Gamma-Sterilizable Coriolis Flow Sensor With Locking Cradle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Coriolis flow sensors are expensive, not suitable for single-use or disposable applications, and require ineffective chemical sterilization that can cause cross-contamination, while existing designs to reduce cross-talk and interference are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, disposable Coriolis flow sensor design with a gamma-sterilizable plastic enclosure and a heavy cradle that locks securely to increase mass, combined with vibration isolation, to enhance accuracy and reduce zero drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow sensors are attached to a large mass and constructed from heavy materials to reduce cross-talk and interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases and they become unsuitable for single-use applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate parts: a lightweight disposable flow sensor and a heavy stationary cradle. The flow sensor contains only the essential measuring components (flow tube, electronics), while the heavy mass is provided by the cradle it locks into. This segmentation allows the sensor itself to be lightweight and disposable, while still achieving accurate measurements through the cradle's mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle acts as an intermediary between the lightweight flow sensor and the measurement system. It provides the heavy mass needed to reduce cross-talk and interference, while the sensor locks into the cradle to combine its lightweight design with the cradle's stabilizing mass, achieving both accuracy and disposability.
2Reliability
If chemical sterilization is used to sterilize flow sensors with metal enclosures, then sterilization is achieved, but cross-contamination occurs and effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Chemical sterilization is replaced with gamma irradiation sterilization. Instead of using chemical agents that can cause cross-contamination and are less effective, the patent uses gamma rays to sterilize the flow sensor. This physical sterilization method is more effective, leaves no chemical residues, and prevents cross-contamination between uses.
3Ease of manufacture
If flow sensors are designed for single-use or disposable applications, then cost is reduced and contamination is prevented, but measurement accuracy and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the heavy mass function from the disposable sensor. The cradle provides the heavy mass needed for measurement stability, while the sensor itself remains lightweight and disposable. This allows single-use sensors to achieve the measurement accuracy typically requiring heavy construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle serves as an intermediary that provides the heavy mass and structural stability needed for accurate measurements. The disposable sensor locks into the cradle, combining the sensor's disposability with the cradle's measurement-stabilizing properties, thus achieving both cost-effectiveness and accuracy.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for flow sensors to enable disposable applications, then cost is reduced and single-use is enabled, but susceptibility to cross-talk and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle acts as an intermediary that compensates for the lightweight sensor's susceptibility to interference. By locking the lightweight sensor into the heavy cradle, the system combines the sensor's disposability with the cradle's ability to reduce cross-talk and interference through its heavy mass.
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 solution enables accurate, cost-effective, and sterile single-use Coriolis flow sensors with reduced zero drift, suitable for applications like bio-pharmaceuticals, by allowing gamma sterilization and efficient replacement.
Implementation Method 1
Coriolis flow sensors measure the flow rate of fluids based on vibrations caused by the Coriolis effect of fluid flowing through the sensor
Implementation Method 2
A lightweight, disposable Coriolis flow sensor design with a gamma-sterilizable plastic enclosure and a heavy cradle that locks securely to increase mass, combined with vibration isolation, to enhance accuracy and reduce zero drift
Implementation Method 3
sterilization of flow sensors having metal enclosures or metal components is typically implemented by using chemicals, which is not as effective and can cause cross-contamination of the flow sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A Coriolis flow sensor includes a metal flow tube and an enclosure. The enclosure encloses the flow tube and is constructed at least partially from a gamma transparent material. The metal flow tube may be constructed from stainless steel. The gamma transparent material and the flow tube are thin enough to permit sterilization of an interior of the flow tube by gamma irradiation of the flow tube through the gamma transparent material. The enclosure is also shaped to facilitate locking and unlocking the Coriolis flow sensor in place on a mounting structure.