Dripping Detection Apparatus with Multi-Element Photo Interrupter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drip infusion monitor devices have low detection sensitivity due to the arrangement of light emitting and receiving elements, which limits their ability to accurately detect liquid droplets when the drip cylinder is inclined or when droplets deviate from the direct light path.
Innovation Solution
A dripping detection apparatus with a photo interrupter featuring multiple light emitting and receiving elements arranged in opposing positions with the drip cylinder interposed between them, and light paths positioned at the lower side relative to the nozzle, allowing for precise detection of liquid droplets even when the cylinder is inclined or droplets deviate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the light receiving element detects scattered light, then the dripping of liquid droplets can be grasped even when the drip cylinder is inclined, but the detection sensitivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving section is divided into multiple independent light receiving elements arranged in the vertical direction. Each element detects light independently, allowing the system to maintain high detection sensitivity while accommodating inclined positions by having multiple detection points along the vertical axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point detection to multi-point detection along the vertical dimension. By arranging light receiving elements at different vertical positions, the system creates a dimensional array that captures droplets regardless of the cylinder's inclination angle.
2Measurement precision
If the light emitting element and light receiving element are arranged in an opposing manner, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the liquid droplets may be missed when the drip cylinder is inclined and droplets deviate from the direct light path
Solution Approach 1:
The light receiving section is segmented into multiple light receiving elements positioned at different vertical locations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the high sensitivity of opposing arrangement while compensating for inclination by providing multiple vertical detection zones that can capture deviating droplets.
Solution Approach 2:
The light emitting element emits light that covers a wider vertical range than a single direct path would provide. By having excessive light coverage area and multiple light receiving elements within this range, the system ensures that at least some light paths intersect with droplets even when they deviate due to inclination.
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 apparatus achieves reliable and precise detection of liquid droplets by ensuring that light paths intersect with the droplets, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy, and can also detect liquid levels in the reservoir.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting element emitting light and equal to or more than two light receiving elements receiving the light
Data Source
AI summary
A dripping detection apparatus includes a cylindrical drip cylinder into which a nozzle is inserted from an upper side and that receives inside a liquid droplet dripping from a lower end of the nozzle, and a photo interrupter that has equal to or more than one light emitting element emitting light and equal to or more than two light receiving elements receiving the light, wherein the equal to or more than one light emitting element and the equal to or more than two light receiving elements are arranged at opposing or substantially opposing positions with the drip cylinder interposed between the elements and equal to or more than two light paths connecting the equal to or more than one light emitting element to the equal to or more than two light receiving elements are located at a lower side relative to the lower end of the nozzle.