Expanding Fluid Flow Detection to New Industries

Publication ID: 24-11857775_0007_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:New Applications & Use Cases

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Expanding Fluid Flow Detection to New Industries,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857775_0007_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857775_0007_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,775.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept applies the core technology of fluid flow detection to new industries, including fire suppression, water treatment, chemical processing, hydraulic systems, and wind turbine gearboxes, enabling improved system performance, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a fluid flow system for bubble and fluid detection, primarily focused on general fluid flow systems. However, the limitations of the original patent lie in its narrow application scope, neglecting the potential benefits of fluid flow detection in other industries. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by expanding the technology's application to diverse fields, solving the problem of inadequate fluid flow monitoring and detection in these areas.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a fluid flow sensor, a controller, and a notification module, which work in tandem to detect air bubbles or fluid in various industrial pipes. In fire suppression systems, the system monitors fluid flow to prevent pipe blockages. In water treatment plants, the system optimizes fluid flow rates and detects air bubbles or fluid to adjust treatment chemical injection rates. In chemical processing plants, the system analyzes fluid flow data to detect trends or anomalies, providing actionable insights to plant operators. In hydraulic systems, the system detects leaks by analyzing sensor data patterns. In wind turbine gearboxes, the system monitors fluid flow to optimize gearbox performance and reduce wear. The inventive concept's adaptability to diverse industries enables improved system reliability, reduced maintenance, and enhanced overall efficiency.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its application of the original patent's fluid flow detection technology to entirely new industries, solving specific problems in each field. The inventive step is the recognition of the potential benefits of fluid flow detection in these areas and the development of tailored solutions to address the unique challenges of each industry.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different sensor types, such as pressure sensors or acoustic sensors, or the integration of machine learning algorithms to enhance leak detection or predictive maintenance. Variations of the inventive concept could also involve the development of industry-specific software or user interfaces to facilitate seamless integration with existing systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including fire suppression, water treatment, chemical processing, hydraulic systems, and wind turbine gearboxes. The market for fluid flow detection systems is expected to grow as industries increasingly recognize the importance of efficient and reliable fluid flow monitoring. The inventive concept's adaptability to diverse industries positions it for widespread adoption and market leadership.

Field of Art

Fluid flow sensing and monitoring systems, encompassing sensor technologies, signal processing, and industrial diagnostic applications. Requires expertise in mechanical engineering, sensor design, signal analysis, and industrial control systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical or electrical engineer with 3-5 years experience in sensor design, signal processing, and industrial monitoring systems. Familiar with ultrasonic sensing, force sensors, fluid dynamics, and cross-industry diagnostic technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the source patent's fluid flow detection method as fundamentally adaptable to multiple industrial contexts. The core technological principles of bubble detection, signal processing, and sensor integration are universally applicable across different pipe and fluid systems. The PTD demonstrates predictable extensions of the original patent's core technological concept by applying known sensing techniques to solve domain-specific fluid monitoring challenges.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Force sensor monitoring ultrasonic signals at 20 KHz to 1 MHz frequency range for detecting fluid flow changes
PTD Variation
Applying the same sensing principle to fire suppression, water treatment, chemical processing, hydraulic, and wind turbine gearbox systems
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize that fluid flow detection principles are transferable across industries using known sensor integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Method for detecting air bubbles or liquid in a flow tube using threshold-based signal analysis
PTD Variation
Implementing threshold detection with additional data analytics and machine learning modules for predictive maintenance
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating machine learning with existing sensor technologies represents an obvious enhancement using known signal processing techniques
Source Patent Element
Tube compression of 10-40% for sensor interaction with flow tube
PTD Variation
Adapting sensor compression techniques for different pipe geometries in various industrial contexts
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor compression principles are universally applicable, with minor geometric adjustments representing routine engineering design choices
Source Patent Element
Signal level change detection between low and high states
PTD Variation
Expanding signal analysis to include trend detection, anomaly identification, and predictive maintenance across different fluid systems
Obviousness Reasoning
Signal pattern recognition represents a predictable extension of basic signal change detection principles
Source Patent Element
Fluid flow monitoring using force sensor technology
PTD Variation
Introducing alternative sensor types like pressure and acoustic sensors while maintaining core detection methodology
Obviousness Reasoning
Substituting equivalent sensor technologies represents an obvious variation within the state of the art
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857775's teachings, the present publication demonstrates that a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed fluid flow monitoring variations obvious and predictable extensions of existing sensor detection methodologies. The technological principles of bubble detection, signal processing, and sensor integration are readily transferable across industrial domains, rendering subsequent claims involving similar technological implementations obvious and unpatentable.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,775
TitleFluid flow system for bubble and fluid detection
Assignee(s)HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.