Diaphragm-Protected Pressure Sensing for Sanitary Fluid Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow detection and analysis systems face challenges in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sanitation due to the need for invasive pressure sensors and excessive handling of fluids, particularly in applications involving unsanitary fluids like those extracted from humans.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flow channel, non-invasive pressure sensor protected by diaphragms, and a computing device to determine fluid flow rate based on pressure difference, allowing reuse of the pressure sensor and efficient fluid analysis without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an invasive pressure sensor is used to detect fluid flow, then flow detection can be performed, but the pressure sensor cannot be reused and sanitation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
A diaphragm is introduced as an intermediary component between the fluid and the pressure sensor. The diaphragm allows pressure transmission while preventing direct fluid contact with the sensor, enabling both accurate flow detection and sensor reuse without contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is implemented as a flexible thin film that can deform in response to pressure changes while maintaining a barrier between the fluid and the pressure sensor. This flexible membrane transmits mechanical stress effectively while preventing fluid penetration
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-invasive pressure sensor with diaphragm protection is used, then the pressure sensor can be reused and sanitation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm protection layer is merged with the pressure sensor assembly, integrating the protective function into the sensor structure itself. This combination achieves sanitation and reuse capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If excessive handling of fluids is performed for analysis, then fluid analysis can be conducted, but efficiency decreases and equipment needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides fluid flow, provides a containment structure for analysis, and integrates with the pressure sensing system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate handling equipment and improves system efficiency
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 efficient, cost-effective, and sanitary fluid flow detection and analysis by preventing fluid contact with the pressure sensor, facilitating reuse and reducing equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are associated with an elasticity
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor is configured to determine a pressure difference between the inlet port and the outlet port
Implementation Method 3
the flow channel is associated with a resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An example system and an associated method are provided herein. In some embodiments, the system may include a flow channel having an inlet port and an outlet port. In some embodiments, the system may include a pressure sensor having a first port and a second port. In some embodiments, the system may include a first diaphragm disposed on the first port and a second diaphragm disposed on the second port. In some embodiments, the first diaphragm is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the second diaphragm is in fluid communication with the outlet port. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to determine a pressure difference between the inlet port and the outlet port. In some embodiments, the system may include a computing device, the computing device configured to determine a flow rate of a fluid in the flow channel based at least on the pressure difference.