Liquid Delivery Testing Using Pressure Profiles for Quality Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the functionality of liquid delivery devices, such as nebulizers, are costly and inefficient, often missing sub-standard devices in random inspections, and require complex equipment for comprehensive quality control.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus involving a high-pressure pumping system connected to a liquid delivery device, measuring pressure and resistance using a pressure sensor, and analyzing the pressure profile over time to assess functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If random inspections are used to check manufacturing quality, then inspection cost is reduced, but substandard devices may still be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with acoustic sensing. By listening to the acoustic signature of the liquid delivery device during operation, the system can detect blockages and performance issues without requiring complex mechanical measurement equipment, thereby reducing inspection cost while maintaining reliable quality assurance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect device functionality. Instead of directly measuring liquid flow or pressure with complex equipment, the system uses sound waves generated during device operation as a mediator to indirectly assess device performance and detect defects
2Measurement precision
If multiple different parameters are measured during functionality checks, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical measurement systems with a single acoustic sensing system. Instead of using separate equipment to measure flow rate, pressure, and other parameters, the system uses acoustic signatures to comprehensively assess device functionality, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal testing system that uses acoustic sensing to perform multiple assessment functions simultaneously. The same acoustic sensor can detect blockages, assess liquid delivery performance, and evaluate device functionality across different operating conditions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measurement devices
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
Provides a cost-effective and efficient means to identify and potentially rectify defects in liquid delivery devices, reducing scrap rates and ensuring consistent performance by analyzing pressure and flow resistance.
Implementation Method 1
running the pumping system so that liquid from the reservoir is forced through the liquid delivery device under pressure
Implementation Method 2
measuring the pressure of the liquid as the liquid passes into the liquid delivery device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a
AI summary
A method for testing the functionality of a liquid delivery device comprises the steps of: (i) fluidically connecting a liquid delivery device (or part thereof) to a pumping system; (ii) connecting the pumping system to a fluid reservoir; (iii) running the pumping system so that fluid from the reservoir is forced through the liquid delivery device (or part thereof) under pressure; (iv) measuring the pressure of the fluid as the fluid passes into the liquid delivery device (or part thereof); (v) comparing the plotted pressure with the test results for a nominal or within specification liquid delivery device (or part thereof).