Magnetic Pressure Sensor with Disposable Flow Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pressure sensors cannot accurately detect negative pressures and require time-consuming washing procedures to change fluids in medical and biotechnology applications, where sterility and safety are critical.

Innovation Solution

A pressure detection device with a detachable flow passage unit and magnetic connection mechanism that allows for easy fluid changes without washing, enabling accurate detection of both positive and negative pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the body and sensor body are formed into one integral body with a flow passage, then the device structure is simplified, but it requires time-consuming washing procedures to change fluids and cannot ensure complete sterilization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidwashing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate components: a reusable sensor body and a disposable flow passage unit. The flow passage unit can be detached and replaced without washing, eliminating cross-contamination risks and saving time. The sensor body remains intact while only the flow passage unit is exchanged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flow passage unit is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. This eliminates the need for washing and sterilization procedures, ensuring complete removal of previous fluids and preventing cross-contamination between different fluid changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If the protective sheet is pressed to the lower surface of the sensor body by fluid pressure, then positive pressure detection is achieved, but negative pressure detection becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositive pressure detectionVSAvoidpressure range detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical contact-based pressure detection is replaced with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnet is positioned behind the protective sheet, and its magnetic field interacts with a magnetic sensor. This allows the protective sheet to move freely in response to both positive and negative pressures without requiring mechanical contact, enabling bidirectional pressure detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field is introduced as an intermediary between the protective sheet and the sensor. The magnet positioned behind the protective sheet creates a magnetic field that interacts with the sheet, allowing pressure changes (both positive and negative) to be detected through magnetic field variations rather than direct mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flow passage is washed with pure water to change liquids, then fluid replacement is achieved, but complete removal of remaining liquid is difficult and the process requires a lot of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid replacement capabilityVSAvoidwashing operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow passage unit is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. This eliminates the need for washing and fluid replacement procedures entirely. Each flow passage unit is pre-sterilized and can be directly connected to the sensor body without any cleaning steps, ensuring complete removal of previous fluids through physical disposal rather than chemical washing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enhances operational smoothness and safety by eliminating the need for lengthy washing procedures and ensuring accurate pressure detection across all pressure ranges.

Implementation Method 1

One of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is formed of a magnet, and the other of the first connection portion and the second connection portion is formed of a magnet or a magnetic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3367081B1Pressure detection device
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 SURPASS IND
  • EP3367081B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3367081B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3367081B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a pressure detection device which includes a pressure detection unit 10 and a flow passage unit 20. The pressure detection unit 10 includes a pressure sensor 12 including a diaphragm 12a and a first connection portion 11 joined to the diaphragm 12a. The flow passage unit 20 includes a diaphragm 22 and a second connection portion 23 joined to the diaphragm 22. One of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 23 is formed of a magnet, and the other of the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 23 is formed of a magnet or a magnetic body. In a state where the flow passage unit 20 is mounted on the pressure detection unit 10, the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 23 are disposed in a state where the first connection portion 11 and the second connection portion 23 are attracted to each other by a magnetic force.