Enhanced Fluid Flow System for Bubble and Fluid Detection
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept relates to an improved fluid flow system for detecting air bubbles or liquids in a flow tube, offering enhanced sensitivity, reliability, and efficiency.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Fluid flow system for bubble and fluid detection,' had limitations in detecting air bubbles or liquids in a flow tube, particularly in terms of accuracy, speed, and safety. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing innovative design elements and operational methods to improve the overall performance of the fluid flow system.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced fluid flow system features a flow tube with a tapered inner surface, reducing the likelihood of air bubble formation. Additionally, the system employs a controlled pressure pulse to facilitate bubble removal, ensuring efficient detection. The force sensor is integrated with a heating element to maintain a consistent temperature within the flow tube, further enhancing detection accuracy. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms are utilized to analyze the output signal of the force sensor, predicting the likelihood of bubble formation. The flow tube may also be equipped with an integrated acoustic resonator, generating ultrasonic signals at a frequency range of 1-5 MHz to enhance bubble detection.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of the tapered flow tube, controlled pressure pulse, integrated heating element, machine learning algorithms, and acoustic resonator, which collectively provide a significant improvement over the original patent. The inventive step is the recognition of the need for a more efficient, reliable, and accurate fluid flow system, and the provision of a comprehensive solution addressing these needs.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include varying the shape and material of the flow tube, using different types of sensors, or incorporating additional features such as temperature control or fluid flow rate monitoring. Variations of the controlled pressure pulse, machine learning algorithms, and acoustic resonator may also be explored to further optimize the system's performance.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced fluid flow system has significant commercial potential in industries such as healthcare, biotechnology, and chemical processing, where accurate and efficient detection of air bubbles or liquids is crucial. The system's improved performance and reliability make it an attractive solution for companies seeking to optimize their fluid flow systems and improve overall product quality.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical fluid delivery systems and sensor technologies, specifically focusing on bubble detection and fluid flow monitoring in medical devices such as infusion systems, with expertise in ultrasonic sensing, force sensors, and signal processing
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled engineer with a background in biomedical engineering or medical device design, possessing knowledge of fluid dynamics, sensor integration, signal analysis, and medical device safety protocols
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and combinations of known techniques in fluid flow detection systems. The proposed modifications leverage standard engineering approaches to enhance bubble detection sensitivity and reliability by integrating known sensor technologies and signal processing methods. The incremental improvements represent logical extensions of the source patent's core technological concepts.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,775 |
|---|---|
| Title | Fluid flow system for bubble and fluid detection |
| Assignee(s) | HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC. |