Electrostatic Flow Measurement for Peristaltic Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices for fluids in tubes, particularly those used with peristaltic pumps, are expensive, energy-intensive, and not suitable for miniaturization, making them unsuitable for applications requiring low flow rate measurements in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A flow measurement device utilizing an electrostatic charge variation sensor to detect the triboelectric charges generated on the tube by the peristaltic pump's roller elements, processing the charge variation signal to determine fluid flow rates and types, with a compact design and low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic flowmeters or other sophisticated flow measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic or ultrasonic flow measurement systems with a simple electrostatic sensing system. The detection electrode arrangement measures triboelectric charges generated by the peristaltic pump's mechanical action on the tube, converting a mechanical phenomenon into an electrical measurement signal. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the triboelectric charges naturally generated by the peristaltic pump's operation as the measurement signal source. The roller elements compressing and releasing the tube automatically generate electrostatic charges that are directly detected by the electrode arrangement, eliminating the need for external measurement energy sources or complex sensing mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated flowmeters with high energy consumption are used, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is powered by the triboelectric charges generated during normal peristaltic pump operation. The roller elements compressing the tube create electrostatic potential that directly drives the detection electrode arrangement and associated electronics, eliminating the need for separate high-power measurement energy sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces energy-intensive electromagnetic or ultrasonic measurement systems with a passive electrostatic sensing system that harvests energy from the mechanical compression and release of the tube by the peristaltic pump rollers, dramatically reducing external energy requirements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional flowmeters are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases preventing miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky electromagnetic flowmeters with a compact electrostatic sensing system. The detection electrode arrangement can be positioned close to the tube surface, and the associated electronics can be miniaturized, enabling integration into space-constrained applications while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from measuring fluid properties directly in the flow path (requiring large internal dimensions) to measuring electrostatic charges on the tube surface (external measurement), enabling compact device design that does not interfere with the fluid pathway.
4Reliability
If peristaltic pumps are used for high purity applications, then fluid purity is improved, but flow measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the tube itself as an intermediary between the peristaltic pump and the measurement system. The detection electrode arrangement measures triboelectric charges generated on the tube surface during pump operation, allowing indirect flow measurement without any sensor contact with the fluid, thus maintaining purity while enabling measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces contact-based flow measurement methods (that would require fluid-sensor interaction) with electrostatic sensing of triboelectric charges on the tube surface, maintaining the contamination-free advantage of peristaltic pumps while adding measurement capability.
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
Enables accurate measurement of low flow rates with reduced costs and size, allowing for installation in space-constrained applications while maintaining high purity and sterility, and providing predictive maintenance capabilities by identifying fluid types and potential pump malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a charge variation signal corresponding to triboelectric charges generated on the tube by the roller elements of the peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
a detection electrode arrangement coupled to the tube and configured to detect an electrostatic charge variation originated by an action of the peristaltic pump on the tube
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide a device for measuring the flow of fluid inside a tube moved by a peristaltic pump is provided with: a detection electrode arrangement coupled to the tube to detect an electrostatic charge variation originated by the mechanical action of the peristaltic pump on the tube; a signal processing stage, electrically coupled to the detection electrode arrangement to generate an electrical charge variation signal; and a processing unit, coupled to the signal processing stage to receive and process in the frequency domain the electrical charge variation signal to obtain information on the flow of a fluid that flows through the tube based on the analysis of frequency characteristics of the electrical charge variation signal.