Thermal Air Bubble Detection Using Dual Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow systems face challenges in accurately detecting air bubbles, which can lead to equipment damage and incorrect dosages in medical applications, due to reliance on separate detection modules prone to false alarms.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor configuration that uses moving average temperature data from two thermally coupled sensors to detect air bubbles within the fluid flow system, employing air presence parameters and calibrated thresholds to determine bubble volume and modify fluid concentration rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate air bubble detection modules using ultrasonic sensing technology are used, then air bubble detection capability is provided, but false alarms increase and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air bubble detection functionality with the existing temperature sensor system by adding a heating element and using temperature differential measurements. This merging eliminates the need for separate ultrasonic detection modules and resolves the contradiction by achieving both reliable and precise detection through a unified system that leverages thermal properties of air bubbles in fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: temperature monitoring and air bubble detection. By making the temperature sensors universal components that serve dual purposes, the system achieves reliable detection without requiring specialized ultrasonic modules, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If separate air bubble detection modules are added to the fluid flow system, then air bubble detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges air bubble detection functionality into the existing temperature sensor system by integrating a heating element with the temperature sensors. This consolidation eliminates separate detection modules and reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable air bubble detection through thermal measurement techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions including temperature monitoring and air bubble detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection modules, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable detection capability.
3Reliability
If conventional separate detection modules are used, then air bubble presence can be detected, but additional detection components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines air bubble detection with the temperature sensor system by integrating a heating element and using temperature differential measurements. This merging eliminates the need for separate detection components while achieving reliable detection, directly addressing the contradiction by reducing component count without sacrificing reliability.
4Reliability
If separate ultrasonic sensing technology is used for air bubble detection, then detection capability is provided, but false alarms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonic sensing technology with a thermal-based detection system using heating elements and temperature sensors. This substitution eliminates the false alarm issues associated with ultrasonic methods by utilizing thermal conductivity differences between air bubbles and fluid, providing both detection capability and improved measurement accuracy.
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 integrated solution reliably detects air bubbles without additional detection components, reducing false alarms and ensuring accurate fluid delivery in both industrial and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device 100 may include a heating element 108... The heating element 108 may comprise any suitable heat source configured to output thermal energy so as to heat or otherwise warm the fluid within the fluid flow system 102 proximate the heating element 108
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor 104 configured to generate first temperature data... a second temperature sensor 106 configured to generate second temperature data... which may be in thermal engagement with the fluid within the fluid flow system 102
Implementation Method 3
The controller 200 may be configured to... detect the presence of an air bubble 103 within the fluid flow system 102 based upon the first temperature data and the second temperature data... the thermal conductivity of a fluid is greater than the thermal conductivity of the air bubble 103
Data Source
AI summary
Sensors, methods, and computer program products for air bubble detection are provided. An example method includes determining a first moving average for a first period of time based upon first temperature data and determining a second moving average for the first period of time based upon second temperature data. The method includes determining a first air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data and the first moving average and a comparison between the second temperature data and the second moving average. The method includes determining a second air presence parameter based upon a comparison between the first temperature data, the second temperature data, and calibrated air thresholds. The method includes determining a third air presence parameter based upon a comparison between a first temperature data entry and each second temperature data entry. An air bubble within a fluid flow system is detected based upon the parameters.