Enhanced Fluid Flow System for Bubble and Fluid Detection
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept presents a series of direct improvements and enhancements to the original fluid flow system, focusing on increased accuracy, efficiency, and safety in detecting air bubbles or liquids.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a fluid flow system for bubble and fluid detection, but it had limitations in terms of sensitivity, signal processing, and tube design. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an improved force sensor, advanced signal processing techniques, and a modified flow tube design, resulting in enhanced detection accuracy and system efficiency.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced fluid flow system comprises a force sensor with improved sensitivity to detect changes in the DC component of the output signal, allowing for more accurate detection of air bubbles or liquids. The system also features advanced signal processing techniques, including machine learning algorithms, to analyze the output signal and detect patterns indicative of air bubbles or liquids. Furthermore, the flow tube design has been modified to reduce the likelihood of air bubble formation, improving the overall efficiency of the system. Additionally, a controller with an integrated heating element has been introduced to control the temperature of the fluid flow system and improve the accuracy of detection.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce several novel and non-obvious elements, including the improved force sensor, advanced signal processing techniques, and modified flow tube design. These elements, individually and in combination, provide a significant improvement over the original patent, enabling more accurate and efficient detection of air bubbles or liquids.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the force sensor design, signal processing algorithms, and flow tube materials. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different industries, such as medical devices, aerospace, or chemical processing.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced fluid flow system has significant commercial potential in various industries, including medical devices, aerospace, and chemical processing. The improved accuracy and efficiency of the system could lead to increased adoption and market share, particularly in applications where fluid flow detection is critical.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Fluid flow systems with bubble detection technologies, specifically medical and industrial fluid monitoring systems involving ultrasonic sensing and force sensor technologies
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
An engineer with expertise in fluid dynamics, sensor technologies, signal processing, and medical/industrial fluid monitoring systems, possessing knowledge of ultrasonic detection methods and electronic signal analysis
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's fundamental bubble detection methodology. The disclosed enhancements leverage known signal processing techniques and sensor design principles to incrementally improve detection accuracy and system performance. These modifications represent standard engineering problem-solving approaches within fluid monitoring technologies.
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. |