Pressure-Regulated Volume Exchange Container for Fluid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid storage and transfer systems are inefficient, cumbersome, and prone to cross-contamination due to inadequate separation and lack of pressure control, requiring multiple containers and manual intervention, which limits their application in compact and automated environments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulated volume exchange container with a movable barrier and actuator mechanism that adjusts fluid volumes and maintains predefined pressure within a single container, integrating fluid storage and separation functions, and utilizing a computing device for real-time control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate containers are used for fluid storage and transfer, then fluid separation and control are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate containers into a single integrated container body that houses both the first volume portion for clean fluid and the second volume portion for runoff fluid. This merging eliminates the need for multiple external containers while maintaining effective fluid separation through the movable barrier, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container body is segmented into distinct volume portions (first and second volume portions) separated by a movable barrier. This segmentation allows independent management of clean fluid and runoff fluid within a single container, achieving both fluid separation and simplified device structure.
2Productivity
If manual intervention is used for fluid transfer between containers, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable barrier that automatically adjusts its position in response to fluid volume changes. As fluid is added to or removed from the container, the movable barrier self-adjusts to maintain proper fluid levels and separation without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while keeping the device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable barrier provides dynamic adaptation to changing fluid conditions. It moves automatically in response to pressure changes and volume variations, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance during continuous operation without manual intervention, thus improving productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure control mechanisms are added to regulate fluid volume, then fluid management precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure differential as a driving force for fluid movement and barrier adjustment. By leveraging pressure changes naturally occurring during fluid addition or removal, the system achieves precise volume control without requiring complex active pressure control mechanisms, thus improving precision while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls fluid volume by changing pressure parameters within the container. The movable barrier responds to pressure differentials to adjust fluid distribution between volume portions, achieving precise volume control through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical controls.
4Volume of stationary object
If a single container is used for both clean and runoff fluid, then space efficiency is improved, but risk of cross-contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container body is divided into separate volume portions (first and second volume portions) for clean and runoff fluids. The movable barrier creates physical separation between these portions, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining a compact single-container structure that improves space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable barrier acts as an intermediary element between the clean fluid and runoff fluid portions. It physically separates the two fluid types, preventing contamination while allowing the system to operate as a single integrated container, thus achieving both compactness and contamination prevention.
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 solution provides efficient, compact, and automated fluid management with precise separation and controlled pressure, reducing the need for external equipment and manual oversight, enhancing fluid purity and optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator mechanism operably connected to the movable barrier, configured to move the barrier within the container body in response to extraction of fluid from, or introduction of fluid to, the container body, wherein said actuator mechanism moves said movable barrier so as to maintain a predefined pressure within the first volume portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulated volume exchange container includes a container body for holding both a first fluid and a second fluid, the container body defining a first volume portion and a second volume portion, a movable barrier disposed within the container body, the barrier configured to adjust the size of the first and second volume portions, an outlet in the container body through which the first fluid is extracted from the first volume portion, an inlet in the container body through which the second fluid is introduced into the second volume portion, and, an actuator mechanism operably connected to the movable barrier, the mechanism for moving the barrier within the container body in response to extraction of fluid from, or introduction of fluid to, the container body, wherein said actuator mechanism moves said movable barrier so as to maintain a predefined pressure within the first volume portion.