Industrial Fluid Flow Management and Control
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept applies the core technology of integrated liquid flow closed loop sensing and control to industrial manufacturing processes, chemical processing, oil and gas exploration, agricultural irrigation systems, and industrial fluid transport systems, enabling real-time monitoring and control of fluid flow rates to optimize production, reduce waste, and improve safety.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed an integrated intravenous administration set for monitoring and controlling fluid flow rates in medical infusion processes. However, this technology has broader applications in industries where fluid flow rates are critical. Current industrial fluid flow management systems often rely on manual monitoring, leading to inefficiencies, waste, and safety risks. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by applying the original patent's core technology to various industrial applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a flow sensor configured to measure fluid flow rates in a production pipeline, chemical processing pipeline, drilling operation, irrigation pipeline, or industrial fluid transport system. The flow sensor is connected to a control module or center that adjusts valve settings, pump pressures, or drilling parameters in real-time to maintain optimal flow rates. The system can also detect leaks and generate alerts when flow rates deviate from expected norms. The flow sensor and control module can be integrated into a single device or operate as separate components, enabling flexibility in system design and implementation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept is novel and non-obvious compared to the original patent because it applies the core technology to entirely different industries and applications, requiring adaptations and modifications to accommodate the unique requirements of each industry. The inventive concept's ability to integrate flow sensing and control in real-time, enabling optimal fluid flow management, is a significant advancement over current industrial practices.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include wireless flow sensors, cloud-based control centers, or AI-powered predictive maintenance algorithms. Variations could involve integrating the flow sensor and control module into existing industrial automation systems or developing custom solutions for specific industries.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial manufacturing, chemical processing, oil and gas exploration, agricultural irrigation systems, and industrial fluid transport systems. The market for industrial fluid flow management and control systems is expected to grow as industries increasingly focus on optimizing production, reducing waste, and improving safety.
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
Medical device engineering and fluid control systems, with expertise in infusion technologies, sensor integration, and electronic control mechanisms for fluid flow management across medical and industrial applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with advanced degree in biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering, experienced in sensor design, electronic control systems, and fluid dynamics, capable of translating medical device technologies to analogous industrial applications
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental flow sensing and control principles from the source patent are directly transferable to industrial contexts. The core technological elements of integrated flow sensing, electronic control, and adaptive response mechanisms remain consistent across different application domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the source patent's core technological concept through systematic domain translation.
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. |