Design to reduce strain in Coriolis flow sensors

Abstract

An embodiment of a balance bar (230) is disclosed. The balance bar (230) includes a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving a flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); and a first side flexible portion (234) including at least one flexible connector (250), the first side flexible portion (234) coupling the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), wherein both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to structural elements of a flow sensor, and more particularly, to the configuration of the structural elements of the flow sensor. Background Art

[0002] Coriolis flow meters provide excellent flow measurement for most systems. A typical problem with Coriolis flow sensors is that their internal components have different properties that respond differently to different conditions. For example, as the elements of a Coriolis flow sensor change temperature, each element may expand or contract at its own rate, causing significant stress on the connections between the elements.

[0003] In a Coriolis sensor, when a fluid at a temperature different from the sensor's internal temperature is introduced into the sensor's flow tube, the flow tube's temperature changes through conductive and / or convective heat transfer from the fluid. Other sensor components, such as the balance bar or housing, are not in direct contact with the flowing fluid and are therefore less affected by the changing temperature. For example, in embodiments where the flow tube is constructed of a material that expands when heated, when the flowing fluid is hotter than the components in the sensor, the flow tube will expand to a greater extent than the other components in the flow sensor, while when the flowing fluid is cooler than the components in the sensor, the flow tube will contract to a greater extent than the other components in the sensor. In sensor devices with flow tubes composed of polymers, the polymer flow tube can contract with increasing temperature and expand with decreasing temperature. In these systems, the polymer flow tube can expand as other components contract, or contract as other components expand. This difference in material expansion and / or contraction can produce significant stresses in the flow tube and in the flow tube connectors that connect the flow tube to other components.

[0004] In some Coriolis flow sensors, the flow tube is held in place by a coupling to a balance bar, which may be held in place by a brace. If the temperature of the flowing fluid differs from the temperature of the balance bar, the flow tube will naturally expand or contract to a greater extent than the balance bar to which it is coupled. This creates stresses on the flow tube itself, the coupling to the flow tube, and other flow sensor components to which the flow tube and balance bar are coupled. These stresses can be particularly high for sensor elements constructed from common sensor element materials, such as Alloy C22 (an alloy of nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten) and stainless steel. These stresses can be significant in vibration sensors to the point where they can cause the sensor to yield, bend, and / or fail.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for some sensor component designs that reduce the stress caused by temperature changes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of a balance bar (230) is disclosed. The balance bar (230) includes a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving a flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); and a first side flexible portion (234) including at least one flexible connector (250), the first side flexible portion (234) coupling the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), wherein both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

[0007] An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a balance bar (230) is disclosed. The method includes forming a balance bar (230) comprising: a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving a flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); and a first side flexible portion (234) including at least one flexible connector (250), the first side flexible portion (234) coupling the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), wherein both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

[0008] Invention

[0009] According to one aspect, a balance bar (230) is disclosed. The balance bar (230) includes a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving a flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); and a first side flexible portion (234) including at least one flexible connector (250), the first side flexible portion (234) coupling the first side portion (231) with the central portion (233), wherein both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

[0010] Preferably, the balance bar (230) further comprises: two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b), wherein the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) are coupled to the exterior of the first side portion (231); and two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f), wherein the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are coupled to the exterior of the central portion (233).

[0011] Preferably, one or more of the at least one flexible connectors (250) include one or more of the following: one or more of the at least one flexible connectors (250) connects at least one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) to at least one of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f); and one or more of the at least one flexible connectors (250) connects at least a portion of the central portion (233) and at least a portion of the first side portion (231).

[0012] Preferably, one or more of the following exists: the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are connected only by one or more flexible connectors in the at least one flexible connector (250), and wherein any first side ribs of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) and any central side ribs of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are connected only by one or more flexible connectors in the at least one flexible connector (250).

[0013] Preferably, at least one of the at least one flexible connector (250) is arcuate in shape.

[0014] Preferably, at least one of the at least one flexible connector (250) is deflected.

[0015] Preferably, the at least one flexible connector in the at least one flexible connector (250) is biased toward the central portion (233) relative to the first side portion (231) in one or more aspects of weight, cross-section and thickness of the at least one flexible connector in the at least one flexible connector (250).

[0016] Preferably, at least one of the at least one flexible coupling (250) is symmetrical.

[0017] Preferably, at least one flexible coupling (250) has an apex portion (251).

[0018] Preferably, the balance pole (230) further includes at least one support (260), wherein one of the at least one support (260) at least partially couples one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) to another of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b).

[0019] Preferably, the balance bar (230) further comprises: a second side portion (232) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); a second side flexible portion (235) comprising at least one additional flexible connector (250), the second side flexible portion (235) coupling the second side portion (232) with the central portion (233); and two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d), wherein the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) are coupled to an exterior of the second side portion (232), wherein the second side portion (232) is more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234), wherein one or more of the at least one additional flexible couplers (250) have one or more of the following: At least one of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) is coupled to at least one central side rib of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f); and one or more flexible connectors of the at least one additional flexible connector (250) couple at least a portion of the central portion (233) and at least a portion of the second side portion (232), wherein one or more of the following exists: the second side portion (232) and the central portion (233) are coupled only by one or more flexible connectors of the at least one additional flexible connector (250); and any second side rib of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) and any central side rib of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are coupled only by one or more flexible connectors of the at least one additional flexible connector (250).

[0020] Preferably, at least two of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b), at least two of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f), and at least two of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) are all substantially coplanar.

[0021] Preferably, two or more of the at least one flexible coupling (250) and two or more of the at least one additional flexible coupling (250) are all substantially coplanar.

[0022] Preferably, the at least one flexible connector (250) includes four flexible connectors (250), wherein the first two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) connect the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), and the first two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) are connected to positions on the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) that are substantially radially symmetrical about the central flow axis (299), and wherein the last two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) connect the first side ribs (236a, 236b) to the central side ribs (236e, 236f), and the last two flexible connectors (250) are connected to positions on the first side ribs (236a, 236b) and the central side ribs (236e, 236f) that are substantially radially symmetrical about the central flow axis (299).

[0023] Preferably, the first two flexible connectors (250) of the four flexible connectors (250) are substantially coplanar with each other in a first plane, and the last two flexible connectors (250) of the four flexible connectors (250) are substantially coplanar with each other in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] Preferably, the balance pole (230) has at least one plane of symmetry, which is one or more of: a plane defined by the transverse axis (2) and the vertical axis (3) at the center of the balance pole (230) on the flow axis (1), a plane defined by the flow axis (1) and the transverse axis (2) at the center of the balance pole (230) on the vertical axis (3), and a plane defined by the flow axis (1) and the vertical axis (3) at the center of the balance pole (230) on the transverse axis (2).

[0025] Preferably, the balance bar (230) has one or more of the following: the balance bar (230) is radially symmetrical about one or more of the central flow axis (299), the central portion (233) and the first side portion (231); and the balance bar (230) is axially symmetrical about one or more of the central flow axis (299), the central portion (233) and the first side portion (231).

[0026] Preferably, one of the two or more first side ribs (236a) and one of the two or more central side ribs (236e) are connected by a flexible connector among the at least one flexible connector (250), wherein a gap (298) exists between the one of the two or more first side ribs (236a) and the one of the two or more central side ribs (236e).

[0027] Preferably, one or more of the at least one flexible coupling (250) are coupled to one or more of the at least one support (260).

[0028] According to one aspect, a method of manufacturing a balance bar (230) is disclosed. The method includes forming a balance bar (230) comprising: a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving a flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); and a first side flexible portion (234) including at least one flexible connector (250), the first side flexible portion (234) coupling the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), wherein both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Like reference numerals represent like elements throughout the drawings.It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates prior art internal components 100 of a prior art flow sensor.

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view of the flow sensor internal components 200 is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A top view of an embodiment of a portion 300 of the inner assembly 200 having a flexible coupling is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view of a flexible coupling 250 is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 A top view of an embodiment of balance pole 230 is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 A side view of an embodiment of a balance pole 230 is shown.

[0036] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a balance pole 230 is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A front view of an embodiment of a balance pole 230 is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method 900 of manufacturing the stabilizer pole 230 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 to Figure 9 The following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of implementation of the flexible sensor element. For the purpose of teaching the inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations of these examples that fall within the scope of this description. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the flexible sensor element. Therefore, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0040] Conventional Coriolis sensors have a rigid balance bar formed from a part with continuous longitudinal ribs that cannot accommodate stresses caused by temperature differences. For example, FIG1 shows a prior art internal assembly 100 of a prior art flow sensor. Prior art internal assembly 100 includes a flow tube 103, connecting rods 104a and 104b, a brace bar 105 (and a corresponding brace bar 105 for the other side, not shown), and a balance bar 106.

[0041] A flow sensor is a sensor that detects properties of a fluid flowing through it. Flow tube 103 is a conduit through which the fluid flows. In a Coriolis sensor, flow tube 103 vibrates during fluid flow, with the resulting vibration response being used to measure fluid flow rate and / or flowing fluid properties, such as mass flow rate and / or density. Methods for performing these measurements are well-known in the art and are omitted here for the sake of brevity. Connecting rods 104a and 104b are connectors used to connect the conventional internal assembly 100 to the housing (not shown). Bracing rod 105 is a component that limits the vibration length of flow tube 103 by rigidly coupling to flow tube 103. Bracing rod 105 can be coupled to flow tube 103 and connecting rod 104a (a corresponding bracing rod 105, not visible in this perspective view, can similarly couple another connecting rod 104b to flow tube 103). The reference axes shown include flow axis 1, transverse axis 2, and vertical axis 3. Flow axis 1 can have a first side 4 and a second side 5. The transverse axis 2 may have a left side 6 and a right side 7. The vertical axis 3 may have a top 8 and a bottom 9.

[0042] Balance bar 106 of the prior art is an element that increases the balance of flow tube 103 to provide better balanced vibrational motion of flow tube 103. Balance bar 106 of the prior art includes a first side portion 107, a second side portion 108, a central portion 109, side ribs 110a and 110b, spaces 111a and 111b, sensor brackets 112a and 112b, and a driver bracket 115. Central portion 109 circumferentially surrounds flow tube 103 at a central position in the direction of flow axis 1. Central portion 109 may include a driver bracket 115 for mounting a driver that drives vibration of flow tube 103 substantially in the direction of vertical axis 3. First side portion 107 and second side portion 108 are elements of balance bar 106 of the prior art that circumferentially surround flow tube 103 at positions away from central portion 109 in the direction of flow axis 1. First side portion 107 and second side portion 108 may include sensor brackets 112a and 112b, respectively. Sensor brackets 112a and 112b are coupling elements for mounting sensors, such as pickup assemblies, that sense the vibrational response of the driver-driven vibrations. Sensor readings can be used to determine flow characteristics such as mass flow rate, density, viscosity, volumetric flow rate, etc., in a manner well-established in the art. Side ribs 110a and 110b are protrusions that add a larger balancing cross-sectional area to better balance the vibrations of flow tube 103. Additionally, side ribs 110a and 110b can provide greater and / or different stiffness to balance bar 106, thereby defining a unique stiffness in a plane orthogonal to the drive plane. This can separate mode shapes in frequency, thereby providing a defined drive plane for tubular sections that would otherwise lack a distinct preferred drive plane. Side ribs 110a and 110b are located on the sides of flow tube 103 in the direction of transverse axis 2. Side ribs 110a and 110b generally lie substantially in the plane defined by flow axis 1 and transverse axis 2. This arrangement provides a balance to limit or substantially eliminate vibratory motion in axial directions other than vertical axis 3. Spaces 111a and 111b are portions between each of side portions 107 and 108 and central portion 109 where flow tube 103 is not circumferentially surrounded by elements, with only side ribs 110a and 110b located on opposite sides of flow tube 103 at spaces 111a and 111b.

[0043] The prior art balance bar 106 provides some flexibility by providing spaces 111a and 111b between each of the side portions 107 and 108 and the central portion 109. This reduces rigidity and allows for the use of lower frequency drive excitations in flow measurement compared to the case where spaces 111a and 111b are not provided. The side ribs 110a and 110b remain continuous with respect to the flow tube 103 along the flow axis 1. This provides greater balance, restricting movement in axes other than the vertical axis 3. While beneficial for the prior art internal assembly 100, the continuous side ribs 110a and 110b make the prior art internal assembly 100 more rigid. This rigidity can result in greater stresses on the flow tube 103 and its couplings when temperature differentials exist between components within the prior art internal assembly 100 and the flow tube 103, as well as with the couplings connecting the flow tube 103 to other components within the prior art internal assembly 100. Prior art designs do not provide flexibility in the direction of the flow axis 1 to allow the flow tube 103 to expand and / or contract, particularly in the axial direction.

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of the internal assembly 200 of a flow sensor is shown. The internal assembly 200 has a flow tube 220, connecting rods 221a and 221b, a brace rod 223 (and a corresponding brace rod 223 for the other side, not shown), and a balance bar 230. It should be understood that different configurations of vibration sensors are contemplated, such as an elbow flow sensor, a fork meter, and / or the like.

[0045] Internal assembly 200 is an internal assembly of components of a flow sensor. Flow tube 220 is a conduit through which fluid flows. Assembly 200 has a central flow axis 299, which is illustrated as being located at the center. In a Coriolis sensor, flow tube 220 vibrates during fluid flow, with the resulting vibration response being used to measure fluid flow rate and / or properties of the flowing fluid, such as mass flow rate and / or density. Methods for performing these measurements are well-known in the art and are omitted here for the sake of brevity. Connecting rods 221a and 221b are connectors used to connect internal assembly 200 to a housing (not shown). Brace rod 223 is a component that, by rigidly coupling to flow tube 220, limits the vibration length of flow tube 220. Brace rod 223 can be coupled to flow tube 220 and connecting rods 221a and 221b (this also applies to corresponding brace rods 223, which are not visible in this perspective view). Reference axes shown include flow axis 1, transverse axis 2, and vertical axis 3. For purposes of this specification, in various embodiments, the distal direction and the proximal direction can be relative to one or more of: the center position of the internal component 200 in the direction of the flow axis 1, the center position of the flow tube 220 in the direction of the flow axis 1 and / or the center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1.

[0046] Balance bar 230 is an element that increases the balance of flow tube 220 to provide better balanced vibrational motion of flow tube 220. Balance bar 230 includes a first side portion 231, a second side portion 232, a central portion 233, a first side flexible portion 234, a second side flexible portion 235, side ribs 236, spaces 237a and 237b, sensor brackets 238a and 238b, a flexible coupling 250, and a support 260. Central portion 233 is the portion of balance bar 230 that circumferentially surrounds flow tube 220 at a central position in the direction of flow axis 1. Central portion 233 may have a driver bracket (not shown) for mounting a driver that drives vibration of flow tube 220 substantially in the vertical axis direction 3. First side portion 231 and second side portion 232 are elements of balance bar 230 that circumferentially surround flow tube 220 at a position away from central portion 233 in the direction of flow axis 1. For this purpose, the first side portion 231 and the second side portion 232 may be collectively referred to as a "distal portion." The first side portion 231 and the second side portion 232 may have sensor brackets 238a and 238b, respectively. Sensor brackets 238a and 238b are coupling elements for mounting sensors, such as pickup assemblies. The side ribs 236 are protrusions that increase the cross-sectional area to provide better balance for vibrations of the flow tube 220. The side ribs 236 are located on the sides of the flow tube 220 in the direction of the transverse axis 2. The side ribs 236 may lie substantially in a plane defined by the flow axis 1 and the transverse axis 2. This arrangement provides balance to limit or substantially eliminate vibrational motion in the direction of axes other than the vertical axis 3. Spaces 237a and 237b are empty portions between each of the side portions 231 and 232 and the central portion 233, where the flow tube 220 is not circumferentially surrounded by elements, leaving only the flexible elements, i.e., flexible portions 234 and 235, located on or around opposite sides of the flow tube 220 at spaces 237a and 237b.

[0047] Flexible portions 234 and 235 are flexible portions of balance bar 230 that allow flow tube 220 to expand and contract with changes in temperature. First side portion 231, second side portion 232, center portion 233, and side ribs 236 can be substantially rigid. Flexible portions 234 and 235 can provide flexibility in balance bar 230 to allow flow tube 220 to expand axially in the direction of flow axis 1 more than would be permitted by a substantially rigid component.

[0048] For the purpose of explanation, the side ribs 236 can be further categorized as first side ribs 236a and 236b, central side ribs 236e and 236f, and second side ribs 236c and 236d. The first side ribs 236a and 236b are coupled to the first side portion 231 to balance vibrations in the first side portion 231. The central side ribs 236e and 236f are coupled to the central portion 233 to balance vibrations in the central portion 233. The second side ribs 236c and 236d are coupled to the second side portion 232 to balance vibrations in the second side portion 232. The first side ribs 236a and 236b and the second side ribs 236c and 236d can be collectively referred to as "distal side ribs" 236. It should be understood that the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, and the second side ribs 236c and 236d can have different shapes, as may be depicted in the figures. One or more of the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, and the second side ribs 236c and 236d can be coupled to be radially symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical about the central flow axis 299. Furthermore, the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, and the second side ribs 236c and 236d can be symmetrical about a plane defined by the vertical axis 3 and the transverse axis 2, the plane being located at a center point of the inner assembly 200 in the direction of the flow axis 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1"). In embodiments, when assembled with interior assembly 200, side ribs 236 may have one or more gaps 298 between them along flow axis 1 in a plane defined by flow axis 1 and transverse axis 2. In embodiments, when assembled with interior assembly 200, side ribs 236 may have one or more gaps 298 between them along flow axis 1 in a plane defined by flow axis 1 and vertical axis 2. In embodiments, these gaps 298 may be co-located along flow axis 1 and / or have the same length as one or more of spaces 237a and 237b. Each side rib 236 may have a support 260 that couples the side ribs 236 on each side of interior assembly 200. Additionally or alternatively, support 260 may be a mass-adding feature. For example, in embodiments, support 260 may provide no support at all, but may simply contribute more mass at relevant geometric locations. In various embodiments, each of the supports 260 can be a single piece that circumferentially surrounds the flow tube 220, or each of the supports 260 can be two segments, each of which connects two side ribs 236, one segment on the top 8 and the other segment on the bottom 9.In an embodiment, when the support is composed of two elements, these two elements may not be directly connected, but connected to the top 8 and bottom 9 portions of the side ribs 236 to which the support 260 is attached.

[0049] For example, on the first side 4, the first side ribs 236a and 236b can be coupled to each other via a first side support 260a. The first side support 260a can also be coupled to or integral with the first side portion 231. Additionally or alternatively, on the second side 5, the second side ribs 236c and 236d can be coupled to each other via a second side support 260b. The second side support 260b can also be coupled to or integral with the second side portion 232. In an embodiment, the support 260 can be symmetrical about the plane in which the support 260 and the side ribs 236 are coupled. Furthermore, for the flexible connector 250 coupling the first side portion 231 or the second side portion 232 to the central portion 233, the flexible connector 250 can further be coupled directly or indirectly to the corresponding first side support 260a or second side support 260b, respectively. In another embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 that effectively couples the first side portion 231 or the second side portion 232 to the central portion 233 can be directly coupled to the support 260 without any intermediate couplings coupled to the first side portion 231 or the second side portion 232, respectively. Given the illustrated arrangement of the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the second side ribs 236c and 236d, and the central side ribs 236e and 236f, there can be gaps 298 between the side ribs 236, for example, there can be a gap 298 between each first side rib 236a and 236b and each corresponding central side rib 236e and 236f, or there can be a gap 298 between each second side rib 236c and 236d and each corresponding central side rib 236e and 236f. For example, Figure 5 As shown in FIG, there is a gap 298 between each of the first side rib 236a and the central side rib 236e, the first side rib 236b and the central side rib 236f, the central side rib 236e and the second side rib 236c, and the central side rib 236f and the second side rib 236d. Any of the embodiments shown in any of the figures in the drawings may also have the gap 298, but the gap 298 is shown in the embodiment of ... Figure 3 and Figure 5 It is easiest to distinguish in the top view.

[0050] First side flexible portion 234 is a flexible portion of balance bar 230 that connects the rigid portion on first side 4 to central portion 233 or an element coupled to central portion 233. For example, these first side 4 couplings may include a flexible coupling between at least one first side rib 236a and / or 236b and at least one central side rib 236e and / or 236f. ​​The first side 4 couplings may additionally or alternatively include a flexible coupling between first side portion 231 and central portion 233. The flexible coupling may include a flexible coupler 250, a coupling element that can flex to allow for tube expansion and / or contraction. Because the flow sensor should maintain proper balance and alignment during use, flexible coupler 250 may be arranged so that it provides a radially symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical coupling with respect to flow tube 220 in the direction of flow axis 1. The couplings may also be arranged so that internal assembly 200 is symmetrical about a central plane in the direction of flow axis 1. Any number of couplings may be used, as well as any number of flexible couplings 250. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 flexible couplings 250 and / or flexible couplings may be used on first side 4 of interior assembly 200.

[0051] Second side flexible portion 235 is a flexible portion of balance pole 230 that couples the rigid portion on second side 5 to central portion 233 or to an element coupled to central portion 233. For example, these second side 5 couplings may include a flexible coupling between at least one second side rib 236c and / or 236d and at least one central side rib 236e and / or 236f. ​​The second side 5 couplings may additionally or alternatively include a flexible coupling between second side portion 232 and central portion 233.

[0052] The flexible coupling may include a flexible coupler 250, a coupling element that can bend to allow for tube expansion. Because the flow sensor should maintain proper balance and alignment during use, the flexible coupler 250 may be arranged so that it provides a radially symmetrical and / or axially symmetrical coupling with respect to the flow tube 220 in the direction of the flow axis 1. The coupling may also be arranged so that the internal assembly 200 is symmetrical about a central plane in the direction of the flow axis 1.

[0053] Any number of couplings may be used, as well as any number of flexible couplings 250. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and / or such number of flexible couplings 250 or flexible couplings may be used to couple the rigid portions of the interior assembly 200. While the flexible portions 234 and 235 are generally flexible, the flexible portions 234 and 235 may include rigid sub-elements, such as rigid links or rigid couplings coupled to the rigid elements. Figure 3 An embodiment of a flexible coupling is shown in It should be understood that any of the elements or components of balance bar 230 may be constructed from any suitable gauge material, such as C22, tantalum, titanium, zirconium, and / or stainless steel.

[0054] The symmetry of the balance bar 230 can be maintained in any number of planes, axes, and / or radii. For example, the balance bar 230 can be symmetrical in that the balance bar 230 has one or more of the following: the balance bar 230 is symmetrical about the central flow axis 299 (which may be a longitudinal centerline in the direction of the flow axis 1, which represents the direction of the balance bar 230). Figure 2The balance bar 230 can be radially and / or axially symmetrical about the center axis of the flow tube 220 (shown in FIG), radially and / or axially symmetrical about the center portion 233, radially and / or axially symmetrical about the first side portion 231, and radially and / or axially symmetrical about the second side portion 232. The balance bar 230 can have planes of symmetry. For example, the balance bar 230 can be symmetrical about one or more of the following planes: the plane defined by the center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1 (previously defined), the plane defined by the flow axis 1 and the transverse axis 2 at the center of the balance bar 230 in the direction of the vertical axis 3, and / or the plane defined by the flow axis 1 and the vertical axis 3 at the center of the balance bar 230 in the direction of the transverse axis 2. These symmetries can also result in certain components being substantially coplanar. That is, some of the side ribs 236 and / or some of the flexible couplings 250 can lie substantially in the same plane. For example, at least two of the first side ribs 236a and 236b, at least two of the two or more central side ribs 236e and 236f, and at least two of the two or more second side ribs 236c and 236d can all be substantially coplanar. In another embodiment, the two or more flexible couplers 250 on the first side 4 and the two or more flexible couplers 250 on the second side 5 can all be substantially coplanar. In another embodiment, the first two of the four flexible couplers 250 are substantially coplanar with each other in a first plane, and the last two of the four flexible couplers 250 are substantially coplanar with each other in a second plane, wherein the first and second planes are perpendicular to each other.

[0055] Figure 3 A top view of an embodiment of a portion 300 of the internal assembly 200 having a flexible coupling is shown. For purposes of simplicity, Figure 3 Only an embodiment of the flexible coupling on the first side 4 is shown, but the embodiment presented can reflect the relationship between the central portion 233 and one or more distal portions (e.g., the first side portion 231 and / or the second side portion 232) and the distal side ribs (e.g., the first side ribs 236a and 236b and / or the second side ribs 236c and 236d). It will be understood that the flexible coupling on the second side 5 can be similar to Figure 3 The first side 4 elements shown in FIG and / or with respect to the center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1 Figure 3symmetrical with the first side 4 elements shown in FIG. The flexible coupling can be described using the internal assembly 200, the flow tube 220, the first side portion 231, the central portion 233, the first side flexible portion 234, the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, the space 237a, and the flexible coupling 250. It should be understood that the internal assembly 200, the flow tube 220, the first side portion 231, the central portion 233, the first side flexible portion 234, the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, the support 260, and the space 237a can be Figure 2 Implementation of the internal assembly 200, the flow tube 220, the first side portion 231, the central portion 233, the first side flexible portion 234, the first side ribs 236a and 236b, the central side ribs 236e and 236f, the support member 260 and the space 237a.

[0056] The first side flexible portion 234 may be defined by a three-dimensional region around the flow tube 220 at a position between the first side portion 231 and the central portion 233 on the flow axis 1. The space 237a and the flexible coupling 250 may be at least partially located in the first side flexible portion 234, and the space 237a and the flexible coupling 250 at least partially define the first side flexible portion 234.

[0057] The first side flexible portion 234 can include a flexible coupling. The flexible coupling can connect elements on the first side 4 and elements located at a central position on the flow axis 1. For example, the flexible coupling can connect the first side portion 231 to the central portion 233. Additionally or alternatively, the flexible coupling can connect at least one first side rib 236a and / or 236b to at least one central side rib 236e and / or 236f. ​​The flexible connector can include one or more flexible couplers 250.

[0058] A balancing assembly having flexible portions may reduce stresses on flow tube 220 caused by temperature differences by allowing greater axial freedom for expansion and / or contraction.

[0059] Figure 4 A perspective view of a flexible coupling 250 is shown. The flexible coupling 250 can have any shape, size, and configuration that provides flexibility to facilitate expansion of the flow tube 220. In embodiments, the flexible coupling 250 can have an arcuate shape. In embodiments, the flexible coupling 250 can have an arched shape. In embodiments, the flexible coupling 250 can have a shape with one or more sharp corners, such as a branched polygon. These shapes are exemplary, and other shapes for the flexible coupling 250 are also contemplated.

[0060] The flexible coupling 250 can have an apex 251, which is a peak representing either the radially furthest point or the radially closest point of the flexible coupling 250 relative to the flow tube 220 when the internal assembly 200 is assembled. The apex 251 can be located at a central position along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. Alternatively, the apex 251 can be closer to one side of the flexible coupling 250 than to the other side of the flexible coupling 250 along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1, thereby potentially creating a skewed flexible coupling 250. Even if the apex 251 is centrally located along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1, the weight and / or thickness of the flexible coupling 250 can be distributed differently along the longitudinal length of the flexible coupling 250 and / or along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1, thereby potentially still creating a skewed flexible coupling 250. In another embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may be symmetrical about a plane defined by the transverse axis 2 and the vertical axis 3 at the point of the apex 251 , such that the flexible coupling 250 is not a skewed coupling, but rather a symmetrical coupling.

[0061] As shown, the apex portion 251 is the radially farthest portion of the flexible coupling 250 relative to the flow tube 220. In an embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may have the apex portion 251 closer to the central portion 233 than the first side portion 231 along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. In an embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may have the apex portion 251 closer to the first side portion 231 than the central portion 233 along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. In an embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may have the apex portion 251 closer to the central portion 233 than the second side portion 232 along the length of the flexible coupling 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. In embodiments, the flexible coupler 250 may have an apex portion 251 located closer to the second side portion 232 than to the central portion 233 along the length of the flexible coupler 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. In embodiments, the flexible coupler 250 may have an apex portion 251 located distally from the center of the flexible coupler 250 along its length in the direction of the flow axis 1. In embodiments, the flexible coupler 250 may have an apex portion 251 located either proximal to the center of the flexible coupler 250 along its length in the direction of the flow axis 1 or distally from the center of the flexible coupler 250 along its length in the direction of the flow axis 1. These embodiments may also indicate that the flexible coupler 250 has an asymmetrical weight (and / or material amount) distribution along its length in the direction of the flow axis 1. For example, the flexible coupler 250 may have more weight (and / or material) distributed on one of the distal side or the proximal side of the center position of the flexible coupler 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1. In an embodiment, the flexible coupler 250 may have a greater thickness on one side of the apex portion 251 of the flexible coupler 250 than on the other side. The thickness may be characterized by the thickness of the cross section of the flexible coupler 250 along one of the length of the flexible coupler 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1 and the longitudinal length of the flexible coupler 250. In an embodiment, the thickness of the flexible coupler 250 (as defined in the preceding sentence) may be greater on one of the proximal side and the distal side of the flexible coupler 250 than on the other of the proximal side and the distal side of the flexible coupler 250.

[0062] In an embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 can have a plurality of apexes 251, for example, alternating inwardly facing apexes and outwardly facing apexes 251 (inwardly and outwardly facing one or more of the flow tube 220 and the side ribs 236), with the apexes 251 alternating along one or more of the flow axis 1, the transverse axis 2, and the vertical axis 3. In an embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 can be curvilinear, with alternating outwardly facing apexes and inwardly facing apexes 251. In yet another embodiment, the balance bar 230 can have more than one flexible coupling 250 coupled to the same side rib 236 at the same longitudinal position in the direction of the flow axis 1. For example, in this embodiment, the flexible couplings 250 can have apexes 251 that are opposite each other in at least one axial direction. In yet another embodiment, the balance pole 230 may have more than one flexible coupling 250, each flexible coupling 250 coupled to the same side rib 236 at the same longitudinal position in the direction of the flow axis 1, wherein the flexible couplings 250 have apex portions 251 that are parallel to each other in at least one axial direction. A balance pole 230 having a combination of the aforementioned embodiments is also contemplated.

[0063] In various embodiments, the flexible coupling 250 may have a corner shape at the vertex 251. In another embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may have a curved shape at the vertex 251. In another embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 may be shaped like a branched polygon, such that the flexible coupling 250 has a corner shape and the vertex 251 may have a corner shape or a line segment shape, wherein one or more of the following exists: the line segment is parallel to the flow axis 1; or the line segment is curved relative to the flow axis 1.

[0064] In various embodiments, these asymmetries in the flexible coupler 250 can be balanced from one side of the balance bar 230 to the other. That is, the flexible coupler 250 itself may be asymmetric along its longitudinal length and / or its length in the direction of the flow axis 1, but it may have a complementary flexible coupler 250 on the opposite side of the inner assembly 200 in the direction of the flow axis 1, such that the flexible coupler 250 and the complementary flexible coupler 250 are symmetric about a center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1. Multiple flexible couplers 250 may be used on each side of the center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1, and the multiple flexible couplers 250 may be arranged to provide symmetry about the center plane in the direction of the flow axis 1.

[0065] In embodiments, the flexible coupler 250 can be an integral part of the side ribs 236, such that the flexible portion can be characterized as a gap 298 in a conventional, continuous side rib, such as the gap 298 in the side ribs 110a and 110b of prior art FIG 1. In other embodiments, the flexible coupler 250 can be a separate element from the side ribs 236, and the flexible coupler 250 can be coupled to the side ribs 236.

[0066] When the flexible coupler 250 is coupled to the interior assembly 200, the flexible coupler 250 can lie substantially in a plane defined by the axis (to the extent that two or more of the starting point, the end point, and the apex 251 lie in the plane). For example, one or more flexible couplers 250 can each be coupled to the interior assembly 200 so as to lie substantially in a plane defined by an axis, such as a plane defined by the flow axis 1 and the vertical axis 3 and / or a plane defined by the transverse axis 2 and the vertical axis 3. In another embodiment, the thickness of the flexible coupler 250 in the plane defined by the transverse axis 2 and the vertical axis 3 can be greater than, less than, or equal to (or substantially equal to) the same defined thickness of the side ribs 236. In embodiments, the length of the flexible coupler 250 in the direction of the flow axis 1 can be the same as (or substantially the same as) the length of the spaces 237a and 237b. A skewed flexible coupler 250 can also have a different angle of the straight portion of the flexible coupler 250 near the apex 251.

[0067] As can be seen, the shape of the flexible coupling 250 at the illustrated apex 251 is curved both on the exterior and interior. As illustrated, the flexible coupling 250 has an apex 251 that is skewed toward the end of the flexible coupling 250 along its length in the direction of the flow axis 1. This skewed position of the apex 251 can reflect the skew distribution of the flexible coupling 250 relative to its length in the direction of the flow axis 1, which is related to one or more of the weight, cross-section, thickness, and angle of the straight portion of the flexible coupling 250 relative to the flow tube 220. As shown, the flexible coupling 250 can have one or more of a skewed weight, a skewed cross-section, a skewed thickness, and a skewed angle of the straight portion relative to the central flow axis 299.

[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the flexible coupling 250 can have a corner shape (not shown). This embodiment can be interpreted as a four-sided polygon with branches. Embodiments with more corners can be envisioned, so that the flexible coupling 250 has a polygonal shape with more sides. Other embodiments can be envisioned in which the shape of the flexible coupling 250 is similar to a bisected polygon, but with rounded or curved corners.

[0069] Figures 5 to 8 Different perspective views of an embodiment of the balance pole 230 are shown. All references to elements are in Figures 2 to 4 Elements with the same reference numerals are used throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0070] Figure 5 A top view of an embodiment of balance pole 230 is shown.

[0071] Figure 6 A side view of an embodiment of a balance pole 230 is shown.

[0072] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of balance bar 230 is shown. The cross-sectional view may be from a longitudinal position, viewed from first side 4 toward second side 5, where balance bar 230 has space 237a between first side portion 231 and central portion 233. The cross-section may be defined by a portion of balance bar 230 located in the plane of transverse axis 2 and vertical axis 3 at the longitudinal position along flow axis 1 where space 237b is located.

[0073] Figure 8 A front view of an embodiment of a balance pole 230 is shown. The view may be a perspective view looking from a first side 4 toward a second side 5 in a plane defined by a transverse axis 2 and a vertical axis 3 .

[0074] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing a balance pole 230 is shown. The method steps of method 900 are presented along with the embodiments, which include references to elements presented in other figures and descriptions of other figures. For the purpose of performing these steps, all capabilities, structures, relative connections, and positioning of these elements disclosed in the other figures and descriptions of the other figures are contemplated.

[0075] Step 902 is forming the balance pole 230. The balance pole 230 can be formed to have the features of any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The components of the balance pole 230 may be formed by molding, casting, extrusion, joining subcomponents, 3D printing, and / or other methods known in the art for forming balance pole 230 components. In one embodiment, the balance pole 230 is molded and formed as a single piece without additional joining elements. In other embodiments, one or more of the first side portion 231, the second side portion 232, the central portion 233, the first side flexible portion 234, the second side flexible portion 235, the side ribs 236, the sensor brackets 238a and 238b, the flexible connector 250, and the support members 260a and 260b may be formed separately and then joined to form the assembly that will become the balance pole 230. In embodiments where the components are manufactured separately and subsequently coupled, any coupling method may be used, such as one or more of the following: application of adhesives, press fits, complementary threads, welding, brazing, soldering, and / or any other method known in the art for coupling components of balance pole 230. Spaces 237a and 237b may be formed by the shaping, arrangement, and coupling of other components. Balance pole 230 may be formed to achieve one or more of the symmetry and / or skewness noted herein. In embodiments, flexible coupling 250 may be formed separately from the remaining components of balance pole 230, such as by 3D printing, and may subsequently be coupled to the remaining components of balance pole 230 by brazing.

[0076] In other embodiments, Figure 9 The method shown in may have other steps in addition to or in place of the steps listed above. Figure 9 A subset of the steps listed as part of the method shown in can be used to form their own method.The steps of method 900 can be repeated any number of times, for example, in a continuous loop to form more balance poles 230.

[0077] The detailed description of the above embodiments is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to fall within the scope of this specification. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may be combined or removed in various ways to create other embodiments, and such other embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to produce additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of this specification. When specific numbers representing parameter values ​​are specified, ranges between any of these numbers, as well as ranges above these numbers and ranges below these numbers are all contemplated and disclosed.

[0078] Therefore, although specific embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this description, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other embodiments of the balance pole, not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A balancing pole (230), comprising: a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); as well as a first side flexible portion (234), the first side flexible portion (234) comprising at least one flexible coupler (250), the first side flexible portion (234) directly coupling at least one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) of the first side portion (231) with at least one of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) of the central portion (233), Wherein, both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

2. The balance pole (230) according to claim 1, wherein The two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) are coupled to an exterior of the first side portion (231); and wherein the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are coupled to an exterior of the central portion (233).

3. The balance pole (230) according to claim 2, wherein: One or more of the at least one flexible coupling (250) has one or more of the following: One or more of the at least one flexible couplers (250) couple the at least one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) to at least one of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f); and One or more of the at least one flexible coupler (250) couples at least a portion of the central portion (233) and at least a portion of the first side portion (231).

4. The balance pole (230) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein: One or more of the following exists: The first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are coupled solely by one or more of the at least one flexible coupling (250); and Wherein, any first side rib of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) and any central side rib of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are connected only by one or more flexible connectors of the at least one flexible connector (250).

5. The balance pole (230) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the at least one flexible coupling (250) is arcuate in shape.

6. The balance pole (230) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the at least one flexible coupling (250) is deflectable.

7. The balance pole (230) according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one flexible connector (250) of the at least one flexible connector (250) is biased toward the central portion (233) relative to the first side portion (231) in one or more of weight, cross-section, and thickness of the at least one flexible connector (250).

8. The balance pole (230) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the at least one flexible coupling (250) is symmetrical.

9. The balance pole (230) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one flexible coupling (250) has an apex portion (251).

10. The balance pole (230) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one support member (260), wherein: One of the at least one support (260) at least partially couples one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) to another of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b).

11. The balance pole (230) according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising: a second side portion (232) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); a second side flexible portion (235), the second side flexible portion (235) including at least one additional flexible coupling (250), the second side flexible portion (235) directly coupling the second side portion (232) to the central portion (233); and two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d), wherein the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) are coupled to an exterior of the second side portion (232); wherein the second side portion (232) is more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234); wherein one or more of the at least one additional flexible coupling (250) comprises one or more of the following: One or more of the at least one additional flexible couplers (250) couple at least one of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) to at least one of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f); and One or more of the at least one additional flexible coupling (250) couples at least a portion of the central portion (233) and at least a portion of the second side portion (232), Where one or more of the following are present: The second side portion (232) and the central portion (233) are coupled solely by one or more of the at least one additional flexible couplings (250); and Any second side rib of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) and any central side rib of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) are coupled only by one or more flexible couplers of the at least one additional flexible coupler (250).

12. The balance pole (230) according to claim 11, wherein At least two of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b), at least two of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f), and at least two of the two or more second side ribs (236c, 236d) are all substantially coplanar.

13. The balance pole (230) according to claim 11, wherein Two or more of the at least one flexible coupler (250) and two or more of the at least one additional flexible coupler (250) are all substantially coplanar.

14. The balance pole (230) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The at least one flexible connector (250) includes four flexible connectors (250), wherein the first two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) connect the first side portion (231) to the central portion (233), and the first two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) are connected to positions on the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) that are substantially radially symmetrical about the central flow axis (299), and wherein the last two flexible connectors of the four flexible connectors (250) connect the first side ribs (236a, 236b) to the central side ribs (236e, 236f), and the last two flexible connectors (250) are connected to positions on the first side ribs (236a, 236b) and the central side ribs (236e, 236f) that are substantially radially symmetrical about the central flow axis (299).

15. The balance pole (230) of claim 14, wherein: The first two of the four flexible connectors (250) are substantially coplanar with each other in a first plane, and the last two of the four flexible connectors (250) are substantially coplanar with each other in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to each other.

16. The balance pole (230) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: The balance pole (230) has at least one plane of symmetry, the plane of symmetry being one or more of: A plane defined by the transverse axis (2) and the vertical axis (3) at the center of the balance bar (230) on the flow axis (1); a plane defined by the flow axis (1) and the transverse axis (2) at the center of the balance bar (230) on the vertical axis (3); and a plane defined by the flow axis (1) and the vertical axis (3) at the center of the balance bar (230) on the transverse axis (2).

17. The balance pole (230) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein: The balance bar (230) has one or more of the following: The balance bar (230) is radially symmetric about one or more of a central flow axis (299), the central portion (233), and the first side portion (231); and The balance bar (230) is axially symmetric about one or more of a central flow axis (299), the central portion (233), and the first side portion (231).

18. The balance pole (230) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: One of the two or more first side ribs (236a) and one of the two or more central side ribs (236e) are connected by a flexible connector among the at least one flexible connector (250), wherein a gap (298) exists between the one of the two or more first side ribs (236a) and the one of the two or more central side ribs (236e).

19. The balance pole (230) of claim 10, wherein: One or more of the at least one flexible coupling (250) are coupled to one or more of the at least one support (260).

20. A method of manufacturing a balance pole (230), the method comprising forming the balance pole (230), the balance pole (230) comprising: a first side portion (231) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); a central portion (233) having a hollow interior for receiving the flow tube (220); a first side flexible portion (234), the first side flexible portion (234) comprising at least one flexible coupler (250), the first side flexible portion (234) directly coupling at least one of the two or more first side ribs (236a, 236b) of the first side portion (231) with at least one of the two or more central side ribs (236e, 236f) of the central portion (233), Wherein, both the first side portion (231) and the central portion (233) are more rigid than the first side flexible portion (234).

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