Mobile Body Fluid Flow Detector for Transfusion Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow detectors in transfusion lines struggle to detect the flow of small amounts of fluid, such as drug solutions, without obstructing the flow and are often expensive, requiring electrical or optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow detector with a detector main body featuring a fluid flow channel, a mobile spherical body, and a design that includes an upstream hole, a downstream hole, and an intermediate flow channel, allowing the mobile body to move in response to fluid flow while preventing obstruction, and is configured to detect flow rates between 0.1 ml/hr and 20 ml/hr without using expensive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a spherical body is arranged inside a flow channel to detect fluid flow, then the flow detection capability is improved, but the flow channel becomes obstructed and fluid administration is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into multiple segments: a narrow detection channel for the spherical body and a wider discharge channel for fluid flow. This segmentation allows the spherical body to be confined to a specific detection zone without obstructing the overall fluid flow path, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and flow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the spherical body detection mechanism in a upper flow channel that connects to the main horizontal discharge channel. The spherical body moves vertically within the detection channel while fluid flows horizontally through the discharge channel, separating the detection and flow functions in different spatial dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fluid flow detectors are used to detect small amounts of fluid, then flow detection is possible, but the device becomes expensive requiring electrical or optical sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex electrical or optical sensors with a simple mechanical detection system. A spherical body made of material with specific gravity between 1.0 and 2.0 moves in response to fluid flow, and its position is detected visually or through simple mechanical means, eliminating the need for expensive sensors while maintaining detection precision for minute fluid flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical body is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily manufactured from common materials. This disposable or replaceable component provides reliable flow detection without the high cost of electronic sensors, making the overall device much more cost-effective for single-use or limited-use applications.
3Measurement precision
If the flow channel diameter is reduced to detect minute fluid flow, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the flow velocity decreases and fluid administration efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is segmented into a narrow detection channel and a wide discharge channel. The detection channel has a smaller diameter (slightly larger than the spherical body) to enhance detection sensitivity, while the discharge channel has a larger diameter to maintain high flow velocity. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the flow channel have different diameters optimized for their local functions. The detection channel portion has a narrow diameter to amplify the effect of minute fluid flows on the spherical body, while the discharge channel portion has a wide diameter to ensure rapid fluid administration. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between detection sensitivity and flow velocity.
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 fluid flow without obstructing the flow, using a cost-effective design that is visually perceptible and suitable for transfusion lines, ensuring proper fluid administration to patients.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile body which moves along with the flow of fluid is provided in the fluid flow detector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow detector includes a detector main body defining a fluid flow channel having a fluid flow detection channel positioned adjacent an upstream hole and a discharge channel positioned adjacent a downstream hole. A mobile body is positioned within the fluid flow channel and dimensioned to be movable along the fluid flow channel. The diameter of the fluid flow detection channel is smaller than the diameter of the discharge channel, and the maximum diameter of the outer peripheral edge part of the face of the fluid flow channel orthogonal to the direction of movement of the mobile body is slightly smaller than the diameter of the fluid flow detection channel. The upstream hole and the downstream hole are formed with a size and shape such that fluid can flow through the upstream and downstream holes without being obstructed by the mobile body.