Portable Metered Flow Apparatus for Gas Monitoring Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas monitoring instruments face challenges with inaccurate calibration and bump testing due to bulky, non-portable equipment and high human error in dispensing calibration gas, leading to inefficient and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A portable metered flow apparatus comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device with a solenoid valve and electronic timing circuit, which automatically controls the release of a precise volume of calibration gas, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to dispense calibration gas, then the device can be simple and portable, but human error increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electronic timing circuit and solenoid valve system. The electronic timer automatically controls the duration of gas flow, eliminating human error in timing while maintaining portability. The solenoid valve provides precise electronic control of gas flow instead of manual valve operation.
2Measurement precision
If stationary calibration equipment is used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but portability and ease of field operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration system into compact, portable components that can be easily transported to field locations. The regulator, electronic timer, and solenoid valve are integrated into a portable assembly that maintains calibration precision while enabling field operation rather than requiring stationary installation.
3Reliability
If automated control is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an electronic timing circuit to automatically control the solenoid valve duration, providing precise and repeatable calibration gas flow timing. This electronic automation ensures consistent measurement reliability while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable through the use of standard electronic 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 apparatus provides accurate, reliable, and efficient calibration and bump testing of gas monitoring instruments, allowing for regular field testing without the constraints of stationary equipment, thereby ensuring precise gas monitoring and minimizing calibration gas waste.
Implementation Method 1
a gas delivery device with a solenoid valve and electronic timing circuit, which automatically controls the release of a precise volume of calibration gas
Implementation Method 2
electronic timing circuit, which automatically controls the release of a precise volume of calibration gas
Implementation Method 3
A portable metered flow apparatus comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable metered flow apparatus for accurately providing calibration gas from a calibration gas source to a gas monitoring instrument in order to permit calibration/bump testing of the instrument comprising a regulator and a gas delivery device that includes a solenoid valve, an electronic timing circuit, means for providing power to the solenoid valve and the electronic timing circuit, a power switch for activating the electronic timing circuit, means for activating the release of calibration gas; and optionally one or more LED lights. A method for calibration/bump testing of a gas monitoring device utilizing the portable metered flow apparatus is also provided.