Portable Measuring Device Variable Test Chamber Air Entrainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable measuring devices for surface conductivity and salinity face issues with air entrapment in the test chamber, leading to inaccurate measurements and a risk of leakage due to pressure buildup during fluid introduction.
Innovation Solution
A portable measuring device with a variable test chamber volume, featuring a cone- or bowl-shaped design that allows for air-free fluid introduction and reduced pressure, minimizing the risk of leakage and ensuring sensors remain in contact with the measurement solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluid is introduced into a fixed-volume test chamber, then the test chamber becomes filled with measurement fluid, but air becomes trapped in the chamber leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The test chamber is designed with a movable wall that allows the chamber volume to change dynamically during fluid introduction. The wall can move inward to create negative pressure and draw fluid in, then move outward to accommodate the fluid volume while maintaining a predetermined relationship between fluid volume and chamber dimensions, ensuring accurate measurements without trapped air.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the volume parameter of the test chamber from fixed to variable. By allowing the chamber volume to adjust based on the amount of fluid introduced, the system maintains the predetermined relationship between fluid volume and chamber dimensions, eliminating air entrapment and ensuring measurement accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If fluid is injected into the test chamber under pressure, then fluid introduction is achieved, but leakage occurs through the seal or the housing is pressed away from the test surface
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wall allows the test chamber to expand dynamically as fluid is introduced, preventing pressure buildup. This eliminates the need for high-pressure injection and prevents seal leakage and housing displacement while ensuring complete fluid introduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wall acts as a cushioning mechanism that anticipates and accommodates the volume increase from fluid introduction. By providing this pre-designed expansion space, the system prevents pressure-related failures before they occur.
3Productivity
If air remains in the test chamber during measurement, then the measurement process can proceed, but the air influences the measurement value leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic volume adjustment during fluid introduction ensures that the predetermined volume relationship is maintained, which prevents air from influencing the measurement. The system achieves both speed and accuracy by eliminating the need for repeated measurements due to air interference.
4Reliability
If a resilient seal is used to seal the test chamber against the test surface, then sealing is achieved, but overpressure causes the housing to be pressed away from the test surface
Solution Approach 1:
The movable wall allows the chamber to expand as fluid is introduced, preventing overpressure buildup. This maintains the sealing force on the resilient seal without requiring excessive injection pressure, thus preventing the housing from being pressed away from the test surface.
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 device achieves accurate measurements by minimizing air influence and reducing the risk of leakage, allowing for flexible and quick assessment of chemical and physical parameters on various surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
When introducing fluid in the test chamber, it is inevitable that some air remains in the test chamber. Air in the test chamber makes the volume of fluid in the test chamber inaccurate
Implementation Method 2
During injecting fluid pressure is built up in the test chamber by which a certain risk exists the leakage occurs through the seal of the test chamber or that the housing of the measuring device is pressed away from the test surface of the test object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable measuring device for measuring the salinity, the acidity (pH) or other chemical and physical parameters on different types of surfaces (9) such as inner and outer surfaces of tubes and surfaces of floors, walls, ceilings and such like, whereby the measuring device comprises electronic circuits (2), a measuring unit and a housing (4) in which a test chamber (10) has been formed, whereby the test chamber is provided with: 1) a first opening that can be positioned against a surface to be tested, 2) a second opening through which a fluid such as de-ionized water can be introduced into the test chamber, 3) a resilient seal (11) for sealing the test chamber there where it is brought against the test surface area, 4) a number of sensors (5) taken up in the test chamber that are connected to the electronic circuits and the measuring unit for indicating the value of the shemical or physical parameter to be measured of a solution contained in the test chamber, characterized in that the volume of the test chamber is variable.