Medical Gas Flow Control Assembly With Pressure-Drop Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control arrangements for medical devices, particularly those controlling medical gases like argon, oxygen, or carbon dioxide, face challenges in achieving a compact and cost-effective design while accurately regulating flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control arrangement with a fluid control circuit comprising a fluid channel arrangement and control components, supported by injection-molded parts with integrated fluid and electronic components, featuring a flow measurement channel and pressure sensors to determine flow rates, and a control circuit for precise regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional fluid control arrangements are used, then flow control functionality is provided, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components (flow sensor, directional control valve, pressure control valve, filter, and housing) into a single integrated fluid control arrangement. The flow sensor is positioned within the housing to detect fluid flow, while the directional control valve, pressure control valve, and filter are integrated within the same structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall device volume while maintaining complete flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural framework for the entire assembly, contains the flow sensor for detection, houses the directional control valve for flow direction control, incorporates the pressure control valve for pressure regulation, and includes the filter for fluid purification. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for flow control, then comprehensive control functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the directional control valve, pressure control valve, filter, and flow sensor into a single manufactured unit with a common housing. This consolidation reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes, assembly steps, and associated costs while maintaining the comprehensive control functionality provided by each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the patent maintains functional segmentation through distinct internal structures for each component (separate valve mechanisms, filter elements, and sensor positioning). This allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as part of a unified assembly, simplifying both manufacturing and maintenance.
3Measurement precision
If flow measurement and control components are integrated, then precise flow rate regulation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor continuously monitors the actual fluid flow rate and provides feedback to the control circuit. The control circuit compares this measured value with the desired flow rate and automatically adjusts the directional control valve and pressure control valve to maintain precise flow rate regulation, achieving high measurement precision through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement and control mechanisms with electronic sensing and control systems. The flow sensor uses electronic detection methods to measure flow rate, and the control circuit uses electronic signals to regulate the valves, simplifying the overall system while maintaining or improving precision.
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 precise control and regulation of fluid flow rates with a compact and cost-effective design, allowing for efficient operation of medical devices like argon plasma coagulation devices.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor, in particular a flow measurement channel with two pairs of pressure measurement channels, which open into the flow measurement channel at a distance from one another in the flow direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid control arrangement (12) for a medical device (10), in particular a medical device for argon plasma coagulation. The fluid control arrangement (12) has a fluid control circuit (19) with at least one fluid-flowing fluid control component (21). A control circuit (20) with at least one electrical and/or electronic component (51) is provided for controlling the at least one fluid control component (21). A main fluid channel (72) of the fluid channel arrangement (22) forms a flow measurement channel (33) of a flow measurement device (32). At least one pressure measurement channel pair (35, 36) with two pressure measurement channels (34) is provided, which open into the flow measurement channel (33) at a distance from each other in the flow direction (F).