Non-Contact Optical Sensor for Fluid Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irradiation devices for biological fluids lack effective detection of container leaks during the treatment process, leading to potential equipment damage and wastage, as leaks are typically only visible upon visual inspection after the cycle is completed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a non-contact sensor adjacent to the overflow reservoir to detect leaked fluid and trigger an indicator to deactivate the light source and agitator, allowing for immediate termination of the process and minimizing wastage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection after treatment cycle is used to detect leaks, then equipment damage is prevented, but detection timing is delayed until cycle completion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors the treatment chamber for leaked biological fluid and provides real-time signals to the controller. When leakage is detected, the controller immediately responds by deactivating the light source and agitator, creating a closed-loop feedback system that enables timely detection and response without waiting for cycle completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical sensing system. The non-contact optical sensor detects leaked biological fluid through optical properties, substituting the mechanical/manual inspection process with an automated sensing and control system that provides continuous monitoring and immediate response.
2Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring with contact sensor is implemented, then leak detection is improved, but risk of cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical sensing system that detects leaked biological fluid without direct contact. The optical sensor acts as an intermediary medium, detecting the presence of leaked fluid through optical properties while maintaining physical separation, thus preventing cross-contamination while achieving accurate leak detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes contact-based sensing mechanisms with non-contact optical sensing. The optical sensor detects leaked biological fluid through optical absorption or reflection properties without physical contact, eliminating the cross-contamination risk associated with contact sensors while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 non-contact sensor enables timely detection of leaks, preventing equipment damage and reducing operational inefficiencies by allowing for the termination of the treatment cycle before completion, thus saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact sensor disposed adjacent the overflow reservoir and configured to generate a signal according to leaked fluid in the overflow reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an irradiation device may be used in the treatment of a blood product that has been combined with a photochemical agent for activation when subjected to light
Data Source
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AI summary
An irradiation device includes a fluid treatment chamber configured to receive a biological fluid container, the fluid treatment chamber having opposing first and second sides, at least one light source disposed adjacent at least one of the first and second sides of the fluid treatment chamber, and an overflow reservoir in fluid communication with the fluid treatment chamber to receive fluid leaking from the biological fluid container. The device also includes a non-contact sensor disposed adjacent the overflow reservoir and configured to generate a signal according to leaked fluid in the overflow reservoir, an indicator, and a controller coupled to the at least one light source, the non-contact sensor and the indicator, the controller configured to activate the indicator upon receipt of the signal from the sensor and to deactivate the at least one light source subsequent to receipt of the signal from the sensor.