Multi-fluid jet nozzle for rapid sensor calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges in determining response times efficiently due to slow transition times between calibration fluids, often resulting in increased measurement errors and variability, particularly in rapidly changing systems like combustion engines and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid jet nozzle with a sharp boundary design allows for simultaneous discharge of two calibration fluids at equal velocities, minimizing mixing and enabling rapid translation of the sensor between fluids, thereby reducing transition time and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical boundaries are used to separate calibration fluids, then complete separation of fluids is achieved, but the distance and time between measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple independent fluid channels (first fluid channel, second fluid channel) that converge to discharge points. Each channel delivers a separate fluid jet, creating spatial segmentation that maintains fluid separation while minimizing distance between measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential fluid delivery to two-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple discharge points. The sensor can be positioned to sequentially sample from different fluid jets discharged at different locations, reducing transition time while maintaining separation.
2Reliability
If density gradients or flow are used to separate fluids, then separation is achieved, but molecular diffusion or turbulence generates mixing at the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressurized fluid jets discharged through nozzle openings. The hydraulic flow delivers fluids in distinct, high-velocity jets that maintain separation through momentum and pressure, preventing diffusion-based mixing at interfaces while enabling rapid sensor exposure to each fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fluid is delivered through its own dedicated channel and discharge point, creating spatially segmented fluid delivery. This segmentation prevents interface mixing by eliminating contact zones between different fluids, ensuring sharp boundaries for accurate sensor response time measurement.
3Productivity
If flow is used to move measurement fluids, then sensor response time can be measured, but flow changes lead to variability in response time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls and standardizes flow parameters (pressure, velocity) of the fluid jets to minimize variability. By maintaining consistent flow conditions during sensor exposure, the system reduces measurement variability while preserving the ability to measure sensor response times under different fluid conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex flow control mechanisms with a simpler jet-based delivery system. The fluid jets are discharged with controlled momentum and pressure, eliminating the need for continuous flow adjustment mechanisms that could introduce variability, while still enabling rapid sensor exposure to different fluids.
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 multi-fluid jet nozzle significantly reduces the time required to switch between calibration fluids, minimizing measurement errors and improving sensor response time determination, as demonstrated by a 24% reduction in response time variability in oxygen micro-sensor tests.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second calibration fluids are then simultaneously discharged from the first discharge aperture... the two fluids separated by a sharp boundary
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for rapid assessment of sensor response times as the sensor is rapidly switched between two or more calibration fluids discharged from a multi-fluid jet nozzle. The novel method includes exposing the sensor to a first calibration fluid and then rapidly exposing it to a second calibration fluid without removing the sensor from the fluid phase. The sensor's output is then assessed to determine its response time. This method is simpler and less expensive than other methods and allows improved precision timing of the change in calibration fluids without changing flow velocity or exposure to other media or viscosities. An embodiment of the novel device is a dual-fluid jet nozzle that ejects two distinct jets of calibration fluid at the same velocity through a single nozzle discharge aperture divided by a sharply-edged boundary wall.