffer volumes dynamically respond by absorbing the excess pressure, effectively increasing resistance only when needed. This dynamic behavior protects the sensor without affecting normal device operation or productivity.
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
Prevents damage to the differential pressure sensor by reducing maximum pressure differences detected, ensuring continuous and accurate monitoring of mixing ratios during normal and disturbed operations.
Implementation Method 1
The volumes of these buffer elements are advantageously selected, in conjunction with the flow resistance of means that limit the inflow of the gaseous components into the buffer volumes
Implementation Method 2
measuring the differential pressure between two lines for supplying gaseous components to a mixing site
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for measuring the differential pressure in anesthetic dispensing devices, with which the differential pressure can be measured between two lines (2, 6) for supplying gaseous components to a mixing site (3). The device has at least one differential pressure sensor (11), which is connected with the lines (2, 6) for supplying the gaseous components. Buffer elements (12, 12′) are integrated in the connection between the lines (2, 6) for supplying the gaseous components and the differential pressure sensor (11).