Integrated detector for detecting bubbles in fluid flow and occlusions in a tube

摘要

An integrated fluid sensor combining bubble and occlusion detection. A housing having a channel with three sides holds a tube containing a fluid flow. An ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver retain the tube on two opposing sides. Placed between the two opposing sides is a third side containing a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor contacting the surface of the tube detects changes of pressure within the tube due to changes in fluid flow so as to detect occlusions. The restraining of the tube between the opposing ultrasonic transmitter and ultrasonic receiver confine the tube so that a resulting increase in pressure is detected by the pressure sensor. A reduction in the size of devices for detecting fluid flow or bubbles is made possible.

主权项

1. A compact sensor for detecting bubbles and occlusions in a fluid flow comprising:
a housing having a channel with a bottom and opposing curved sides, the opposing curved sides having a narrowest portion adapted to receive and provide a pre-load to a tube; a bubble sensor having an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver, the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver placed adjacent a respective one of the opposing curved sides in said housing, whereby the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver are separated by the narrowest portion of the channel; and an occlusion sensor placed at the bottom of the channel between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver and the opposing curved sides and adjacent and between the narrowest portion of the opposing curved sides in said housing, wherein said bubble sensor and said occlusion sensor are both adjacent the narrowest portion of the opposing curved sides, whereby the opposing curved sides at the narrowest portion pre-load the tube improving accuracy across a range of different tube materials and fluid flow in the tube is monitored for bubbles and occlusions.