Ultrasonic Fluid Flow Sensor with Integrated Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow sensors in medical applications face challenges with high error rates and large footprints, which can lead to inaccurate dosing and increased risk in medical infusion settings.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid flow sensor design incorporating an ultrasonic transmitter and pressure sensor within a shared housing, utilizing a gap to compress the fluid delivery conduit and detect pressure changes and air bubbles, with a dual signal detection system (AC and DC) to minimize errors and reduce footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluid flow sensors are used, then they can detect fluid flow, but they have high error rates and large footprints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasonic transmitter and pressure sensor into a single integrated housing, allowing both components to share the same space. This merging of components reduces the overall footprint while maintaining dual functionality for accurate fluid flow measurement and bubble detection
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions: it detects fluid flow rate through pressure sensing, detects bubbles using ultrasonic signals, and monitors pressure changes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors, reducing the overall system footprint while improving measurement accuracy through coordinated operation of multiple detection mechanisms
2Area of stationary object
If the pressure sensor is positioned close to the ultrasonic transmitter, then the footprint is reduced, but the gap compression may cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with an adjustable gap between the ultrasonic transmitter and pressure sensor, allowing the compression force on the fluid delivery conduit to be optimized. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures sufficient contact pressure for accurate sensing while preventing excessive compression that could cause measurement errors, all within a compact footprint
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 effectively reduces error rates and minimizes the sensor's footprint, enabling accurate monitoring of fluid flow and bubble detection, enhancing the reliability of medical infusion systems by using a dual signal detection system to compensate for environmental variations.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitter configured to emit ultrasonic signals through an emitting face
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure changes through a receiving face
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow sensing apparatus and method for detecting pressure and the presence of bubbles within a fluid tube. The flow sensor comprises a housing configured to receive a portion of the tube and to house the pressure sensor and the ultrasonic transmitter. The pressure sensor is positioned adjacent the tube and is configured to receive a pressure sensor signal, which correlates to a detected pressure differential within the tube. An internal controller transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transmitter, which emits ultrasonic waves through a portion of the tube and to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor receives both the ultrasonic waves and a pressure sensor signal, and subsequently transmits an output signal to the internal controller. In the presence of a pressure differential or a bubble within the tube, the output signal will exhibit a DC shift or a distortion of its signal characteristics, respectively.