Integrated Transducer Surface for High-Pressure Pump Chambers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Measuring pressure inside pump chambers is challenging due to reduced space for stress gauges in high-pressure applications, such as ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography, where conventional methods struggle with precision and internal connection limitations.

Innovation Solution

A pressure measurement system that utilizes a housing with a transducer surface capable of deformation, equipped with strain sensors to detect pressure changes without requiring internal openings or connections, integrated into the pump chamber design, using materials like titanium alloys for structural integrity and signal amplification circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pump chambers are machined with greater precision to attain high pressures, then pressure capability is improved, but the area available for pressure sensor connections is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure capabilityVSAvoidarea for sensor connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressure sensing function directly into the pump chamber structure by embedding strain gauges in the chamber wall itself, eliminating the need for separate sensor connections. This integration allows the chamber to both contain fluid at high pressure and simultaneously provide pressure measurement through the embedded strain gauges that detect deformation of the chamber wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the chamber wall itself as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: containing the pressurized fluid and providing a sensing interface. The strain gauges are embedded in the chamber wall, which deforms under pressure, thereby transferring the pressure information to the sensors without requiring separate connection ports in the chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If no internal opening or connections are made in the pump chamber, then structural integrity is improved, but pressure measurement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidpressure measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure sensing methods (which require internal openings or connections) with a non-intrusive measurement approach. Strain gauges embedded in the chamber wall detect pressure-induced deformation, substituting the need for internal mechanical connections with an external sensing system that measures structural deformation to infer pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump chamber structure itself serves the dual function of containing pressurized fluid and providing the sensing mechanism for pressure measurement. The chamber wall's deformation under pressure directly provides the measurement signal, making the structure self-sufficient for both containment and measurement without requiring separate internal components.

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 accurate pressure measurement within pump chambers at high pressures without the need for internal connections, enhancing precision and applicability in ultra-high pressure applications like liquid chromatography.

Implementation Method 1

The transducer surface has the second thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface having a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

At least one strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface. The strain sensor producing at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8333568B2Device and methods of measuring pressure

Publication Date: 2012.12.18 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to method and devices for measuring the pressure of a pump chamber in which no internal opening or connections are needed. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an apparatus for pumping fluid. The apparatus comprises at least one housing having a transducer surface. The transducer surface has a thickness exhibiting measurable deformation upon the chamber holding a fluid under pressure such that the transducer surface has a first position at which the chamber is at one pressure and a second position at which the chamber is at a second pressure. A strain sensor is affixed to the transducer surface producing; at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the first position and at least one signal upon the transducer surface assuming the second position to function as an integrated pressure transducer.