Gas Mixture Delivery Control With Feedback-Regulated Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas mixture packaging methods, such as manometric and gravimetric packaging, face challenges in achieving precise concentration tolerances, leading to variability in gas mixtures between cylinders, limited user autonomy, and cumbersome logistics due to the use of cylinders, which can be hazardous and require dedicated transportation and handling.
Innovation Solution
A plant comprising a mixer device, flow regulators, and a control unit that adjusts gas flow rates based on target concentrations and consumption rates, using feedback loops and sensors to maintain precise mixture composition and adapt to variable consumption, while minimizing the need for cylinder storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manometric packaging by pressure control is used, then the packaging process is simple, but the concentration accuracy is limited by sensor accuracy and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the actual concentration of gas constituents in the mixture, and the control unit adjusts the flow rates of individual gases to maintain target concentrations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling high precision concentration control without complicating the packaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts flow rate parameters of individual gases based on real-time concentration measurements and target specifications. By changing flow rate parameters adaptively, the system achieves precise concentration control while maintaining process simplicity through automated regulation.
2Manufacturing precision
If gravimetric packaging by weighing is used, then concentration accuracy improves, but the process becomes stepwise and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system with a flow-controlled mixing system that uses electronic sensors and automated flow regulation. This substitution maintains high concentration accuracy through precise flow metering while eliminating the complexity of mechanical weighing equipment and stepwise filling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous mixing and delivery of gas mixtures rather than stepwise filling. The continuous process maintains concentration accuracy through real-time feedback control while simplifying the overall operation by eliminating discrete filling steps and reducing device complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If cylinders are used for gas storage and delivery, then portability is achieved, but user autonomy is limited and logistics become cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic delivery system where the production flow rate of gas mixtures is continuously adjusted according to real-time consumption requirements of the user. This dynamic adaptation enables users to operate autonomously without being constrained by fixed cylinder capacities, resolving the contradiction between portability and user autonomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mixing of gases at the point of use rather than pre-filling cylinders. This preliminary action at the destination eliminates the need for cylinder transportation and storage logistics while maintaining portability, as only individual gas sources need to be transported rather than pre-mixed cylinders.
4Ease of operation
If cylinders are transported to the site of use, then delivery is achieved, but safety risks increase due to transportation of dangerous goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gas mixture into individual gas constituents that are transported separately in their own cylinders or containers. At the point of use, these individual gases are mixed in controlled proportions. This segmentation reduces safety risks during transportation by eliminating the need to transport pre-mixed hazardous gas combinations, while still achieving delivery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A plant for delivering a gas mixture including a source of a first gas, a source of a second gas, a mixer device fluidically connected to the source of first gas and to the source of second gas. A first flow regulator member and a second flow regulator member, a control unit, a buffer tank, at least one measurement sensor configured to measure a physical quantity, the variation of which is representative of a variation in the consumption flow rate delivered by the delivery line and to provide a first measurement signal of said physical quantity.