Pressure Sensor Volume Measurement in Tilted Liquid Receptacles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid level sensors in fluid receptacles, such as those used with breast pumps, face limitations in accurately measuring fluid volume and flow rate, especially when the receptacle is not easily accessible or when movement occurs, leading to reduced accuracy due to tilted angles and the need for continuous monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-based sensor system integrated into the fluid receptacle, featuring a membrane-sealed hole at the bottom that connects to a pressure sensor component, allowing for accurate volume and flow rate measurements by detecting pressure changes caused by fluid levels, even when the receptacle is tilted or not easily visible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If graduated indicators are used to measure fluid level, then visual measurement is provided, but accuracy is reduced when receptacle is tilted or not easily accessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid level measurement accuracyVSAvoidreceptacle accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual graduated indicator system with an electronic pressure sensor system. The pressure sensor element measures fluid level by detecting pressure changes at the bottom of the receptacle, converting a mechanical measurement problem into an electronic sensing problem that is independent of receptacle orientation and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary between the fluid and the pressure sensor element. The membrane transmits pressure from the fluid to the sensor while maintaining a sealed connection, allowing indirect measurement that eliminates the need for direct visual access to the receptacle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If pressure sensor element is integrated into receptacle bottom, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor system integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressure sensor element directly into the bottom structure of the receptacle, combining the sensing function with the receptacle body. This integration approach enables continuous monitoring while minimizing additional complexity by making the sensor an inherent part of the receptacle rather than a separate add-on component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure sensor element serves multiple functions: it measures fluid level, determines flow rate, and provides continuous monitoring data. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive measurement capabilities from a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If membrane seals the hole in receptacle bottom, then pressure measurement is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure detection accuracyVSAvoidreceptacle assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible membrane to seal the hole in the receptacle bottom. The membrane is a thin film that can be molded or bonded into place, providing an effective pressure transmission interface while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes through standard molding or sealing techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system provides accurate and continuous measurement of fluid volume and flow rate within the receptacle, regardless of its orientation or accessibility, enhancing monitoring capabilities in applications like breast pumping.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

The pressure sensor element may include a membrane that seals the hole which extends through a bottom of the bottle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane sealing:

Data Source

PatentUS11815383B2Pressure based volume sensor for liquid receptacle

Publication Date: 2023.11.14 MOXXLY LLC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are various techniques and devices for detecting a level of fluid within a fluid collection receptacle. These techniques and devices may further determine a flow rate of fluid entering the fluid collection receptacle or a volume of fluid collected within the fluid collection receptacle. Sensors, including pressure sensors, may be installed in, on, or within the fluid collection receptacle to detect information about the liquid within the receptacle including fluid level, flow rate, and volume.