Residual Gas Supply Time Estimation Using Pressure And Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the residual supply time of gas in pressurized containers are not reliable and precise under varying operating conditions, particularly in the medical field where accurate knowledge of oxygen supply duration is crucial for patient care.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two strategies to determine residual supply time: one based on flow selection with tabular values and another based on pressure measurement, with a difference calculation to ensure accuracy, and an angular position sensor using a magnetic tunnel effect to measure the control element's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If residual supply time is estimated based on pressure conditions alone, then the measurement method is simple, but the reliability and precision deteriorate under varying operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual supply time estimation accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different measurement strategies (pressure-based estimation and flow-based calculation) into a unified system. The control unit integrates both methods and selects the most appropriate indication based on operating conditions, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely new complex system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors operating conditions (pressure, flow rate, temperature) and uses this feedback to dynamically select between different residual supply time indication methods. This feedback mechanism ensures high precision across varying conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If residual supply time is calculated based on flow selection with tabular values, then the calculation is simple and fast, but the reliability deteriorates during transient phenomena and initial supply times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual supply time indication reliabilityVSAvoidtime for accurate measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements during initial supply time and transient phenomena to establish accurate baseline data. By collecting pressure and flow data during these critical periods, the system prepares reliable reference information that improves subsequent residual supply time calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic measurement approach that adapts to changing operating conditions. During transient phenomena, the system increases measurement frequency and uses real-time pressure data, while during stable operation it can use simpler tabular methods, thereby ensuring reliability without constant complex measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the system monitors multiple operating parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate) continuously, then the measurement precision improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating condition measurement accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic monitoring of operating parameters rather than continuous monitoring. Pressure, temperature, and flow rate are measured at predetermined time intervals, which maintains sufficient measurement precision for clinical purposes while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring frequency and precision are dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. During critical periods (initial supply, transient phenomena), measurement intervals are reduced for higher precision, while during stable operation intervals are extended to conserve energy, optimizing the balance between precision and energy use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Provides precise and reliable residual supply time indications, accounting for varying conditions and transient phenomena, with a simple and efficient mechanism for gas containers.

Implementation Method 1

an angular position sensor configured to measure an angular position of the rotary control element about a rotation axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic tunnel effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4479675B1A method for determining the residual supply time for a gas
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 CAVAGNA GROUP
  • EP4479675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4479675B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4479675B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for determining a residual supply time for a gas contained in a pressurized container through a valve group comprises : associating with a plurality of angular positions respective residual time values in accordance with a selected flow; determining a residual time value in accordance with the selected flow corresponding to the angular position of the rotary control element; determining a pressure value of the gas inside the container; calculating a residual time value in accordance with the pressure; comparing the residual time value in accordance with the selected flow and the residual time value in accordance with the pressure; displaying on a display device of the valve group one of these values in accordance with one or more operating parameters of the valve group.