Ultrasonic Flow Sensor with Temperature Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow rate sensing and bubble detection systems in medical applications are complex, costly, and lack accuracy in monitoring temperature-corrected flow rates and bubble presence in physiological fluids, particularly blood, due to the need for separate sensors for each parameter.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid flow sensing and bubble detecting apparatus featuring a housing with a channel for the tube, incorporating a sensor apparatus with offset ultrasonic piezoelectric detectors for flow rate and bubble detection, and an infra-red temperature sensor for temperature measurement, connected to a processor that calculates a temperature-corrected flow rate using data from these sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensors are provided for fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, and gas bubble detection, then each parameter can be monitored independently, but the system complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (flow rate detection, temperature measurement, and bubble detection) into a single integrated sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a flow sensor, temperature sensor, and optical sensors positioned to monitor the fluid through a common interface, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs flow rate measurement, temperature monitoring, and bubble detection. The optical sensors serve dual purposes by detecting both temperature variations and bubble presence, while the flow sensor structure accommodates multiple measurement functions, making the system more versatile and cost-effective
2Reliability
If separate sensors are provided for fluid flow rate, fluid temperature, and gas bubble detection, then each parameter can be monitored independently, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (flow rate detection, temperature measurement, and bubble detection) into a single integrated sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a flow sensor, temperature sensor, and optical sensors positioned to monitor the fluid through a common interface, eliminating the need for separate sensor systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs flow rate measurement, temperature monitoring, and bubble detection. The optical sensors serve dual purposes by detecting both temperature variations and bubble presence, while the flow sensor structure accommodates multiple measurement functions, making the system more versatile and cost-effective
3Device complexity
If conventional flow sensors are used without temperature correction, then the system is simpler, but the flow rate measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that continuously monitors fluid temperature and feeds this information to a processor. The processor uses the temperature data to calculate temperature correction factors and adjust the flow rate measurements accordingly, ensuring accurate flow measurement across varying temperature conditions while maintaining system simplicity through automated compensation
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 apparatus provides accurate, temperature-corrected fluid flow rate measurements and reliable bubble detection, improving patient safety by simplifying the monitoring of fluid flow in medical procedures and reducing system complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (15) operable in a first mode to measure a flow rate of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
offset ultrasonic piezoelectric detectors
Implementation Method 3
operable in a second mode to detect bubbles in the flowing fluid
Implementation Method 4
offset ultrasonic piezoelectric detectors
Implementation Method 5
an infra-red temperature sensor for temperature measurement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6A
AI summary
A fluid flow sensing and bubble detecting apparatus includes a housing comprising a channel configured to receive a tube through which fluid flows; a sensor apparatus disposed within the housing, which includes a first sensor operable to measure flow rate of fluid and to detect bubbles in flowing fluid; and a temperature sensor operable to detect temperature of the flowing fluid; and a processor connected to receive fluid flow rate data obtained by the first sensor, to receive bubble detection data obtained by the first sensor, and to receive fluid temperature data obtained by the temperature sensor, wherein when a tube through which fluid flows is disposed in the channel of the housing, the first sensor measures the flow rate of the flowing fluid and detects bubbles therein, and the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the flowing fluid, and the processor calculates in a short period of time a fluid flow rate corrected for temperature.