Non-Invasive Pressure Measurement Using Deformable Wall Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining pressure in sealed packages are invasive and lack robustness, particularly in assessing leak-tightness and adjusting manufacturing processes based on pressure readings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a measurement head with a distance determining device to control fluid inflow and outflow, creating a pressure equilibrium in a chamber to non-invasively determine the pressure within a sealed package by abutting the measurement head against a deformable wall, allowing for pressure determination and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive methods are used to determine pressure in sealed packages, then measurement reliability is improved, but package integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deformable wall as an intermediary element between the measurement system and the package interior. This deformable wall transmits pressure information from the package to the measurement chamber without requiring direct penetration into the package, thus maintaining package integrity while enabling reliable pressure measurement through mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical penetration with a non-invasive mechanical coupling system. Instead of inserting sensors into the package, the system uses a deformable wall that mechanically couples the package interior pressure to a measurement chamber, substituting direct mechanical intrusion with indirect mechanical transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive methods are used to determine pressure in sealed packages, then package integrity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic measurement approach where the deformable wall is allowed to move and deform in response to pressure differences. The measurement system dynamically adjusts to the wall's position, using the wall's natural deformation as the measurement mechanism rather than attempting to hold it static, thereby achieving precise measurements through dynamic equilibrium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the position of the deformable wall and adjusts the measurement chamber pressure accordingly. This feedback mechanism compensates for variations in wall properties and environmental conditions, maintaining measurement precision despite the non-invasive approach.
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 non-invasive, robust pressure determination and control within sealed packages, facilitating assessment of leak-tightness and adjustment of packaging processes, applicable to both vacuum and controlled atmosphere packages.
Implementation Method 1
providing a distance determining device for determining a distance to a predetermined point on the first deformable wall in said region along a direction substantially perpendicular to the measurement plane
Implementation Method 2
controlling an inflow of fluid to and/or an outflow of fluid from the chamber on the basis of the determined distance such that a pressure is obtained in the chamber that is substantially equal to the pressure prevailing in the package
Implementation Method 3
The method utilizes the property that as the deformable wall undergoes a slight deformation, the pressure in the chamber is substantially equal to the pressure in the package
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and apparatus for controlling and/or measuring a pressure in a chamber. The method comprises providing a sealed package having a first deformable wall, providing a measurement head having an inner wall defining a cavity having an opening substantially extending in a measurement plane, abutting the opening against the first deformable wall such that the chamber is formed bounded by the inner wall and a region of the first deformable wall, providing a distance determining device for determining a distance to a predetermined point on the first deformable wall in said region along a direction substantially perpendicular to the measurement plane, and controlling an inflow of fluid to and/or an outflow of fluid from the chamber on the basis of the determined distance such that a pressure is obtained in the chamber that is substantially equal to the pressure prevailing in the package.