Fluid Flow Device Interface Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow devices with micro-channels face limitations in detecting flow errors due to restricted means, such as pressure detectors, which reduce the degree of freedom in choosing detection methods according to precision and work simplicity requirements.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow device with a channel forming body that includes multiple detection spaces and communication channels, where detection liquids and gases form an interface that changes with pressure changes in the processing object fluid, allowing for the detection of flow errors without direct pressure detection, enhancing the freedom in choosing detection methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure detectors are connected to communication channels for detecting flow errors, then flow error detection capability is provided, but device complexity increases and degree of freedom in choosing detection means is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow error detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces detection liquids and detection gases as intermediary substances in detection spaces that indirectly indicate pressure changes through interface position changes. This mediator approach allows flow error detection without directly connecting pressure detectors to communication channels, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure detection system with an optical or visual detection system. Instead of using pressure detectors that require electrical connections and power supplies, the system uses the position of an interface between detection liquid and detection gas, which can be observed or detected optically, thus simplifying the device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If pressure detectors are used for detecting flow errors, then detection function is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to restricted detection means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow error detection capabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex pressure detection equipment with a simple visual or optical detection method based on interface position. This substitution makes the detection process easier to operate as it eliminates the need for connecting and calibrating pressure detectors, allowing for more flexible and adaptable detection approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If micro-channels are made fine for chemical operations, then processing capability is improved, but flow error risk increases due to viscosity changes and foreign substances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical operation capabilityVSAvoidflow error risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection liquid and detection gas act as intermediaries that respond to pressure changes caused by flow errors in the micro-channels. This indirect detection method allows for early detection of flow errors without interfering with the fine micro-channel structure and its chemical processing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection spaces with interface positions are positioned to detect pressure changes before they lead to complete channel closure. This preliminary detection allows for early intervention and cleaning, preventing total flow failure while maintaining the fine micro-channel structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 detection of flow errors by converting pressure changes into interface position changes, eliminating the need for direct pressure detection and increasing the flexibility in error detection methods, thus improving the device's ability to handle viscosity changes and foreign substances.

Implementation Method 1

The detection gas is contained in the detection space so as to allow a position of the interface to change with a pressure change of the processing object fluid at the channel connection part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure change: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11413595B2Fluid flow device and flow error detection method

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 KOBE STEEL LTD

AI summary

Provided is a fluid flow device having high freedom of choosing means for detecting flow errors. The fluid flow device includes a channel forming body. The channel forming body forms a plurality of fluid channels, a plurality of detection spaces corresponding to the fluid channels, respectively, and a plurality of communication channels providing respective communications between the fluid channels and the detection spaces corresponding thereto, respectively. Each of the detection spaces contains a detection fluid and a detection gas aligned in a longitudinal direction thereof, and an interface is formed therebetween. The detection gas is contained in the detection space so as to allow the position of the interface to be changed with the pressure change of a processing object fluid that flows through the fluid channels.