Push-Button Ring Connector for Accurate Low-Flow Weight Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic fluid flow systems face challenges in maintaining high accuracy of fluid flow monitoring, particularly in low-flow situations, due to the need for secure and repeatable interface mechanisms that accurately transfer downward forces between fluid collection systems and the automatic fluid flow system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a ring connector and load cell configuration with a push-button actuator, biasing member, and French cleat mechanism ensures secure engagement and disengagement, allowing for precise force transfer and fluid volume measurement by detecting changes in weight over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a secure fit interface mechanism is used to accurately transfer downward forces, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a load cell for force sensing, a carriage for lateral movement, and a latch for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall measurement precision without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage acts as an intermediary element between the latch and the load cell. It translates the lateral movement of the latch into vertical engagement with the load cell, enabling secure force transfer while simplifying the overall engagement mechanism through a clear intermediary function.
2Reliability
If a secure fit interface mechanism is used to accurately transfer downward forces, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The interface mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a movable carriage that can laterally shift and a spring-loaded latch that automatically engages and disengages. This dynamic design maintains reliable force transfer during operation while enabling easy engagement through simple lateral movement and easy disengagement through spring assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch provides self-service by automatically engaging with the carriage when brought together and assisting in disengagement through spring force. This reduces the operational effort required from the user while maintaining secure connection during fluid collection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If repeated engagements and disengagements are sustained, then adaptability is improved, but durability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The interface mechanism is divided into separable components (latch, carriage, load cell) that can independently withstand wear. This segmentation allows the high-wear engagement surfaces to be replaced or maintained separately, supporting repeated fluid collection system interchangeability while preserving overall mechanism durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch and carriage are designed as simpler, more replaceable components compared to the load cell. If wear occurs during repeated engagements, these components can be replaced at lower cost and simpler complexity, allowing the system to sustain many fluid collection system interchange cycles while maintaining durability.
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
This configuration enables accurate and reliable fluid flow monitoring by maintaining a secure fit and facilitating repeated engagements, ensuring high accuracy in fluid flow measurements even in low-flow situations.
Implementation Method 1
the load cell includes a biasing member configured to bias the carriage towards the locked configuration
Implementation Method 2
These detection systems rely on precise weight measurements to provide high accuracy of fluid flow in low-flow situations
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to apparatus and methods for automatic fluid flow system connectors. The system generally includes a load cell interface coupled to a console and a ring connector coupled to a fluid collection system. The ring connector can be releasably engaged with the load cell using a push-button actuated locking mechanism. Embodiments of the locking mechanism can include a latch and aperture engagement, a shelf and ledge engagement, or a track and channel engagement, or combinations thereof. The ring connector and load cell can include electrical contacts configured to engage along an axis that extends perpendicular to a surface on which the electrical contacts are disposed. This is believed to reduce wear on the electrical contacts, thereby extending the usable life of the system.