Electronic Flowmeter With Digital Regulation for Accurate Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for gases like oxygen face difficulties in user alignment of ball indicators with flowrate scales and require manual adjustment to maintain prescribed flow rates, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An electronic flowmeter with a digital indicator and touch screen interface that uses a flow sensor and microprocessor to accurately display and adjust flow rates, including automatic regulation and alarm systems, and wireless communication for remote monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ball indicator and flowtube scale are used for flowrate indication, then the flowmeter can display flow rate visually, but the user has difficulty in comparing the alignment of the ball against the scale accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ball indicator and flowtube scale system with an electronic flow sensor and digital display system. The flow sensor electronically detects flowrate, and the microprocessor processes this data to display it digitally, eliminating the need for visual alignment comparison and providing precise flowrate indication without user alignment difficulty.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a manual regulator with knob adjustment is used, then the user can adjust flowrate, but the user must continuously monitor and manually adjust the flowrate to maintain prescribed ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electronic regulator that automatically maintains the prescribed flowrate range without continuous user intervention. The microprocessor controls the regulator to self-adjust the flowrate based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous user monitoring and manual adjustment while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control system where the flow sensor continuously monitors the actual flowrate, the microprocessor compares it with the prescribed range, and the electronic regulator automatically adjusts the flow to maintain it within the desired range. This closed-loop feedback eliminates manual monitoring and adjustment time.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual inspection of the ball position is required to acknowledge out-of-range conditions, then the user can detect flowrate issues, but the process is cumbersome and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection of the mechanical ball position with an electronic detection system. The flow sensor and microprocessor automatically detect when flowrate is out of range and can trigger alarms or notifications, eliminating human error and making detection more reliable and less cumbersome.
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
Enhances user convenience and accuracy by providing real-time flowrate monitoring and adjustment, automatic regulation within prescribed ranges, and remote alerting, reducing the risk of human error and improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
A flow sensor is associated with the valve and senses a flowrate therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a digital indicator displays the flowrate sensed by the flow sensor
Implementation Method 3
The regulator may be a needle valve, including a needle portion that extends into the fluid communication channel adjacent the outlet
Implementation Method 4
The oxygen in the Thorpe tube elevates a ball of the ball indicator upwards against gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic flowmeter (100, 200) includes a body (104) defining an interior, an inlet port (105) in communication with the interior, an outlet port (106) in communication with the interior (105), and a valve (110, 210) selectively adjustable between open and closed positions for communication between the outlet (106) port and the interior. A flow sensor (200) is associated with the valve (110, 210) and senses a flowrate therethrough, and a digital indicator (103) displays the flowrate sensed by the flow sensor (200).