Pressure Sensor Cover Member Side Pressure Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure sensors in medical pump apparatuses are prone to breakage when mounted or dismounted due to side pressure, especially when downsized, which hinders precise clogging detection in infusion tubes.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design featuring a cover member with a chamfered face and a flexure element protected by a cylindrical protection part, along with a support member and a pressing member, prevents side pressure from reaching the sensor face, allowing for secure mounting and dismounting without breaking the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the pressure sensor is downsized to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact and suitable for medical pump apparatuses, but the base becomes more prone to breakage when side pressure is applied during mounting or dismounting
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressing member with sensor face, a flexure element, a support member, and a cover member. This segmentation allows the base to be designed as a separate support structure that can withstand mounting forces while the sensor elements remain protected and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the mounting structure by elevating the sensor assembly on the support member. The cover member extends laterally beyond the pressing member, creating a protective overhang that distributes mounting forces away from the base in the horizontal plane, thereby preventing base breakage during installation.
2Area of stationary object
If the mounting width is reduced to accommodate smaller sensors, then the device footprint is minimized, but the operator's fingers cannot properly grip the base without applying damaging side pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member acts as an intermediary structure between the operator and the sensor base. Its lateral extension provides a convenient gripping surface for operators during mounting and dismounting operations, distributing applied forces away from the delicate base while maintaining a compact mounting footprint.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is made more fragile to achieve precise measurements, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor becomes more susceptible to damage from side pressure during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexure element serves as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and isolates mechanical shocks and side pressures during mounting operations. This pre-positioned protective element shields the delicate sensor components from damage while allowing the sensor to maintain high measurement precision for detecting infusion tube clogging.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A pressure sensor (3) includes a sensor member (33d) including a sensor face (3a) to which pressure is imparted and a cover member (32) that covers at least part of the peripheral face of the sensor member (33d) while exposing the sensor face (3a) out of one end side. With such a configuration, the sensor member (33d) can be protected from a lateral force (side pressure), whereby the sensor member (33d) can be prevented from being broken by the application of the side pressure to the sensor member (33d).