Dual Flow Sensor Barrier Layout for Fast Gas Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas flow meters cannot detect the direction of gas flow, and MEMS flow sensors have a slow response time, making them inadequate for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a substrate with a barrier and two flow sensors located at specific distances from the barrier surfaces, allowing for the determination of fluid flow properties, including direction, by processing signals from these sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gas flow meters based on detecting velocity are used, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but flow direction detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensing function is divided into multiple velocity sensors positioned at different locations within the conduit. By segmenting the measurement task across multiple sensors, the system can detect both the magnitude and direction of flow by comparing velocity readings from different positions, thus achieving both flow rate measurement and flow direction detection simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point velocity measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by placing velocity sensors at different locations within the conduit cross-section. This dimensional expansion from one point to multiple points enables the system to determine flow direction by analyzing velocity differences across the spatial dimension
2Adaptability or versatility
If MEMS flow sensors are used, then flow direction detection is achieved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical MEMS sensing mechanism with a non-mechanical velocity detection approach using multiple velocity sensors that measure fluid velocity directly through pressure differential or other non-intrusive methods. This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts inherent in MEMS sensors, thereby achieving flow direction detection without the associated slow response time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical displacement (in MEMS) to velocity-based measurement through multiple sensors. By measuring velocity at different points and inferring direction from velocity differences, the system achieves flow direction detection with faster response characteristics compared to mechanical MEMS sensors
3Device complexity
If a single flow sensor is used in a ventilator, then device simplicity is maintained, but flow direction determination becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The flow monitoring function is segmented into multiple velocity sensors positioned at different locations within the conduit. This segmentation allows the system to capture velocity information from multiple points, enabling flow direction determination while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of straightforward velocity measurement principles
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple velocity sensors serve dual purposes: they simultaneously provide flow rate measurement by aggregating velocity data and flow direction determination by comparing velocity differences. This multi-functionality allows the system to extract both magnitude and direction information from the same sensor array, avoiding the need for separate sensing systems
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 effectively determines the direction and magnitude of fluid flow, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by providing a fast and accurate method for monitoring gas flow in conduits.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow sensor to generate a first velocity sensor signal, the first flow sensor located at a first sensor distance from the first barrier surface. And the apparatus further comprises a second flow sensor to generate a second velocity sensor signal, the second flow sensor located at a second sensor distance from the second barrier surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus and method for use in determining one or more fluid flow properties of a fluid in a conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate including a barrier, a first flow sensor coupled to the substrate and a second flow sensor coupled to the substrate. The first flow sensor is located at a first sensor distance from a first barrier surface, and the second flow sensor is located a second sensor distance from the second barrier surface. The first sensor distance is substantially equal to the second sensor distance. In operation, the first flow sensor produces a first sensor signal, and the second flow sensor produces a second sensor signal. The direction of flow for the fluid is determined by comparing the first sensor signal to the second sensor signal.