Air Bubble Removal in Industrial Fluid Transmission Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
A novel application of air extraction technology to remove air bubbles from industrial fluid transmission systems, enabling improved efficiency, reliability, and safety in various industries.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Intravenous tubing venting assembly', addressed the critical issue of air bubble removal in medical IV tubing. However, the limitations of the original design restrict its applicability to other industries. The new inventive concept adapts and expands this technology to tackle air bubble removal in industrial fluid transmission systems, such as wind turbines, fuel cell systems, fuel injector cleaning, and mechanical gearboxes.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises an air extraction device installed in-line with the industrial fluid transmission line. The device features a venting valve that allows air bubbles to escape along a venting path while preventing fluid passage through the venting path. In specific embodiments, the air extraction device can be configured to release airlocks in the fluid flow, or include a ball valve to prevent rapidly-infused cleaning fluids from being forced into a branch tube. The device can be adapted for various industrial applications, including wind turbines, fuel cell systems, fuel injector cleaning, and mechanical gearboxes.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of air extraction technology to industrial fluid transmission systems, which is not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original design to address the specific challenges of air bubble removal in industrial settings, resulting in a new and non-obvious solution.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the venting valve design, chamber materials, or fluid flow configurations to accommodate different industrial applications. For example, a modular design could allow for easy integration into existing fluid transmission systems, or the use of advanced materials could enhance the device's durability and performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including wind energy, fuel cells, automotive, and mechanical engineering. The ability to efficiently remove air bubbles from industrial fluid transmission systems can lead to improved system reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced overall performance. The target market includes original equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and maintenance service providers in these industries.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fluid transmission systems with air bubble removal technology, specifically encompassing medical device design, hydraulic systems, and fluid flow management. Ordinary skill would involve mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and experience with designing venting and air extraction mechanisms
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with expertise in fluid systems design, familiar with air bubble removal techniques, capable of adapting medical device principles to industrial applications, and understanding fluid flow dynamics across different technical domains
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize the fundamental air extraction principles from the source patent are readily transferable to industrial fluid systems. The core technical concept of creating a venting mechanism that selectively allows air passage while preventing fluid escape is universally applicable across different technological domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable engineering adaptation by applying known medical device air extraction principles to industrial contexts with minimal substantive modification.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,774 |
|---|---|
| Title | Intravenous tubing venting assembly |
| Assignee(s) | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED |