EMR Drop Volume Measurement via Optical Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the volume of liquid flow in drip systems lack accuracy due to variations in drop size and dripping rate, and existing solutions require contact with the liquid for cleaning and sterilization, which is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A system using electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sensors to calculate the volume of individual drops by measuring the interference of a collimated EMR beam with falling liquid drops, combining drop count with volume calculations to determine cumulative flow volume over time, without direct contact with the liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual monitoring of transparent drip apparatus is used, then qualitative flow information is observable, but quantitative flow rate and volume data are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual monitoring system with an optical detection system using electromagnetic radiation sensors. The sensor detects drops through optical interference patterns created when drops pass through the radiation field, automatically providing quantitative flow data without requiring visual observation or contact with the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the liquid flow and the detection system. The radiation passes through the liquid-free space, interacts with drops optically, and carries information about drop characteristics to the sensor, enabling non-contact measurement of flow parameters.
2Measurement precision
If contact-based flow sensors are used, then quantitative flow data can be obtained, but cleaning and sterilization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical flow sensors with a non-contact optical sensing system. Electromagnetic radiation sensors detect drops through optical properties without physical contact, eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization while maintaining precise flow measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary that transmits through the liquid-free environment to detect drop characteristics. This intermediary enables measurement without the sensor contacting the liquid, thus avoiding contamination and sterilization requirements.
3Ease of operation
If optical methods are used to measure drop volume, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but identification of the infused liquid is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent analyzes multiple optical parameters of the drops including size, velocity, shape, and optical interference patterns. By measuring these different parameters and their relationships, the system can identify liquid properties and provide liquid identification information while maintaining non-contact measurement advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances the optical sensing system to perform multiple functions: measuring drop volume, calculating flow rate, and identifying liquid type. The same electromagnetic radiation sensor that detects drop presence also provides information about liquid characteristics through analysis of optical properties, making the system multi-functional.
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 system provides accurate real-time quantitative data on liquid flow with high accuracy, reducing errors to less than 2% and eliminating the need for cleaning and sterilization, as it measures individual drop volumes and flow rates effectively.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the interference of a collimated EMR beam with falling liquid drops
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5b
AI summary
According to some embodiments of the present invention there are provided a method for calculating a volume of an individual falling drop of liquid by analyzing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) reception, the method comprising projecting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from an EMR source, measuring the EMR using at least one EMR sensor when the EMR is partially interfered with by a drop falling between the EMR source and the EMR sensor, calculating a plurality of widths parallel to a vertical axis of the drop, each one of the plurality of widths is calculated according to a reception of a time correlated measured portion of the EMR, and calculating a volume of the drop by combining the plurality of widths and a velocity of the drop when the drop is falling between the EMR source and the EMR sensor.