Sensor-Feedback Flow Control for Precise Fluid Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Syringe pumps face challenges with variable response times, unknown flow rates during transient periods, and difficulty in fine-tuning fluid delivery, leading to inaccurate and unreliable fluid volume delivery.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a first and second sensor, a controller, and valves that regulate fluid flow through selective opening and closing based on sensor detections, ensuring precise and repeatable delivery of fluid volumes despite changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If syringe pumps are used to deliver fluid at controlled rates, then fluid delivery capability is provided, but response time varies from seconds to hours and flow rate cannot be known during transient period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that detect fluid presence and provide feedback signals to the controller. The controller adjusts valve operation based on this feedback, enabling real-time monitoring and control of flow rate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the transient period uncertainty and provides immediate response to fluid delivery conditions, resolving both the reliability and response time issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical syringe pump mechanisms with an electronic control system comprising sensors, a controller, and electronically controlled valves. This substitution enables precise digital control of fluid flow, immediate response to detected conditions, and accurate measurement of flow rates through sensor data, eliminating the mechanical limitations of syringe pumps.
2Manufacturing precision
If syringe pumps operate to regulate fluid delivery, then fluid flow control is achieved, but fine-tuning difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable valve operation controlled by a microprocessor-based controller. The controller can modify valve opening duration, frequency, and degree in real-time based on sensor feedback and programmed parameters. This dynamic control enables precise fine-tuning of fluid delivery volumes without mechanical adjustments, improving both precision and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows electronic modification of operational parameters such as valve actuation timing, duration, and frequency through software control. These parameter changes enable precise adjustment of fluid delivery characteristics without physical reconfiguration, facilitating easy fine-tuning while maintaining high delivery precision through controlled parameter variation.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and controllers are added to achieve precise flow control, then flow rate precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes sensor signals, controls valve actuation, monitors fluid delivery, and provides user interface capabilities. The sensors perform both detection and measurement functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, achieving high measurement precision while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling flow of a fluid, comprising: a first valve comprising: a selectively openable inlet; an opening; a selectively openable outlet, arranged such that fluid may enter the first valve through the inlet, exit the first valve through the opening, enter the first valve through the opening and exit the first valve through the outlet; a first sensor for detecting a fluid; a second sensor for detecting a fluid, the first sensor and second sensor in fluid communication with the first valve via the opening; a controller for receiving signals from the first sensor and second sensor and for controlling opening and closing of the inlet and outlet in response to receiving said signals, arranged to allow, in use, a fluid to flow through the device by flowing: —into the first valve through the inlet of the first valve; —out of the first valve through the opening of the first valve; —past the first sensor for detecting a fluid; —to the second sensor for detecting a fluid; —into the first valve through the opening of the first valve; —out of the first valve through the outlet of the first valve.