Differential Pressure Flowmeter With Decompression for Repeatable Disinfection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters used in medical applications suffer from contamination issues, leading to high costs and reduced accuracy due to the use of electronic components and flexible materials that deform or trap substances, affecting measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A high-detection accuracy differential pressure flowmeter with a decompression assembly and bidirectional decompression components that allow for repeated disinfection, reducing structural complexity and preventing damage to electronic components while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic devices are used in flowmeters, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device cannot be disinfected repeatedly due to damage to electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter is divided into separate components: a disposable sensor assembly containing the measurement elements and a reusable electronic processing unit. The sensor assembly can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need to subject electronic components to repeated disinfection while maintaining measurement accuracy through the passive sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are extracted from the sensor assembly and placed in a separate reusable housing. This allows the sensor portion to be disposed of after single use, preventing contamination issues while protecting the expensive electronic components from damage during disinfection processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If flexible materials are used for plate holes, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases due to material deformation during disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly incorporating the plate hole structure is designed as a disposable component manufactured at low cost. After single use, it is discarded rather than reused, eliminating the need for materials to withstand repeated disinfection cycles. This allows optimization for manufacturing simplicity and initial measurement accuracy without concern for long-term durability under sterilization conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If plate holes are made of flexible material, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but substances remain trapped on the plate hole affecting deformation and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The low-cost flexible plate hole structure is implemented in a disposable sensor assembly that is discarded after single use. This eliminates the accumulation of trapped substances issue, as each new sensor assembly starts with a clean surface, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring complex cleaning or disinfection procedures.
4Productivity
If high flow gas flows through flexible plate holes, then flow measurement is achieved, but the plate hole shakes and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible plate hole is integrated with a rigid support structure or housing within the sensor assembly. This combination allows the plate hole to maintain its flexible, low-cost characteristics while the rigid structure provides stability during high flow conditions, preventing shaking and maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the operational range.
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 flowmeter can be repeatedly disinfected without damaging electronic components, ensuring consistent detection accuracy and reducing production costs, suitable for various applications beyond traditional flowmeters.
Implementation Method 1
a high-detection accuracy differential pressure flow meter capable of being repeatedly disinfected... a body provided with a decompression assembly... two ends of the decompression assembly are provided with a first air inlet and a second air inlet... capable of decompressing forward and reverse air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A high-detection accuracy differential pressure flowmeter capable of being repeatedly disinfected, includes: a body and a processing module; wherein the body is connected to a gas pipeline, and a antihypertensive component is provided in the body. When the air flows through the body, it will enter from the first air inlet and enter through the first interface to the processing module. The air pressure is detected by the upstream gas. After the air flow passes through the antihypertensive components in the body to reduce the pressure, it will enter from the second air inlet. The structure of the flow meter is passive, simple, disinfection and low cost, and can ensure that there is the same detection accuracy as the new product after disinfection