Respiratory Flow Sensor Port Layout to Prevent Line Kinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory flow sensors suffer from issues such as kinking of connecting lines, requiring complex design and production measures, and occupy a large space due to radially projecting extension tubes, leading to inaccurate measurements and cumbersome handling.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory flow sensor design with ports aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis and connecting lines that run essentially parallel or at angles to the axis, eliminating butt joints and allowing for a compact, easy-to-produce structure using injection-molded parts, with ports positioned to ensure precise measurement accuracy and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If connecting lines are arranged radially at ports, then the sensor occupies less space, but the connecting lines may kink leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting lines are reoriented from radial arrangement to axial arrangement (parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow tube). This dimensional change in the orientation of connecting lines eliminates kinking while maintaining compact sensor design, as the lines now follow the longitudinal direction rather than projecting radially outward.
2Reliability
If ports are arranged with radially projecting flange continuations, then tight connections are achieved, but complex and expensive design and production measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex radially projecting flange continuations and elaborate sealing means are replaced by a simplified design where connecting lines run axially through the flow tube portions. This extracts the unnecessary complexity while maintaining the essential function of tight connections, allowing for easier manufacturing without compromising connection integrity.
3Measurement precision
If extension tubes project radially from the flow sensor, then pressure difference extraction is achieved, but the flow sensor occupies a large space and causes complicated handling
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tubes are reoriented from radial projection to axial alignment (parallel to the longitudinal axis). This dimensional reorientation allows the tubes to extend in the longitudinal direction rather than projecting sideways, significantly reducing the lateral footprint of the sensor and improving handling convenience while maintaining the ability to extract pressure differences.
4Reliability
If connecting lines run parallel to the longitudinal axis with ports aligned in the same direction, then kinking is prevented and measurement accuracy is ensured, but the ports require specific positioning arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
Both ports are arranged at the same flow tube portion and aligned in the same direction (parallel to the longitudinal axis). This merging of port arrangements simplifies the overall structure compared to having ports at different locations and orientations, reducing the complexity of port positioning while ensuring accurate pressure difference measurement without kinking.
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 new design prevents kinking, ensures accurate measurements, and allows for a compact, straightforward assembly and production, reducing the sensor's size and complexity while maintaining measurement integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a flow resistor (61), which is arranged in the flow tube (12) between the first flow tube portion (21) and the second flow tube portion (41) and generates a pressure difference
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a respiratory flow sensor comprising a flow tube, which has a longitudinal axis, a first flow tube portion and a second flow tube portion, comprising a flow resistor, which is disposed between the first flow tube portion and the second flow tube portion in the flow channel, and comprising two ports for extracting the pressure difference generated by the flow resistor. The first port opens into the first flow tube portion via a first connecting line and said first port is disposed at the first flow tube portion. The second port opens into the second flow tube portion via a second connecting line and said second port is disposed at the second flow tube portion. The ports each comprise a connecting line portion, which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flow tube. The openings of the ports are aligned in the same direction.