Check Valve Flow Detection via Integrated Optical Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breast pump units lack an effective method to indicate the amount of fluid pumped during the pumping process, making it difficult to monitor the flow rate and volume of expressed milk.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flow channel and a check valve that includes a flow detector, which detects changes in the check valve to indicate fluid flow, allowing for measurement of the flow rate and volume of expressed milk, and can be used in breast pumps or other applications like drainage devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a check valve is added to limit dead volume, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve and flow detector into a single integrated assembly. The check valve body houses the flow detector, and both components work together as one unit rather than separate parts. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the fluid flow efficiency benefits of the check valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve is designed to serve multiple functions: it limits dead volume, controls fluid flow direction, and enables flow detection through its integrated sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a flow detector is added to measure fluid flow, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow detector is integrated within the check valve body, sharing the same housing and structural space. This merging eliminates the need for separate flow detection components and reduces overall device complexity while achieving precise flow measurement through the integrated sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve structure itself acts as an intermediary that enables flow detection. The valve's movement and position, which are necessary for flow control, simultaneously serve as the measurement mechanism for the flow detector, eliminating the need for separate measurement components.
3Measurement precision
If the check valve structure is modified to enable detection, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection features are integrated into the check valve manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as separate precision components. The valve body is designed with built-in features that serve both flow control and detection functions, reducing the need for additional high-precision manufacturing steps.
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 accurate measurement of fluid flow, allowing for graphical or electronic display of flow rates and volumes, facilitating real-time monitoring of milk expression or other fluid collection processes.
Implementation Method 1
The flow detector has an optical detector for detecting the position of the check valve. The optical detector comprises a light emitter and a light detector, with the check valve being arranged in a light path between the light emitter and the light detector
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a device having a flow channel (K) for a fluid, comprising a check valve (4) arranged in the flow channel (K), which check valve allows the fluid to flow through the flow channel (K) in a first direction and which prevents flow through the flow channel (K) in a direction opposite to the first direction. The device further comprises a flow detector (5) for detecting the flow of the fluid through the flow channel (K), wherein the flow detector (5) detects a change in the check valve (4). Said detected change serves as an indicator for the flow of the fluid. The device according to the invention allows flow to be detected using simple means, by using an existing check valve as the indicating means.