Inline Coriolis Sensing Unit for Nanoliter Fluid Delivery Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current infusion systems face challenges in delivering extremely small amounts of fluids with high accuracy, as hand-actuated syringes are prone to human errors and machine-controlled pumps, while Coriolis mass flow sensors are costly and limited to high flow rates, making precise fluid control in medical applications difficult.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery system equipped with an inline sensing unit featuring a micromachined resonating tube that uses the Coriolis effect to sense mass flow and density, combined with electronic circuitry and communication elements for precise fluid control and error prevention, allowing for accurate delivery of nanoliter and microliter amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-actuated syringes are used for fluid delivery, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the accuracy of fluid delivery is insufficient and prone to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hand-actuated syringe system with an integrated sensing unit that incorporates a micromachined resonating tube flow sensor. This sensor uses the Coriolis effect to detect mass flow rate and density, providing automated, precise measurement that eliminates human error while maintaining ease of use through integration with the syringe system.
2Measurement precision
If machine-controlled pumps are used for fluid delivery, then the accuracy of fluid delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid delivery system into a simple syringe component and an integrated sensing unit. The sensing unit contains the micromachined resonating tube flow sensor, electronic circuitry, and communication elements as a self-contained module that can be attached to the syringe, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing unit is designed to autonomously measure mass flow rate and density using the Coriolis effect, with electronic circuitry that automatically processes sensor signals and communication elements that automatically transmit data. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If Coriolis mass flow sensors are used for fluid measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cost increases and the sensors are limited to high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the Coriolis mass flow sensor by micromachining the resonating tube to extremely small dimensions. This micromachining enables the sensor to detect very low mass flow rates (less than 1 ml/hr) that are appropriate for medical drug delivery applications, while the miniaturized structure reduces material usage and manufacturing cost compared to traditional Coriolis sensors designed for high flow rates.
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 system enables precise control of fluid delivery, preventing medication errors and detecting gas bubbles, ensuring the correct fluid is administered, thereby enhancing safety and accuracy in medical treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a micromachined resonating tube operates on the basis of the Coriolis effect to sense mass flow and density of a flowing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid delivery system capable of delivering a precise amount of fluid, such as a fluid required for medical treatment. The delivery system makes use of an inline sensing unit that includes a housing comprising an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid source, an outlet for discharging the fluid from the housing, and at least one cavity between the inlet and the outlet. A sensing element and electronic circuitry are disposed within the at least one cavity. The electronic circuitry is adapted to produce an electrical output based on at least one response of the sensing element. The sensing unit is further equipped with a communication element for providing communication between the electronic circuitry and an electronic device remote from the housing.