Inductive Anesthetic Level Sensor Using Magnetic Float
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anesthetic agent level sensors in anesthetic vaporizers are affected by the reactive properties and environmental changes of halogenated solvents, leading to inaccurate measurements over time.
Innovation Solution
An inductive level sensor system using a metallic-plated float and inductive coils to measure the level of anesthetic agent, which is not influenced by the physical characteristics of the agent, providing accurate volume calculations and integrating a sealing disc to prevent overfilling and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional level sensors are used to monitor anesthetic agent levels, then the sensing function is provided, but measurement accuracy deteriorates over time due to reactive properties and environmental changes of halogenated solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a float as an intermediary element that physically interacts with the anesthetic agent but is constructed from materials (stainless steel, PTFE, PEEK) that are chemically inert to halogenated solvents. The float converts liquid level position into a magnetic field disturbance that can be detected by external coils, thereby mediating between the aggressive chemical environment and the sensitive sensing electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional direct-contact level sensors with an inductive sensing system that uses magnetic fields to detect float position. The transmitter coils generate a magnetic field that penetrates the chamber wall and interacts with the ferromagnetic float, while receiver coils detect changes in the magnetic field caused by the float's position, eliminating the need for electronic sensors to be exposed to the corrosive anesthetic agent.
2Measurement precision
If separate sensors are used for vaporizing chamber and sump measurements, then comprehensive level monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal inductive sensing system where identical transmitter and receiver coil assemblies can monitor both the vaporizing chamber and sump levels. The same float design and magnetic field detection principle apply to both locations, allowing a single sensor type to perform multiple measurement functions and simplifying system integration and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the level sensing function for both vaporizing chamber and sump into a unified inductive sensing architecture. By using external coils that can detect float positions in different chambers and integrating the sensing electronics into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sensors are exposed to liquid anesthetic agent, then level detection is enabled, but pneumatic and sensor components degrade due to liquid accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a float with a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary that transmits level information from the corrosive liquid environment to the sensor system without direct contact. The float responds to liquid level changes while remaining physically separated from the anesthetic agent through the chamber wall, and the magnetic field serves as the coupling medium between the float and external coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic level sensors that would require direct exposure to the anesthetic agent with an inductive sensing system. The magnetic field-based detection method allows level measurement through non-contact means, substituting electromagnetic interaction for direct physical or chemical sensing that would lead to component degradation.
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 inductive level sensor system offers enhanced accuracy, reduces manufacturing costs by combining sensors for both vaporizing chamber and sump measurements, and prevents pneumatic and sensor component degradation due to liquid accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter coils configured to generate a magnetic field that surrounds the rod and the measurement target
Implementation Method 2
the receiver coils configured to sense changes in the generated magnetic field at a vertical location of the measurement target on the rod
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for anesthetic agent level sensing. In one embodiment, a system for an inductive level sensor for an anesthetic vaporizer includes a measurement target positioned around a rod that extends within a chamber configured to hold liquid anesthetic agent, the rod configured to be at least partially submerged in the liquid anesthetic agent and the measurement target configured to slide vertically along a length of the rod and rest on a surface of the liquid anesthetic agent, and a strip of inductive transmitter coils and receiver coils positioned external to the chamber, a length of the strip aligned with the length of the rod, the transmitter coils configured to generate a magnetic field that surrounds the rod and the measurement target and the receiver coils configured to sense changes in the generated magnetic field at a vertical location of the measurement target on the rod.