Irregular Liquid Flow Monitoring Using Periodic Accumulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring low and irregular liquid flow rates through conduits without external pressure is challenging, especially in medical settings where accuracy and cost-effectiveness are crucial, as existing methods can be inaccurate and time-consuming, potentially leading to missed complications like acute kidney injury.
Innovation Solution
A device with a collection vessel, liquid level sensor, and control unit that periodically blocks the flow to accumulate fluid, allowing computation of flow rate based on the time required to reach a predetermined volume, enabling real-time measurement of instantaneous flow rates and accommodating varying flow rates with a single chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used for low and irregular liquid flow rates without external pressure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic blocking of the liquid flow using a closure mechanism that periodically closes and opens the outlet of the collection vessel. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate liquid in discrete intervals and measure the time required to reach predetermined volumes, thereby enabling accurate measurement of low and irregular flow rates without requiring complex continuous measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid flow itself to trigger the measurement process. When liquid accumulates to a predetermined volume in the collection vessel, the liquid level sensor automatically detects this and triggers the closure to close, stopping the flow. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems while maintaining measurement precision
2Productivity
If manual measurement methods are used for liquid flow rates, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the liquid level sensor continuously monitors the liquid volume in the collection vessel and provides feedback to the control unit. When the predetermined volume is reached, the sensor triggers the closure to close, automatically stopping the flow. This feedback mechanism enables automated measurement and eliminates manual intervention, significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and control units. The liquid level sensor and control unit work together to automatically detect liquid volume, control the closure mechanism, and calculate flow rates, substituting manual operations with automated electronic control to enhance productivity
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used for irregular liquid flow rates, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic blocking of the liquid flow using a closure mechanism that periodically closes and opens the outlet of the collection vessel. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate liquid in discrete intervals and measure the time required to reach predetermined volumes, thereby enabling accurate measurement of low and irregular flow rates without requiring complex continuous measurement devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the liquid flow itself to trigger the measurement process. When liquid accumulates to a predetermined volume in the collection vessel, the liquid level sensor automatically detects this and triggers the closure to close, stopping the flow. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems while maintaining measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring of an irregular liquid flow rate, such as urine or another bodily fluid from a catheterized patient, includes a measurement chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a liquid level sensor in the collection vessel, a closure, and a control unit. The chamber is configured to allow liquid to enter through the inlet and leave through the outlet, respectively. The closure opens and closes the outlet in response to signals from the control unit. The liquid level sensor provides a signal to the control unit when liquid in the vessel attains a first preset volume.