MEMS Mass Flow Meter for Digital Gas Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas dispensing and consumption measurement technologies, particularly in medical and industrial applications, are inaccurate due to the limitations of mechanical pressure sensors and flow meters, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, with existing solutions failing to provide precise real-time data and timely inventory management.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS mass flow meter system that replaces mechanical gauges, providing direct and continuous measurement of gas consumption, integrated with smart devices for wireless communication and cloud data processing, allowing for precise tracking and management of gas usage without additional parts or complexity, while maintaining safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical pressure sensors and rotameters are used for gas measurement, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to mechanical limitations and environmental sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors and rotameters with electronic sensors and digital processing systems. Specifically, pressure sensors are replaced with electronic pressure transducers that provide digital signals, and rotameters are replaced with flow sensors coupled with microprocessors to calculate and display flow rates digitally, eliminating mechanical measurement limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple measurement functions into a single digital system that can measure pressure, temperature, and flow rate simultaneously. The microprocessor-based system performs multiple calculations including real-time flow rate computation, cumulative consumption tracking, and predictive analytics, providing comprehensive gas management in one device
2Reliability
If mechanical pressure sensors and rotameters are used for gas measurement, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to short dynamic range and sensitivity to environmental variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with electronic pressure transducers that have longer dynamic ranges and are less sensitive to environmental variations. The mechanical rotameter is replaced with a flow sensor and digital calculation system that compensates for temperature and pressure variations through software algorithms, providing more reliable measurements across varying conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital processing to dynamically adjust measurement parameters based on environmental conditions. The microprocessor calculates flow rates by incorporating real-time temperature and pressure data, compensating for environmental variations and maintaining measurement reliability across different operating conditions
3Loss of information
If traditional mechanical gas dispensing systems are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information occurs as real-time consumption data and remaining volume information are not accurately provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements digital feedback systems that continuously monitor gas consumption and provide real-time information through displays and wireless communication. The microprocessor calculates remaining volume and consumption rates, providing continuous feedback to users and enabling timely inventory management decisions without complicating system operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor-based control unit as an intermediary between the mechanical gas dispensing components and the user interface. This intermediary processes sensor data, performs calculations, and presents information in user-friendly formats, bridging the gap between complex measurements and simple operation
4Measurement precision
If mechanical pressure gauges are used in gas dispensing systems, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited dynamic range and full scale accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure gauges with electronic pressure transducers that provide digital signals with higher precision and extended dynamic range. The electronic sensors can accurately measure pressure across a wider range and provide digital outputs that can be processed by microprocessors for enhanced accuracy and integration with other system components
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
The MEMS mass flow meter system enables accurate and efficient gas management by providing precise real-time data on gas consumption and remaining volumes, reducing waste and costs, and enabling timely inventory management through seamless integration with user devices and cloud computing.
Implementation Method 1
a flow meter which uses a thermal conduction sensor to measure a flow rate of the gas
Data Source
AI summary
The design and structure of a regulated digital gas dispense apparatus is exhibited in this disclosure. The MEMS mass flow meter embedded with a Bluetooth communication device and powered by a battery pack is designed to replace the mechanical low pressure gauge in a conventional gas dispense regulator such that the dispensed gas flowrate as well as totalized dispensed gas volume in each session or in consequent sessions can be continuously and precisely registered. The measured data are further relayed to local users via the local display or physical data port as well as via a paired smart device running a customized APP that can further relay the data to a designated cloud for cloud data processing, and the data can be streamed reversely. This disclosure shall assist and realize the ultimate optimized management for the users, distributors and/or gas manufacturers in the gas dispensing industry.