Fluid Sensors for Diverse Industry Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept extends the core technology of fluid sensors to new applications and use cases, enabling innovative solutions for water quality monitoring, food processing, wind turbine systems, aircraft fuel quality monitoring, and chemical processing.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a fluid sensor for medical applications, specifically for intravenous infusions. However, the limitations of the original patent's design and functionality restricted its use to a single industry. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by applying the core technology to diverse industries, solving the problem of limited applicability and enabling novel solutions for various sectors.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a fluid sensor adapted for use in various industries, including water quality monitoring, food processing, wind turbine systems, aircraft fuel quality monitoring, and chemical processing. The fluid sensor detects changes in fluid pressure, temperature, or flow rate, enabling real-time monitoring and detection of anomalies. In water quality monitoring, the fluid sensor detects air bubbles in water conduits, alerting authorities to potential contamination. In food processing, the fluid sensor monitors fluid flow in processing pipelines, detecting changes indicative of contamination. In wind turbine systems, the fluid sensor detects air bubbles in hydraulic fluid conduits, adjusting turbine operation to prevent damage. In aircraft fuel quality monitoring, the fluid sensor detects water contamination in fuel conduits, generating alerts to ensure safe flight operations. In chemical processing, the fluid sensor detects blockages in processing pipelines, preventing accidents and downtime.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the core fluid sensor technology to diverse industries, introducing a non-obvious combination of components and functionalities that address specific problems in each sector. The inventive step is the recognition that the fluid sensor's capabilities can be adapted and extended to solve unique challenges in various industries, going beyond the original patent's limited scope.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include integrating the fluid sensor with IoT devices, machine learning algorithms, or cloud-based analytics to enhance real-time monitoring and predictive capabilities. Variations of the fluid sensor could be designed for specific industries, incorporating customized components and materials to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential across various industries, including water quality monitoring, food processing, wind turbine systems, aircraft fuel quality monitoring, and chemical processing. The market demand for innovative solutions in these sectors is substantial, driven by the need for improved safety, efficiency, and cost savings. The fluid sensor's adaptability and versatility position it as a valuable solution for diverse industries, offering a competitive advantage in the market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M5/16854 |
| A | A61 | A61M5/365 |
| A | A61 | A61M39/08 |
| G | G01 | G01N29/02 |
| G | G01 | G01N29/222 |
| A | A61 | A61M2005/16863 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/332 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3331 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fluid sensing technologies with applications in medical devices, industrial monitoring, and sensor integration, encompassing ultrasonic detection, pressure sensing, and fluid flow analysis across multiple technical domains
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in sensor engineering, signal processing, fluid dynamics, and cross-domain sensor adaptation, holding advanced degrees in electrical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering with working knowledge of sensor integration techniques
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core ultrasonic and pressure sensing principles disclosed in the source patent can be readily adapted to diverse industrial applications by applying standard sensor integration techniques. The fundamental fluid detection methodology remains consistent across domains, with only minor modifications to sensor configuration and signal processing requirements. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the source patent's core technological framework by applying known sensor principles to solve industry-specific monitoring challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,760 |
|---|---|
| Title | Fluid sensor |
| Assignee(s) | HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. |