Infusion Tube Fixation for Droplet Detection Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control devices for infusion face accuracy issues due to misalignment or inclination of the infusion tube, affecting the precision of droplet detection and control.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a casing that houses a tubular infusion tube featuring a flange, utilizing a first fixation section to secure the tube along its longitudinal direction and a second fixation section to secure it orthogonally, along with a pivotable flap for stable positioning and easy attachment/detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple infusion tube insertion method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy of the infusion tube deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation mechanism is divided into two independent sections: a first fixation section for longitudinal positioning and a second fixation section for orthogonal positioning. This segmentation allows each section to specialize in one directional constraint, achieving precise two-dimensional positioning without requiring a complex monolithic fixation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A flange protruding from the infusion tube serves as an intermediary element that connects the tube to both fixation sections. This flange mediates between the infusion tube and the fixation mechanism, enabling simple tube insertion while achieving accurate positioning through engagement with the two fixation sections.
2Ease of operation
If the infusion tube is easily inserted, then the ease of operation is improved, but the droplet detection accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is pre-configured on the infusion tube before insertion, and the two fixation sections are pre-positioned in the device. This preliminary preparation allows the tube to be easily inserted and automatically positioned correctly without requiring complex alignment procedures during operation, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange acts as an intermediary that translates simple insertion motion into precise positioning. When the tube is easily inserted, the flange engages with both fixation sections, which convert the simple insertion action into accurate two-dimensional positioning, ensuring droplet detection accuracy is maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device 1 includes a casing 10 configured to house a cylindrical infusion tube 100 and a droplet detecting section 60 configured to detect the amount of droplets dripping from a nozzle 124 in the infusion tube 100 housed in the casing 10. The infusion tube 100 includes a flange protruding outward. The casing 10 includes an engagement member 30. The engagement member 30 includes a flange configured to engage with the flange in the infusion tube 100 in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube 100 and fix the infusion tube and a fixation surface configured to fix the infusion tube 100 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the infusion tube 100.