Integral Pressure Pod with Single-Shot Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure measurement devices for medical applications are limited by their design, which requires multiple parts and complex assembly, leading to increased costs, permeable diaphragms, and difficulties in compact design due to the need for intermediate lines and additional seals, making them less reliable and more challenging to integrate into compact fluid circuits.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measurement system that includes a pressure pod with a single-shot molding process, forming an integral diaphragm and ports, and a mechanical engagement feature allowing the diaphragm to apply a pulling force upon negative pressure, enabling efficient pressure measurement with reduced parts and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate line is used between the transducer and the pod, then pressure measurement can be achieved, but the pod assembly becomes larger and requires more parts and seals which may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the intermediate line function directly into the pod body by forming an integral flow channel within the pod housing. This eliminates the need for a separate intermediate line component, reducing the number of parts and seals while maintaining the pressure transmission function. The flow channel is molded as part of the pod structure, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity and improving reliability by removing potential failure points associated with additional seals and connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fluid shell is designed with inlet and outlet ports and recesses, then fluid flow can be achieved, but the mold requires more than two parts which increases design and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shell components into a single integrated pod body that is molded as one piece. The flow channel, inlet port, outlet port, and diaphragm mounting features are all incorporated into this single molded structure. This eliminates the need for multi-part molds and assembly operations, significantly simplifying manufacturing while reducing device complexity. The integral design maintains all necessary fluid flow pathways without requiring additional sealing interfaces between multiple shell parts.
3Reliability
If a compression seal is used to attach the blood side shell and air side shell, then the diaphragm can be sealed, but additional sealing steps and parts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the diaphragm sealing function directly into the molded pod body structure. The diaphragm is secured within recesses formed as part of the integral pod housing, eliminating the need for separate compression seals or additional sealing components. This integration reduces the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining reliable sealing, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the inlet and outlet lines are oriented in a straight run configuration, then pressure measurement can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to design a compact fluid circuit assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional routing of the flow channel within the pod body, allowing inlet and outlet ports to be positioned on different faces of the pod housing. This spatial arrangement enables compact integration into fluid circuit assemblies by utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions rather than requiring a straight horizontal run. The internal flow channel geometry is optimized to provide efficient fluid pathways while maintaining a compact external footprint, thereby reducing volume without compromising operational effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring pressure includes securing a flow channel to a chassis of a measurement device, the flow channel having a flexible wall with a first mechanical engagement feature presented from an external surface thereof. The method also includes engaging the mechanical engagement feature with a complementary engagement member connected to a force transducer, the securing being effective to immobilize the flow channel relative to the force transducer, and detecting at least one of the position and orientation of the of the flow channel relative to transducer and comparing to at least one of a predefined position and orientation. Further, the method includes generating a signal responsive to the detecting, flowing a fluid through the flow channel, and transmitting forces caused by displacement of the flexible wall through the complementary engagement member to the force transducer. Further, electrical signals are generated responsively to a state of the force transducer.