Cryogenic Fluid Container Replacement System with Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryoablation systems face challenges in accurately assessing the remaining cryogenic fluid in containers, which can lead to incomplete procedures and potential injuries during fluid container replacement due to the risk of high-pressure fluid release.
Innovation Solution
A fluid container replacement system incorporating a control valve, pressure sensor, and controller that vents cryogenic fluid, senses line pressure, and provides instructions through a graphical user interface to ensure safe and accurate replacement, along with a measurement system using a scale and controller to determine fluid quantity based on weight and dimension information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid containers of multiple sizes and designs are used to contain cryogenic fluid, then the system can accommodate different procedure requirements, but it becomes difficult to accurately assess whether there is a sufficient quantity of cryogenic fluid contained within the fluid container
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses weight as a parameter to determine fluid quantity. The scale measures the weight of the fluid container, and the controller calculates the remaining cryogenic fluid quantity by comparing the measured weight against stored reference weights corresponding to different fluid levels. This parameter-based approach works universally across different container sizes and designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual visual assessment of fluid levels with an automated electronic measurement system. A scale mechanically measures the container weight, and an electronic controller processes this data to determine fluid quantity, eliminating the need for operators to visually estimate fluid levels in various container types.
2Productivity
If the fluid container is replaced when the cryogenic fluid level is low, then the procedure can continue without interruption, but there is a risk that the operator may neglect to completely close the fluid container, releasing high-pressure cryogenic fluid which can cause injury
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary venting of the pressure line before allowing container replacement. The control valve automatically vents the pressure line to atmospheric pressure, and the system monitors this process to ensure pressure is reduced to a safe level before the operator removes or replaces the fluid container, preventing accidental high-pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensors to provide real-time feedback on the pressure line status. The controller receives pressure sensor output and uses this feedback to control the venting process and to determine when it is safe to proceed with container replacement, ensuring that pressure is adequately reduced before allowing operator intervention.
3Loss of time
If the pressure line is not properly vented before replacing the fluid container, then the replacement process is faster, but high-pressure cryogenic fluid can be released causing injury to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-venting of the pressure line through the control valve without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously monitors pressure sensor output and controls the venting process, reducing the time operators need to spend on manual venting procedures while ensuring safe pressure reduction before container replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual pressure monitoring and venting control with automated electronic systems. Pressure sensors electronically monitor the pressure line, and the controller automatically manages the venting process, eliminating the need for operators to manually assess and control pressure during container replacement.
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
The system enables precise assessment of cryogenic fluid levels and safe replacement, preventing fluid depletion during procedures and minimizing the risk of injury from high-pressure releases.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor can sense a line pressure of any cryogenic fluid within the pressure line and generate sensor output
Implementation Method 2
The control valve can vent a cryogenic fluid within the pressure line
Implementation Method 3
The scale can weigh the fluid container and the cryogenic fluid within the fluid container to obtain container weight information
Data Source
AI summary
A container replacement system for replacing a fluid container with a replacement fluid container, wherein the fluid container contains a cryogenic fluid and is coupled to a pressure line, includes a control valve that vents the cryogenic fluid within the pressure line, a pressure sensor that senses a line pressure of the cryogenic fluid and generates sensor output and a controller that receives sensor output and determines whether to replace the fluid container. If the line pressure is below a threshold line pressure, the controller determines replacing the fluid container is permissible. Contrarily, if the line pressure is above the threshold line pressure, the controller determines replacing the fluid container is not permissible. The container replacement system further includes a GUI that instructs whether replacing the fluid container is permissible.