Fluid Flow Control Device Using Injector Effect for Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for controlling fluid flow in compartments struggle to adjust flow velocities without increasing pressure, especially when dealing with small volumes and varying types of substances, which can lead to sensor damage and reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compartment, inlet, outlet, and distribution chamber system, featuring a third channel that reverses flow direction based on pump speed, creating an injector effect to increase flow velocity without pressure buildup, allowing for adjustable flow rates and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pump speed is increased to increase flow velocity in the measuring chamber, then the flow velocity increases, but the pressure in the measuring chamber increases which can damage the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transport path is segmented into multiple channels: a first channel for fluid transport to the measuring chamber, a second channel as a bypass path, and a third channel for fluid transport from the measuring chamber. This segmentation allows different flow paths to serve different functions, enabling velocity control without proportional pressure increase in the measuring chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution chamber acts as an intermediary element that receives fluid from the first channel and distributes it to either the measuring chamber (via third channel) or the bypass path (via second channel). This intermediary structure enables flow velocity adjustment by redirecting fluid through different paths, preventing direct pressure transmission to the sensor.
2Speed
If the flow velocity in the inlet channel is increased to increase velocity in the measuring chamber, then the velocity increases, but the pressure in the measuring chamber increases which reduces sensor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flow distribution between the measuring chamber and bypass path based on operational requirements. By varying the flow split ratio, the system can optimize for either measurement precision (lower velocity) or throughput (higher velocity) without compromising sensor integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes flow parameters by providing multiple channel configurations with different flow resistances and path lengths. This allows adjustment of flow velocity and pressure parameters independently, enabling optimization of sensor sensitivity while maintaining adequate flow velocity for measurement purposes.
3Device complexity
If a single measuring cell design is used for all measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different measurement requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring cell is designed with multiple channels and a distribution chamber that can route fluid through different paths, enabling a single cell design to accommodate various measurement requirements. The same cell can operate in different flow modes (low velocity for binding measurements, high velocity for particle detection) without physical modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution chamber is pre-configured with multiple outlet channels that can be selectively activated based on measurement requirements. This preliminary structural preparation allows rapid adaptation to different measurement types without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple specialized cells.
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 precise control of flow velocities in compartments, preventing pressure increases and allowing for both low and high flow rates, enhancing measurement sensitivity and efficiency by ensuring particles interact effectively with the sensor surface.
Implementation Method 1
the third channel is arranged so that its transport direction depends upon the velocity of flow in the distribution chamber so that the fluid in the third channel is transported in a direction from the distribution chamber to the compartment at the lower flow velocity in the distribution chamber, which leads to quiet flow in the compartment, and in an opposite direction, i.e. in a direction from the compartment to the distribution chamber, at the higher flow velocity in the distribution chamber due to an injector effect
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for controlling the flow of a fluid in a compartment (4) with an inlet opening (5) and an outlet opening (6). The device comprises an inlet channel (8) connected to the inlet opening for transportation of fluid to the compartment, an outlet channel (9) connected to the outlet opening for transportation of fluid from the compartment and a pump (17) arranged to pump the fluid. The compartment is provided with a third opening (12). The device comprises a distribution chamber (15) connected to the inlet channel and a third channel (14) connected between the distribution chamber and the third opening for transportation of fluid between the distribution chamber and the compartment. The pump is arranged to vary the fluid flow velocity in the distribution chamber between a lower and a higher flow velocity, and the third channel is arranged so that its transport direction depends upon the flow velocity in the distribution chamber such that the fluid in the third channel is transported in a direction from the distribution chamber to the compartment at said lower flow velocity in the distribution chamber, which leads to a slow flow in the compartment, and in the opposite direction at said higher flow velocity in the distribution chamber due an injector effect, which leads to a substantial increase in the flow velocity in the inlet channel and thus in the compartment.