Liquid Flow Detector with Segmented Channel for Minute Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid flow detectors struggle to detect extremely small liquid flows, such as those at the order of 1 ml per hour, without obstructing the flow and are often costly, necessitating an inexpensive solution that does not rely on electrical or optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A liquid flow detector with a detector main body featuring a liquid flow channel and a mobile body inside, where the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel is slightly greater than the mobile body, allowing accurate detection of small flows without obstruction, using a spherical or columnar mobile body with specific gravity higher than the liquid, and an intermediate flow channel for smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional liquid flow detector with a spherical body in a conical upper flow channel is used, then the flow rate can be measured, but it cannot detect extremely small liquid flows of about 1 ml per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into three distinct sections: a first flow channel with a first cross-sectional area, a second flow channel with a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first, and a third flow channel with a third cross-sectional area larger than the second. This segmentation creates a narrowest portion that enhances sensitivity to small flows while maintaining overall device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the flow channel are given different cross-sectional areas optimized for specific functions: the first flow channel accommodates the spherical body, the second flow channel creates the narrowest portion for enhanced detection sensitivity, and the third flow channel allows unobstructed flow. This local differentiation of geometric properties enables simultaneous detection of small flows and prevention of obstruction.
2Reliability
If a liquid flow detector is incorporated into the transfusion line, then flow detection is enabled, but it may obstruct administration of the liquid to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel has different cross-sectional areas in different sections: the first section accommodates the spherical body for detection, the second section has the smallest area for sensitivity, and the third section has a larger area that allows liquid to flow through without obstruction by the spherical body, thus maintaining both detection accuracy and flow productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire flow channel narrow to improve detection sensitivity (which would cause obstruction), the invention inverts the approach by creating a localized narrowest portion only where needed for detection, while other portions have larger cross-sectional areas to maintain unobstructed flow.
3Ease of manufacture
If an inexpensive liquid flow detector without electrical or optical sensors is used, then cost is reduced, but detection accuracy for minute flows decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electrical or optical sensors with a purely mechanical detection system using a spherical body that moves in response to liquid flow. The spherical body's movement through different flow channel sections provides detectable signals for flow measurement without requiring expensive electronic or optical components, thus achieving low cost while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow channel, specifically creating a narrowest portion with a precisely controlled cross-sectional area that is smaller than the spherical body's cross-section. This geometric parameter change amplifies the effect of small flows on the spherical body's movement, enabling detection of minute flows without expensive sensors.
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
Enables reliable detection of minute liquid flows without stopping the liquid flow, providing high detection accuracy and preventing obstruction, suitable for use in transfusion lines with a low-cost design.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile body which is placed inside the liquid flow channel, moving along with the flow of a liquid inside the liquid flow channel
Implementation Method 2
the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is set to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel
Data Source
AI summary
An upstream hole is formed at the upstream end of a detector main body of a liquid flow detector for detecting liquid flow, and a downstream hole is formed at the downstream end, with a liquid flow channel comprising a liquid flow detection channel, discharge channel, and, optionally, intermediate flow channel, being formed between the upstream hole and downstream hole. A mobile body which is optionally, spherical, moves with the flow of liquid, and is arranged inside the liquid flow channel. The diameter of the liquid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the diameter of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the liquid flow detection channel. The shape of the peripheral edge part of the upstream hole and the downstream hole is optionally elliptical.