Micro Flow Device with Capacitance Modulation for Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices are not suitable for applications requiring integration with other devices and systems, and they often lack the capability to measure flow direction in addition to flow rate, especially in low-cost, high-volume manufacturing contexts.
Innovation Solution
The development of micro flow measurement devices using micro fabrication methods, which include a body with a chamber, membranes with electrodes, an axle, and a wheel member with an interrupter feature that modulates capacitance to distinguish between flow rates and directions, enabling the measurement of fluid flow rates and directions using roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow measurement devices are used, then flow measurement capability is provided, but integration with other devices and systems is not suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements (membranes, electrodes, wheel member, interrupter feature) into a single integrated micro flow measurement device structure, enabling both flow measurement and system integration capabilities within one compact device
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement techniques are used, then flow rate measurement is provided, but flow direction measurement capability is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric interrupter feature on the wheel member that creates different capacitance modulation patterns depending on rotation direction, enabling flow direction detection through capacitance measurement variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow direction indicators with a capacitance-based detection system using electrodes and an interrupter feature, providing non-contact measurement of flow direction
3Manufacturing precision
If micro fabrication methods are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost for high volume production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional micro fabrication methods to roll-to-roll manufacturing, changing the manufacturing parameters and process type to enable high-volume production with reduced costs while maintaining micro-scale precision
4Productivity
If traditional manufacturing methods are used, then device performance is maintained, but productivity for high volume manufacture is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical micro fabrication processes with roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques, enabling high-volume production while maintaining the necessary micro feature precision through advanced processing methods
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
These micro flow devices provide cost-effective, high-volume production capabilities for various industrial, medical, and biological applications, enabling the measurement of flow rates and directions while integrating with other systems, and are fabricated using roll-to-roll processing for large-scale manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
an interrupter feature that causes a change in a capacitance value between the first and second electrodes, as the wheel rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a flow measuring device having a rotatable element includes patterning an adhesive layer disposed on a first surface of a first sheet of a flexible material to remove portions of the adhesive layer in an area to define a location for a rotatable element, patterning the first sheet to define the rotatable element in the first sheet, adhering a pair of membrane layers of a second flexible material, to opposing surfaces of the patterned first sheet, with each of the pair of membrane layers having an electrically conductive layer on a surface thereof, patterning the electrically conductive layer to provide an electrode on each of the pair of membrane layers, and adhering a pair of sealing layers to surfaces of the pair of membrane layers.