Integrated Fluid Flow Sensing and Control for Industrial Processes
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept extends the core technology of integrated liquid flow closed loop sensing and control to various industrial processes, enabling efficient and precise fluid flow management in chemical processing, desalination, fuel cells, wastewater treatment, and power generation.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on infusion pumps for medical applications, but industrial processes require similar precise fluid flow control to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by adapting the integrated sensing and control technology to diverse industrial contexts.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a flow sensor integrated with a control valve, enabling real-time fluid flow rate measurement and adjustment. This closed-loop system optimizes fluid flow in various industrial processes, including chemical processing, desalination, fuel cells, wastewater treatment, and power generation. The flow sensor and control valve are designed to operate in harsh industrial environments, ensuring reliable and accurate performance. The system can be customized for specific industrial applications, incorporating additional sensors, actuators, or control algorithms as needed.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of the integrated sensing and control technology to industrial processes, leveraging the original patent's core principles to solve distinct problems in these fields. The inventive step lies in adapting the technology to accommodate the unique requirements and challenges of each industrial process.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include wireless connectivity for remote monitoring and control, integration with existing industrial automation systems, or the use of different types of flow sensors (e.g., ultrasonic, coriolis, or vortex) tailored to specific industrial applications. Variations could also involve the development of specialized control algorithms for particular industries or the incorporation of additional sensors to monitor other process parameters.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industrial sectors, including chemical processing, desalination, fuel cells, wastewater treatment, and power generation. The market demand for efficient and precise fluid flow management solutions is substantial, driven by the need to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and minimize environmental impact.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61M5/172 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3334 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3584 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/52 |
| H | H01 | H01R13/15 |
| H | H01 | H01R2201/12 |
| H | H01 | H01R2201/20 |
| H | H02 | H02J50/10 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fluid flow control systems, medical device engineering, and industrial process control, with expertise in sensor integration, electronic control systems, and fluid management technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with advanced degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, experience in sensor design, control systems, and fluid flow management, capable of translating medical device technologies to industrial applications
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the core principles of integrated flow sensing and control from the medical infusion device patent can be directly translated to industrial process applications by applying standard engineering design techniques. The fundamental closed-loop sensing and control mechanism remains conceptually identical across different domains, with modifications primarily involving environmental adaptation and specific industry requirements. The technical core of measuring fluid flow, generating control signals, and dynamically adjusting flow rates represents a universally applicable engineering solution.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,762 |
|---|---|
| Title | Integrated liquid flow closed loop sensing and control |
| Assignee(s) | CareFusion 303, Inc. |