Gas Flow Measurement Assembly with Motion Sensor for Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas flow measurement devices, such as spirometers, require cumbersome and error-prone manual calibration processes using 3-liter syringes, which are difficult to handle and do not ensure accurate calibration verification.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a gas flow measurement device equipped with a motion sensor that tracks its movement through space to verify calibration by comparing detected gas flow with expected flow, eliminating the need for manual syringe calibration and ensuring accurate verification through simple, user-friendly operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration using a 3-liter syringe is used, then calibration verification can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical calibration process with an automated electronic system. A motion sensor detects the position of a plunger, and a processor automatically calculates calibration parameters based on the detected position and pre-stored reference data, eliminating manual handling of the syringe and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration verification process becomes self-service through automation. The system automatically detects plunger position via motion sensor, retrieves reference calibration data from memory, performs calculations, and outputs calibration verification results without requiring manual intervention or interpretation by the operator.
2Measurement precision
If manual handling of calibration syringe is performed, then calibration check can be conducted, but handling errors reduce the intended accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and calculation. The motion sensor objectively detects plunger position without human intervention, and the processor automatically computes calibration parameters, eliminating the variability and errors introduced by manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the motion sensor that continuously monitors plunger position and provides real-time data to the processor. This feedback mechanism ensures that calibration verification is based on actual measured positions rather than manual estimates, improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If automated motion detection is used for calibration verification, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion sensor and processor are integrated into the existing spirometer device, serving both the primary respiratory measurement function and the calibration verification function. This multi-functionality approach adds calibration capabilities without requiring entirely separate equipment, managing complexity through resource sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion sensor acts as an intermediary between the mechanical plunger movement and the electronic processing system. It converts physical displacement into electrical signals that the processor can interpret, bridging the mechanical and electronic domains without requiring complex direct integration.
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
Facilitates easy and reliable daily calibration verification, enhancing the accuracy of spirometry measurements by simplifying the process and reducing handling errors, thus improving the overall precision of gas flow measurement devices.
Implementation Method 1
a motion sensor for tracking movements of the device for measuring the flow of gas through the space surrounding the device
Implementation Method 2
a flow sensor for detecting a gas flow through the device during the movement of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (7) comprising a device for measuring a flow of gas, the device (1) comprising a gas inlet (3), a gas outlet (4), and a flow sensor arranged between the gas inlet (3) and the gas outlet (4). According to an aspect of the invention, the assembly further comprises a motion sensor (6).