Dual-Temperature Bubble Detection for Accurate Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow systems face challenges in accurately detecting air bubbles, which can lead to equipment damage and incorrect dosages in medical applications, due to the reliance on separate detection modules prone to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor configuration that uses moving average temperature data from two thermally coupled sensors to detect air bubbles within the fluid flow system, employing multiple air presence parameters and calibrated thresholds to determine bubble volume and adjust fluid concentration rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate air bubble detection modules using ultrasonic sensing technology are used, then air bubble detection capability is provided, but false alarms increase and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air bubble detection functionality with the existing temperature sensor system by analyzing temperature differential patterns caused by air bubbles. Instead of using a separate ultrasonic detection module, the invention merges the detection function into the thermal management system, using the same temperature sensors to perform both temperature monitoring and air bubble detection through pattern recognition algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultrasonic sensing approach with a thermal field-based detection method. By substituting the ultrasonic wave mechanism with thermal conduction analysis, the system achieves air bubble detection through temperature differential measurements, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and reducing false alarms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors and processing circuitry are integrated into the fluid flow system, then air bubble detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature sensor system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its original temperature monitoring function and the new air bubble detection function. The same temperature sensors and processing circuitry are used for thermal management and for detecting air bubbles through temperature differential analysis, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own temperature sensor network to detect air bubbles, making the temperature monitoring system self-sufficient for dual purposes. The processing circuitry analyzes temperature differential patterns generated during normal operation to identify air bubbles, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional separate detection modules are used, then air bubble presence can be detected, but additional detection components are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges air bubble detection functionality with the existing temperature sensor system by analyzing temperature differential patterns caused by air bubbles. Instead of using a separate ultrasonic detection module, the invention merges the detection function into the thermal management system, using the same temperature sensors to perform both temperature monitoring and air bubble detection through pattern recognition algorithms.
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
This integrated solution reliably detects air bubbles without additional detection components, reducing false alarms and ensuring accurate fluid delivery in both industrial and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor device may include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a heating element that are configured to generate temperature data associated with a fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Sensors, methods, and computer program products for air bubble detection are provided. An example method includes determining a first moving average for a first period of time based upon first temperature data and determining a second moving average for the first period of time based upon second temperature data. The method includes determining a first air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data and the first moving average and a comparison between the second temperature data and the second moving average. The method includes determining a second air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data, the second temperature data, and calibrated air thresholds. The method includes determining a third air presence parameter based upon a comparison between a first temperature data entry and each second temperature data entry. An air bubble within a fluid flow system is detected based upon the parameters.