Differential Pressure Sensor Valve Positioning for Bubble Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pressure measurement modules for HVAC systems are complex, prone to gas bubbles, and require multiple safety valves, which increase manufacturing costs and complexity, affecting measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A measurement module with a valve positioned closer to the differential pressure sensor than the connection points, acting as both a safety valve and a flushing mechanism to remove gas bubbles and equalize pressure, improving accuracy and simplifying the design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple safety valves are used to protect the differential pressure sensor, then the sensor protection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protectionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the safety valve function and the flushing function into a single valve component. This valve can both protect the differential pressure sensor from high differential pressures and flush gas bubbles from the measurement module, eliminating the need for separate safety valves and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a safety valve to protect against overpressure and as a flushing mechanism to remove gas bubbles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining both protection and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple safety valves are used to protect the differential pressure sensor, then the sensor protection is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If gas bubbles are present in the measurement module, then the measurement accuracy deteriorates, but the complexity to remove them increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity to remove gas bubbles

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement module uses its own operational characteristics to remove gas bubbles. By opening the valve during measurement, the system creates a flushing effect that automatically removes gas bubbles from the measurement module, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex degassing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If the valve is positioned far from the connection points, then the flushing effect is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflushing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement module into distinct functional sections: connection lines leading to the valve, the valve itself, and the differential pressure sensor. This segmentation allows the valve to be positioned optimally for flushing while maintaining simple connections to both connection points, avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution efficiently removes gas bubbles and protects the differential pressure sensor from high pressures, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing complexity, thereby improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the measurement module.

Implementation Method 1

the valve in the open state fluidly connects the first and second connection line via the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

a differential pressure sensor arranged in fluid communication with the first and second connection line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

the valve in the closed state prevents fluid flow between the first and second connection line via the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure protection:

Data Source

PatentUS11156523B2Differential pressure measurement module with improved sensor protection

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 IMI HYDRONIC ENG INT SA

AI summary

A measurement module for measuring the differential pressure between a first and second connection point arranged in a transport line for a fluid. The measurement module includes a first connection line and a second connection line, a differential pressure sensor arranged in fluid communication with said first and second connection line, and a valve arranged in fluid communication with said first and second connection line, wherein compared to said valve, said differential pressure sensor is arranged closer to the first and second connection point.