Rotational System Sensor Units for Real-Time Process Parameter Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring process parameters in dynamic systems, such as rotation systems, typically provide indirect and systemic assessments, failing to offer real-time, precise monitoring of individual sample conditions within the system.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system with sensor units and an evaluation unit is integrated into the dynamic system, utilizing multiple pressure sensors to directly measure process parameters like pressure and acceleration within compartments, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of individual samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external systemic systems are used to verify the function of the entire rotation system, then the system can be qualified, but only a function of the entire system can be verified independent of the state of individual samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem qualificationVSAvoidindividual sample monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the monitoring system into individual sensor units that can be assigned to specific compartments or sample positions within the rotation system. Each sensor unit independently measures process parameters (pressure, temperature, acceleration) for its associated sample, enabling precise individual monitoring while maintaining system-wide qualification capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensor units as intermediary devices between the rotation system and the evaluation system. These sensor units act as mediators that directly interact with individual samples to collect precise measurement data, which is then transmitted to external evaluation units for analysis, bridging the gap between individual sample monitoring and system-level verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical counters or stroboscopes are used to determine rotational speed, then the centrifuge can be regulated, but real-time precise monitoring of individual sample conditions is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentrifuge regulationVSAvoidprocess parameter monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (mechanical counters, stroboscopes) with sensor-based measurement systems that use physical sensors to directly measure process parameters. This substitution enables continuous, real-time monitoring of individual sample conditions with higher precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated sensor data collection and evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If sensor units are integrated into compartments for direct measurement, then real-time precise monitoring is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess parameter measurementVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs sensor units with multi-functional capabilities that can measure multiple process parameters (pressure, temperature, acceleration) simultaneously. This universality reduces the overall number of separate sensors needed in the system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision for individual samples.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor units are designed to autonomously perform measurement, data collection, and transmission functions without requiring complex external control mechanisms. Each sensor unit independently monitors its assigned sample and communicates data to the evaluation system, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling precise individual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables continuous, precise, and real-time monitoring of process parameters directly at the point of interest, enabling effective detection of irregularities and optimal operation of the rotation system.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one sensor unit comprises at least one first pressure sensor and at least one second pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the evaluation unit is configured to use those pressure sensors arranged in a compartment to determine a current value of the at least one process parameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

Sample containers can be placed on the rotor, so that the samples are accelerated by the rotor's rotation and may separate into their individual components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3676013B1Device and method for determining a process parameter acting on a material in a rotational system
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ESSENTIM GMBH
  • EP3676013B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3676013B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3676013B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measurement system (100, 600) for use in a dynamic system, in particular in a rotational system (302). The dynamic system has one or more compartments, and the measurement system (100, 600) is inserted or can be inserted into the dynamic system during operation and is designed and equipped to determine a value of at least one process parameter acting on a material arranged in at least one compartment of the dynamic system. The measurement system (100, 600) comprises at least one sensor unit (104) which can be at least partly arranged in at least one compartment of a rotational system (302) and an analysis unit (120, 607), wherein the analysis unit (120, 607) is configured to determine a current value of at least one process parameter acting on a material arranged in the compartment using measurement values ascertained by the at least one sensor unit (104). The invention additionally relates to a dynamic system and to a method for determining a value of at least one process parameter acting on a material arranged in at least one compartment of a dynamic system.