Eccentric Load Sensor for Differential Pressure Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems require two separate pressure sensors and extensive calibration, leading to increased costs and maintenance, as well as potential errors in flow rate detection.
Innovation Solution
An integrated eccentric load sensor with a bridge circuit is used to detect differences in pressure across a nozzle, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and reducing calibration requirements by measuring eccentric loads proportional to fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate pressure sensors are used to detect fluid flow, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure sensing functions into a single differential pressure sensor that directly measures pressure differential across the nozzle. This merging eliminates the need for two separate sensors and their individual calibrations, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure sensor serves multiple functions: it directly measures fluid flow through pressure differential detection, eliminates the need for separate calibration of multiple sensors, and provides a unified measurement system that simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Measurement precision
If two separate pressure sensors are used, then pressure detection capability is improved, but calibration time and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure detection function into a single differential pressure sensor, the calibration process is consolidated into one unified calibration procedure rather than requiring separate calibration of two independent sensors, thereby reducing calibration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential pressure sensor provides self-referential measurement by directly comparing pressures across the nozzle, eliminating the need for external calibration references and reducing calibration time and complexity.
3Reliability
If two separate pressure sensors are used, then measurement redundancy is improved, but cost and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two pressure sensing functions into a single differential pressure sensor, reducing the total component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement reliability through direct differential measurement across the nozzle.
4Measurement precision
If separate pressure sensors are used with flexible membranes, then pressure sensing is improved, but device complexity and error potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure sensing elements and differential measurement functions into a single integrated differential pressure sensor, eliminating the complexity of assembling and aligning multiple separate sensors with flexible membranes.
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 solution allows for accurate and cost-effective detection of fluid flow changes, reducing maintenance needs and eliminating calibration errors, while enabling precise control of fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
A strain gauge like circuit is integrated into the eccentric load sensor such that changes in the eccentric loading of the sensor create a voltage signal in the strain gauge circuit
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle forms a restriction in the conduit forming a venturi and due to the Bernoulli effect, will result in different pressures on either side of the nozzle depending upon the flow characteristics within the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent a pressure chambers separated by a nozzle. Flow in a conduit is determined by detecting the pressure on either side of a nozzle. Changes in pressure are proportional to a change in flow. An integrated differential pressure sensor having different pressure detecting portions with strain gauges thereon detects differences in deflection of each pressure sensor portion resulting from change in fluid flow. A bridge circuit detects changes in the signals from the two different pressure sensor portions creating a differential which is proportional to a change in liquid flow. The present invention reduces the need for calibration of pressure sensors and improves the detection of fluid flow. The invention can detect small changes in fluid flow and is particularly applicable to the medical field where, small fluid flows must be measured or determined accurately.