flow meter

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide devices and methods for measuring fluid volume. Devices according to some embodiments include a chamber, having a pair of gears rotatably mounted therewithin. Fluid flow through the chamber causes rotation of the gears, such that each rotation and / or partial rotation results in a known volume of the fluid passing through the chamber. An optical sensor positioned outside of the chamber, can view the rotating gears through a substantially transparent chamber wall. The optical sensor can view an optical characteristic of one or both of the gears, and based upon this data, fluid volume, flow rate, and / or flow direction can be determined. Devices and methods disclosed herein can provide for improved precision in fluid flow meter measurement. In addition, the devices and methods used herein can be more durable and easier to fabricate than previously known positive displacement flow meters.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a volumetric fluid flow meter. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gear flow meter including an optical sensor, and methods of use of such a device. Background technique [0002] Positive displacement fluid measurement systems can be used to measure fluid flow or volume. For example, a dispensing system may use feedback from a positive displacement fluid flow meter to control the volume of fluid dispensed. Such a control system can be used in place of time control to more accurately dispense precise amounts of fluid. [0003] One type of positive displacement fluid measurement system is a gear flow meter, such as an oval gear or lobe flow meter. Traditional oval gear flow meters provide a pair of oval gears positioned within an oval gear chamber such that the gears rotate in unison. Lobe flowmeters provide a pair of lobe elements within a chamber that interlock and rotate about respective axes. In...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Oval gear and other positive displacement flowmeters utilizing a timing gear system have the disadvantage that the cover of the gear chamber must include one or more shaft holes for the shafts that couple the gears to the external timing gear

Complex mechanisms are required to seal the magnets inside the gears, making such gears expensive and difficult to implement on a small scale

[0006] Also, as metering resolution increases, the strength, size, and use of magnetic gear flowmeters are limited

For very small metering resolutions (e.g. less than 0.5ml), the use of magnetic gear flowmeters can be hindered by magnetic field interference, magnet size, and sensor location

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