Multi-Component Transducer Assembly for High Pressure Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure transducers used in pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications are limited in accuracy and range, requiring multiple devices for low and high-pressure measurements, and are prone to mechanical failure under high forces and pressures, with snap-on connectors that can't withstand the necessary forces and capillary tubing that ruptures at high pressures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component transducer assembly featuring a reusable load cell with a rigid face for pressure contact, a disposable flexible membrane, and a locking mechanism that secures the components with a force of at least 10 N, allowing for interchangeable adapters to measure a wide range of pressures and withstand high operating pressures, with the disposable component being sterilizable and combustible for easy disposal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If snap-on connectors are used to attach component parts, then ease of assembly is improved, but the connectors can only withstand relatively low forces and fail under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidforce withstanding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer is divided into a reusable sensor component and a disposable component that can be attached and detached. The locking mechanism provides secure attachment for high-pressure applications while maintaining ease of replacement for the disposable portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism allows the connection to be dynamically adjusted - providing strong mechanical coupling during operation to withstand high forces, while enabling easy detachment when replacement is needed. The mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If capillary tubing is used in the transducer assembly, then fluid flow is enabled, but the tubing ruptures at high pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow capabilityVSAvoidpressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable component includes a robust pressure-resistant structure that replaces fragile capillary tubing. This disposable portion is designed to withstand high pressures and can be easily replaced after single use, eliminating the need for pressure-resistant capillary tubing in the reusable assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If flexible membranes are used for pressure contact, then pressure transmission is achieved, but alignment accuracy is compromised and linearity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidalignment sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible membrane is used in the disposable component to transmit pressure to the rigid face of the reusable sensor. The membrane is designed to be axially aligned with the sensor face, ensuring accurate pressure transmission while maintaining flexibility for pressure response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Quantity of substance

If a single transducer is used for both low and high pressure measurements, then device quantity is reduced, but the transducer cannot accurately measure high pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of transducersVSAvoidhigh pressure measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reusable sensor component is designed with a universal interface and locking mechanism that can accommodate different disposable components for various pressure ranges. The same reusable sensor can be used with different disposable portions to measure both low and high pressures, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated transducers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides accurate, linear pressure measurements across a wide range, withstands high pressures, and reduces the need for multiple transducers, while minimizing contamination risks and disposal costs through sterilization and incineration of disposable components.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible membrane in pressure contact with the fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure contact:

Implementation Method 2

the transducer is a load cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad cell transduction: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

a locking component to secure the reusable component to the disposable component in order to effect pressure contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8652322B2Multi-component part transducer assembly and a method for determining the pressure of a fluid using the transducer

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-component part transducer assembly for determining the pressure of a fluid of interest. One part of the assembly comprises a reusable transducer, another part a disposable component comprising a flexible membrane which is in pressure connection with the fluid of interest, and another part comprises a locking component for securing the reusable and disposable parts together.