Enhanced Fluid Sensor System with Adaptive Real-time Monitoring

An improved fluid sensor system that utilizes ultrasonic signals and pressure sensing to detect air bubbles and monitor fluid flow in real-time, with adaptive adjustments to ensure accurate and efficient operation.

The original fluid sensor patent has limitations in terms of real-time monitoring and adaptability to changing fluid flow conditions. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a microcontroller that adjusts the ultrasonic transmitter's frequency based on the pressure sensor output signal, enabling real-time detection of air bubbles and adaptive monitoring of fluid flow and pressure changes.

The enhanced fluid sensor system comprises a fluid delivery conduit, an ultrasonic transmitter, a pressure sensor, and a microcontroller. The ultrasonic transmitter emits ultrasonic signals through a first emitting face and receives the signals through a second receiving face, with the faces spaced apart to define a gap that receives the fluid delivery conduit. The pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the fluid delivery conduit and generates a pressure sensor output signal. The microcontroller receives the pressure sensor output signal and adjusts the operation of the ultrasonic transmitter accordingly, enabling real-time monitoring of fluid flow and pressure changes. The system can also detect air bubbles by analyzing the pressure sensor output signal and comparing it to a predetermined threshold value.

The new claims introduce the concept of adaptive real-time monitoring, where the microcontroller adjusts the ultrasonic transmitter's frequency based on the pressure sensor output signal. This is a non-obvious improvement over the original patent, as it enables the system to respond to changing fluid flow conditions in real-time, improving accuracy and efficiency.

Alternative embodiments could include using different types of sensors, such as optical or acoustic sensors, or integrating the fluid sensor system with other medical devices, such as infusion pumps or patient monitoring systems. Variations could include using different materials or designs for the fluid delivery conduit or the ultrasonic transmitter and pressure sensor.

The enhanced fluid sensor system has significant commercial potential in the medical industry, particularly in the context of intravenous infusions and patient monitoring. The system's ability to detect air bubbles and monitor fluid flow in real-time could improve patient safety and reduce the risk of adverse events. The market for this technology is expected to grow as the demand for advanced medical devices and patient monitoring systems increases.