Elapsed Time Indicator With Porous Element And Micro-Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microfluidic and simple electronic elapsed time indicators lack accuracy and visibility in measuring and indicating elapsed time, and are costly to manufacture, respectively.
Innovation Solution
An elapsed time indicator comprising a porous element, an electrical source, and an electronic controller that receives power to control the flow of a fluid to the porous element upon expiry of a predetermined time period, using a micro-valve and heating element to impregnate the porous element, making the measurement independent of fluid viscosity and porosity, and providing a visible indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microfluidic elapsed time indicators are used to measure elapsed time, then the measurement can be performed without batteries, but the precision and accuracy of the measurement is not accurate enough for some fields of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical microfluidic flow system with an electronically controlled system. An electronic controller manages a valve mechanism that regulates fluid flow through the porous element, enabling precise control over the timing process. This electronic control allows for accurate measurement of elapsed time while maintaining the battery-free operation through energy harvesting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the system by introducing an electronically controlled valve that can precisely regulate fluid flow rate. Instead of relying on passive microfluidic channels with fixed flow characteristics, the system dynamically adjusts flow parameters through electronic control, enabling accurate timing measurements. The porous element's properties are also optimized to work with the controlled flow system.
2Loss of information
If simple electronic elapsed time indicators are used to provide timing indication, then binary indication can be provided, but the manufacturing cost is too costly for some fields of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable porous element that is replaced rather than regenerated. This element serves the timing function through fluid impregnation and can be manufactured at low cost using materials like paper or porous polymer. The rest of the system (electronic controller, valve, energy harvesting device) is reused, reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining clear timing indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color change as the visual indication mechanism. The porous element changes color when impregnated by the fluid, providing clear binary timing indication. This color change can be achieved through various mechanisms such as pH-sensitive dyes, oxidation reactions, or other chemical indicators that provide visible contrast between the timed and untimed states.
3Illumination intensity
If microfluidic elapsed time indicators are used to indicate expiry, then the indication can be provided without power source, but the visual indication is not sufficiently visible for some fields of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pronounced color changes in the porous element when it becomes impregnated by the fluid. This color transformation provides highly visible visual indication of elapsed time expiry. The color change can be enhanced by using contrasting colors, fluorescent materials, or large-area indicators that are easily visible to the human eye without requiring additional power for illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances visual visibility by transitioning from subtle two-dimensional color changes to three-dimensional visual effects. This can include swelling of the porous element, formation of visible fluid fronts, or multi-layer structures that create depth and contrast in the visual indication, making the expiry signal more apparent without consuming additional power.
4Use of energy by moving object
If an electronic controller with valve is used to control fluid flow to the porous element, then power consumption is reduced (only one-time valve operation), but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the electronic controller and valve system are activated only once at the beginning of the timing period. The valve opens to allow fluid to flow through the porous element, and this one-time action initiates the timing process without requiring continuous power or control. The system essentially services itself by using the initial fluid flow to start the timing measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the system with a stored fluid reservoir and a pre-set timing mechanism. The electronic controller is programmed with the desired time period, and the valve is positioned to control fluid flow. When activated, the system executes the timing sequence without requiring continuous intervention or power, as the preliminary setup enables autonomous operation.
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 solution provides accurate and visible elapsed time measurement with reduced power consumption and manufacturing costs, as the indicator only requires power for the one-time operation of the micro-valve, and the porous element becomes transparent to reveal a colored indicator, enhancing visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a solid agent located adjacent to or on the porous element and a heating element for melting the solid agent
Implementation Method 2
a porous element... Upon receiving the fluid, the porous element may be impregnated by the fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An elapsed time indicator comprises a porous element, an electrical source, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to receive electrical power from the electrical source and cause a fluid to be received by the porous element in response to expiry of a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be associated with an item such as a perishable item with which the elapsed time indicator is to be associated or to which the elapsed time indicator is to be attached. The predetermined time period may comprise a lifetime or a shelf-life of the item or a predetermined proportion of a lifetime or a shelf-life of the item.