Stable mode partition fin sensor

Abstract

Embodiments of fin sensors, such as stable mode separated fin sensors, are disclosed. Embodiments of a fin sensor have a base coupled to a first fin and a second fin, the fin sensor further having at least two transducers coupled to the fins, the first fin coupled to the second fin by at least one fin coupler.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese patent application filed on February 21, 2022, with application number 201980099598.5 and invention title "Stable Mode Separation Fin Sensor". The international filing date of the corresponding PCT international application of the above-mentioned parent application is August 20, 2019, and the international application number is PCT / US2019 / 047163. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments described below relate to sensors, and more particularly, to flow sensors. Background Art

[0003] Existing fin sensors have problems in generating mode separation. Generally, the frequency difference between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode is minimal, which confuses the calculation of fluid flow characteristics. In addition, when curling occurs in existing fin sensors, there is little amplitude contrast from which to derive the phase difference measurement values for generating flow characteristics.

[0004] In existing fin sensors, the measurement values are confused by a significant net movement from the center of the pipe in which they reside towards the sensor assembly. The reason for this is that the axis of rotation of the fins is controlled by the position of the fins on the plate and the driver. The axis of rotation of the fins typically surrounds the edge of the base on which they reside. This creates an imbalance, leading to errors and problems in calibration. Forces from the in-phase mode cause a net movement at the process coupling. In addition, it may be difficult or impossible to drive the tube and the balance bar into equal in-phase mode shapes. The resulting imbalance causes calibration and measurement errors. These problems limit the effectiveness of fin sensors and make them impractical in many industrial applications.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved fin sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A method is provided that uses a Coriolis sensor (102) having a drive transducer (104b) that drives Coriolis vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin and the second fin (108a and 108b) being coupled to a base (106), the Coriolis sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the method including: at least partially restricting movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0007] Embodiments of a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. An embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) that is coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b). The fin sensor (102) also has at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b). The first fin (108a) is coupled to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0008] Another embodiment of a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. Another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) and a balance rib (118). The base (106) is coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b). The fin sensor (102) also has at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b). The balance rib (118) is coupled to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0009] An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a fin coupler assembly is disclosed. The embodiment of the method has a fin coupler assembly that has at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). The method includes the step of forming the fin coupler assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0010] An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a balanced base assembly is disclosed. The embodiment of the method of manufacturing a balanced base assembly includes the steps of: forming a base (106); forming a balance rib (118); and coupling the balance rib (118) to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0011] An embodiment of a method of using a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. In the embodiment of the method of using a fin sensor (102), the fin sensor (102) has a drive transducer (104b) that drives vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b). The first fin and the second fin (108a and 108b) are coupled to a base (106). The fin sensor (102) has at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data. The method has the step of: at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0012] Embodiments of a method of using a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. Embodiments of a method of using a fin sensor (102) may have a fin sensor (102) having a drive transducer (104b) that drives vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) being coupled to a base (106), the fin sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the fin sensor (102) having a balance rib (118), and the method having a step of at least partially restricting movement of the base (106) by the balance rib (118).

[0013] Aspect

[0014] According to one aspect, embodiments of a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. Embodiments of a fin sensor (102) have a base (106) that is coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the fin sensor (102) further having at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b), and the first fin (108a) being coupled to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0015] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a rod-shaped fin coupler (220a).

[0016] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a strut (220c).

[0017] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a strip-shaped fin coupler (220b).

[0018] Preferably, the strip-shaped fin coupler (220b) has at least one tapered end.

[0019] Preferably, the strip-shaped fin coupler (220b) is tapered such that the cross-sectional area of one or more of the upstream (143) end and the downstream (145) end of the strip-shaped fin coupler (220b) in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis (151) and a cross axis (131) is less than the cross-sectional area of the strip-shaped fin coupler (220b) at a more central location along the flow axis (141) in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis (151) and the cross axis (131).

[0020] Preferably, the cross-section of the strip fin coupler (220b) in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the flow axis is narrower at one or more of the upstream (143) end and the downstream (145) end of the cross-section on the longitudinal axis (151) than at at least one central portion on the flow axis (141) between the upstream (143) end and the downstream (145) end of the cross-section.

[0021] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) couples the fins (108a and 108b) at substantially the same positions on the corresponding faces of the fins (108a and 108b).

[0022] Preferably, the fins are arranged to have the same placement positions such that when the fins (108a and 108b) are placed in the same or substantially the same orientation in the plane defined by the flow axis (141) and the longitudinal axis (151), at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is parallel to the transverse axis (131).

[0023] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) couples at different positions on each of the fins (108a and 108b).

[0024] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the region or projection area represented by the lowermost (downward) (155) and the most upstream (143) quadrant portion of the face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0025] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the region or projection area represented by the lowermost (155) and the most downstream (145) quadrant portion of the face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0026] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the region or projection area represented by the lowermost (155) and the most upstream (143) corner of the face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0027] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by the lowermost (155) and most downstream (145) corners of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0028] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by the central ninth portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0029] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by a region defined by the middle third portion and the upstream (143) third portion on the longitudinal axis (151) of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0030] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by a region defined by the middle third portion and the downstream (145) third portion on the longitudinal axis (151) of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0031] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by a region defined by the upper (153) third portion and the upstream (143) third portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0032] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region or projected region on a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by a region defined by the upper (153) third portion and the downstream (145) third portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0033] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region represented by a region or a projected region defined by a lower third portion (155) and an upstream third portion (143) of a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0034] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in a region represented by a region or a projected region defined by a lower third portion (155) and a downstream third portion (145) of a face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) on the longitudinal axis (151).

[0035] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) in a manner that increases the axial stiffness of the immersion element of the fin sensor (102).

[0036] Preferably, the fins (108a and 108b) have fin protrusions (114a and 114b) that protrude through holes in the base (106), and the transducers (104a and 104b) are coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at the fin protrusions (114a and 114b).

[0037] Preferably, the base (106) has an immersion side (342) and an outer side (344), and the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) protrude through the base (106) to the outer side (344).

[0038] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) have corresponding segments, where the corresponding segments are segments that are at least partially aligned on the transverse axis (131).

[0039] Preferably, each of the transducers (104a and 104b) is coupled to two corresponding segments.

[0040] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) on the outer side of the base (106).

[0041] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to at least one of the fin protrusions (114a or 114b).

[0042] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to a section of at least one fin protrusion (114a or 114b).

[0043] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to fins (108a and 108b) at a location positioned below (155) the coupling between the fins (108a and 108b) and at least two transducers (104a and 104b).

[0044] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to fins (108a and 108b) at a location on the outer side (344) of the base (106) closer to the base (106) than the location where transducers (104a to 104c) are coupled to the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0045] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to fins (108a and 108b) at a location on the outer side (344) of the base (106) closer to the fins (108a and / or 108b) than the location where transducers (104a to 104c) are coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) relative to the base (106).

[0046] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) have corresponding sections, where the corresponding sections are sections that are at least partially aligned on the transverse axis (131).

[0047] Preferably, each of the transducers (104a and 104b) is coupled to two corresponding sections.

[0048] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) includes a first fin coupler (120a) and a second fin coupler (120b), and the first fin coupler (120a) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at a position upstream of the position where the second fin coupler (120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0049] Preferably, the sensing transducer (104a) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at a position upstream of the position where the driving transducer (104b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0050] Preferably, the base (106) is a variable base (306) having a variable hardness.

[0051] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a softer portion in the middle of the variable base (306) and a harder portion at the edge of the variable base (306), where the middle and the edge are the middle and the edge of the variable base (306) on the transverse axis (131).

[0052] Preferably, the varying base (306) is thinner in the middle than at the edges.

[0053] Preferably, the varying base (306) has a varying material composition along the transverse axis (131).

[0054] Preferably, the varying base (306) has a softer material in the middle of the varying base (306) along the transverse axis (131) and a harder material at the edges of the varying base (306).

[0055] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) further includes a balance rib (118) coupled to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116), the balance rib (118) being configured to at least partially restrict movement of the base (106) along the longitudinal axis (151) at an intermediate portion of the base (106), the intermediate portion of the base (106) being the portion defined by the middle of the transverse axis (131).

[0056] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) further includes instrumentation electronics (112), one of at least two transducers (104a and 104b) being a drive transducer (104b), the instrumentation electronics (112) being configured to transmit data representing a command to the drive transducer (104b) to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in one or more of an in-phase (IP) mode and an out-of-phase (OOP) mode.

[0057] Preferably, the other of the at least two transducers (104a and 104b) is a sensing transducer (104a), and the instrumentation electronics (112) receives signal data from the sensing transducer (104a) to maintain the drive mode using a controlled feedback loop.

[0058] Preferably, one or more of at least one of the fin couplers (120a and / or 120b) and at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) have a coupling element configured to couple at least one of the fin couplers (120a and 120b) to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) via the coupling element.

[0059] Preferably, the first fin coupler (120a) has a coupling element and the first fin (108a) has an additional coupling element (120b), wherein the coupling element is complementary to the additional coupling element such that the coupling element is configured to couple to the additional coupling element.

[0060] Preferably, the coupling element is a groove in the first fin (108a).

[0061] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is neither an element of the base (106) nor an element of any one of the at least two transducers (104a to 104c).

[0062] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) affects the movement of the fins (108a and 108b) in a manner different from the way the base (106) affects the movement of the fins (108a and 108b) and the way the at least two transducers (104a to 104c) affect the movement of the fins (108a and 108b).

[0063] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not coupled to the base (106) nor to any one of the at least two transducers (104a to 104c).

[0064] According to one aspect, another embodiment of a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. Another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) and a balance rib (118), the base (106) being coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the fin sensor (102) further having at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b), the balance rib (118) being coupled to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0065] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is configured to at least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) along the longitudinal axis (151) at an intermediate portion of the base (106), the intermediate portion of the base (106) being the portion defined by the middle of the transverse axis (131).

[0066] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the base (106) at an intermediate portion of the base (106).

[0067] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to an intermediate portion of the base coupler (116).

[0068] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is configured to at least partially prevent a net movement of the fins (108a and 108b) along the longitudinal axis (151).

[0069] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the base (106) between the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b).

[0070] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the base (106) at a position on the transverse axis (131) that is between the position where the first fin (108a) on the base (106) is coupled or is to be coupled and a different position where the second fin (108b) on the base (106) is coupled or is to be coupled.

[0071] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the transverse axis (131) equidistantly from the position and the different position.

[0072] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the base (106) such that the center line (198) of the balance rib (118) is parallel to the flow axis (141).

[0073] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is symmetric about the center line (198) on at least one axis.

[0074] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has a certain thickness on the transverse axis (131) at one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118), and this thickness is less than the thickness of the middle part of the balance rib (118) on the transverse axis (131).

[0075] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has a certain thickness on the transverse axis (131) at one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118), and this thickness is greater than the thickness of the middle part of the balance rib (118) on the transverse axis (131).

[0076] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) further includes at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0077] Preferably, the base (106) is a variable base (306) with a variable hardness.

[0078] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a softer part in the middle of the variable base (306) and a harder part at the edge of the variable base (306), and the middle and the edge are the middle and the edge of the variable base (306) on the transverse axis (131).

[0079] Preferably, the variable base (306) is thinner in the middle of the variable base (306) than at the edge of the variable base (306) along the transverse axis (131).

[0080] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a variable material composition along the transverse axis (131).

[0081] Preferably, the varying base (306) has a softer material in the middle along the transverse axis (131) and a harder material at the edges.

[0082] Preferably, the portion of the varying base (306) along the transverse axis (131) between the fins (108a and 108b) is softer than the portions of the varying base (306) on the transverse axis (131) between each of the fins (108a and 108b) and the edge of the varying base (306).

[0083] Preferably, the softer portion (314) and the harder portions (310 and 312) can be formed by coupling at least one of the fins (108a and 108b) to be closer to the edge of the varying base (306) than the balance rib (118) on the transverse axis (131).

[0084] According to one aspect, an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a fin coupler assembly is disclosed. An embodiment of the method has a fin coupler assembly having at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), and the method includes the step of forming the fin coupler assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0085] Preferably, the coupling assembly is formed by molding such that at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed to be already coupled to at least one fin (120a and / or 120b).

[0086] Preferably, forming the fin coupler assembly includes forming a fin coupler (120a), where the fin coupler (120a) is different from the base (106) and the transducers (104a to 104c).

[0087] Preferably, forming the fin coupler assembly further includes forming a fin (108a) of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) and coupling the fin coupler (120a) of at least one of the fin couplers (120a and / or 120b) to the fin (108a).

[0088] Preferably, coupling the fin coupler (120a) to the fin (108a) includes coupling the fin coupler (120a) to the fin (108a) at a location closer to the free edge (199) of the fin (108a) than the location of the coupling or to-be-coupled to the base (106) of the fin (108a).

[0089] Preferably, the method further includes coupling a first fin coupler (120a) of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to two fins among fins (108a and 108b), and coupling a second fin coupler (120b) of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to two fins among fins (108a and 108b), wherein the first fin coupler (120a) is coupled at at least one location that is at or will be at a point different from at least one location where the second fin coupler (120b) is coupled along the flow axis (141).

[0090] Preferably, forming a fin coupler assembly having a coupling element includes forming one or more of at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), the coupling element being configured to facilitate coupling between at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0091] Preferably, at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) on a portion of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) that resides or will reside on the immersion side (342) of the base (106).

[0092] Preferably, at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) on a portion of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) that resides or will reside on the outer side (344) of the base (106).

[0093] Preferably, the method further includes forming a balance rib (118) and coupling the balance rib (118) to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0094] Preferably, the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having a variable hardness.

[0095] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a rod-shaped fin coupler (220a).

[0096] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a strut (220c).

[0097] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a strip-shaped fin coupler (220b).

[0098] Preferably, the method further includes: forming a base (106) and coupling the base (106) to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0099] Preferably, the fins (108a and 108b) are formed to have fin protrusions (114a and 114b) that protrude through holes in the base (106), and at least one transducer (104a and / or 104b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at the fin protrusions (114a and 114b).

[0100] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) are formed with corresponding segments, where the corresponding segments are segments that are at least partially aligned on the transverse axis (131), and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at the corresponding segments.

[0101] Preferably, the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having a variable hardness.

[0102] Preferably, the variable base (306) is formed to be softer at an intermediate portion of the variable base (306) than at the edges of the variable base (306) on the transverse axis (131).

[0103] Preferably, the method further includes: coupling a balance rib (118) to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0104] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at at least one position in a first direction (133) relative to the balance rib (118) and at at least one position in a second direction (135) of the balance rib (118).

[0105] Preferably, the method further includes forming instrumentation electronics (112) and communicatively coupling the instrumentation electronics (112) to the transducers (104a and / or 104b and / or 104c), the instrumentation electronics (112) having a processor and a memory, the memory configured to store commands and data for the processor to perform operations, and configuring the instrumentation electronics (112) to drive in in-phase and quadrature modes.

[0106] According to one aspect, an embodiment of a method of manufacturing a balanced base assembly is disclosed. An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a balanced base assembly includes the steps of: forming a base (106); forming a balance rib (118); and coupling the balance rib (118) to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0107] Preferably, the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306).

[0108] Preferably, the variable base (306) is formed by varying the thickness of the variable base (306) during molding or by removing a portion of the variable base (306).

[0109] Preferably, the thickness is varied such that the middle of the variable base (306) on the horizontal axis (131) is thinner than the edges of the variable base (306).

[0110] Preferably, the variable base (306) is formed by varying the material forming the variable base (306) at least along the horizontal axis (131).

[0111] Preferably, varying the material includes forming at least a portion of the variable base (306) from the material in the middle of the variable base (306), and the material in the middle of the variable base (306) on the horizontal axis (131) is softer than the material at the edges of the variable base (306).

[0112] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) includes forming the balance rib (118) as an elongated member.

[0113] Preferably, coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) includes coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) at a location in the middle of the base (106) on the horizontal axis (131).

[0114] Preferably, coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) includes coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) at a location between the location where the first fin (108a) on the base (106) is coupled or to be coupled and a different location where the second fin (108b) on the base (106) is coupled or to be coupled, and this location and the different location are on the horizontal axis (131).

[0115] Preferably, coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) at a location between the location where the first fin (108a) on the base (106) is coupled or to be coupled and a different location where the second fin (108b) on the base (106) is coupled or to be coupled includes coupling the balance rib (118) equidistantly from this location and the different location on the horizontal axis (131).

[0116] Preferably, coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106) includes coupling the balance rib (118) to the base (106), wherein the center line (198) of the balance rib (118) is parallel to the flow axis (141).

[0117] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) includes: forming the balance rib (118) such that the balance rib (118) is symmetric about the center line (198) on at least one axis.

[0118] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) further includes: forming the balance rib (118) such that the thickness of the transverse axis (131) of the balance rib (118) at one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is less than the thickness of the transverse axis (131) of the intermediate portion of the balance rib (118) on the flow axis (141).

[0119] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) further includes: forming the balance rib (118) such that the thickness of the balance rib (118) on the transverse axis (131) at one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is greater than the thickness of the transverse axis (131) of the intermediate portion of the balance rib (118) on the flow axis (141).

[0120] Preferably, the method further includes: forming fins (108a and 108b) and coupling the fins (108a and 108b) to the base (106).

[0121] Preferably, the method further includes forming at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) and coupling the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0122] Preferably, the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the first fin (120a) in the fins in a first direction (133) relative to the balance rib (118), and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the second fin in the fins in a second direction (135) relative to the balance rib (118).

[0123] Preferably, at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to the base (106) at a position on the transverse axis (131) in the first direction (133) relative to the balance rib (118), and this position is closer to the edge of the base (106) in the first direction (133) relative to the balance rib (118) than to the balance rib (118).

[0124] Preferably, at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to the base (106) at a location on the transverse axis (131) in a first direction (133) relative to the balance rib (118), and this location is farther from the edge of the base (106) relative to the balance rib (118) in the first direction (133) than from the balance rib (118).

[0125] Preferably, the method further includes: forming instrumentation electronics (112) and communicatively coupling the instrumentation electronics (112) to the transducers (104a and / or 104b and / or 104c), the instrumentation electronics (112) having a processor and a memory configured to store commands and data for the processor to perform operations; and configuring the instrumentation electronics (112) to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in in-phase and out-of-phase modes.

[0126] According to one aspect, an embodiment of a method of using a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. An embodiment of a method of using a fin sensor (102) having a drive transducer (104b) that drives vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin and the second fin (108a and 108b) being coupled to a base (106), the fin sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the method having the steps of: at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0127] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the free edge (199) of the first fin (108a) relative to the free edge (199) of the second fin (108b).

[0128] Preferably, the vibrations are driven by the drive transducer (104b) to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in an out-of-phase (OOP) mode.

[0129] Preferably, the out-of-phase (OOP) mode represents a phase separation of approximately 180° between the movements of the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b).

[0130] Preferably, restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) at least partially includes: restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) that at least partially restricts the movement relative to the second fin (108b) at any location where the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the first fin (108a).

[0131] Preferably, the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) does not directly restrict the movement of any element of the base (106), and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not coupled to an element of the base (106) nor is it an element of the base (106).

[0132] Preferably, the method further includes at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) with a balance rib (118).

[0133] According to one aspect, an embodiment of a method of using a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. An embodiment of a method of using a fin sensor (102) may have a fin sensor (102) that has a drive transducer (104b) that drives vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) being coupled to a base (106), the fin sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the fin sensor (102) having a balance rib (118), and the method having a step of at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) with the balance rib (118).

[0134] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) with the balance rib (118) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) along the longitudinal axis (151) at an intermediate portion of the base (106), the intermediate portion being the portion defined by the middle of the transverse axis (131).

[0135] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) with the balance rib (118) includes: at least partially preventing a net movement of the fins (108a and 108b) along the longitudinal axis (151).

[0136] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) with the balance rib (118) includes: at least partially preventing a net movement of the fin sensor (102) along the longitudinal axis (151).

[0137] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) includes: at least partially restricting the base (106) at a position between a position on the base (106) where the first fin (108a) is coupled or to be coupled and a different position on the base (106) where the second fin (108b) is coupled or to be coupled on the transverse axis (131).

[0138] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) at a position on the transverse axis (131) that is equidistant from this position and this different position.

[0139] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) at least along a straight portion of the base (106) that is parallel to the flow axis (141).

[0140] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is restricted less than the middle of the base (106), and the middle of the base (106) is the middle of the base (106) on the flow axis (141).

[0141] Preferably, at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is restricted more than the middle of the base (106), and the middle of the base (106) is the middle of the base (106) on the flow axis (141). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0142] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0143] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an embodiment of a flow sensor system 100 having a fin-type sensor is shown.

[0144] Figure 2A A perspective view showing an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200a having a bar-shaped fin coupler 220a is shown.

[0145] Figure 2B A perspective view showing an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200b having a strip-shaped fin coupler 220b is shown.

[0146] Figure 2CA perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200c having a strut-shaped fin coupler 220c is shown.

[0147] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 300 having a fin sensor 302 with a variable base 306 in a balance base assembly is shown.

[0148] Figure 4 A block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system 400 is shown. In an embodiment, the computer system 400 can be an instrumentation electronic device, e.g., instrumentation electronic device 112.

[0149] Figure 5 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for using a fin coupler assembly with a fin sensor 102 is shown.

[0150] Figure 6 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 600 for using a balance base assembly with a fin sensor 102 is shown.

[0151] Figure 7 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 700 for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown.

[0152] Figure 8 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 800 for manufacturing a balance base assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown.

[0153] Figure 9 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 900 for manufacturing a balance base and a fin coupler assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown.

[0154] Figure 10 A comparison 1000 of embodiments of a fin sensor 102 with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b on the immersion side 342 of a base 106 driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode is shown.

[0155] Figure 11 A comparison 1100 of embodiments of a fin sensor 102 with and without balance ribs 118 at undeformed and deformed positions is shown.

[0156] Figure 12 A comparison 1200 of embodiments of a fin sensor 102 with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b on the outer side 344 of a base 106 driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode is shown. Detailed Description

[0157] Figures 1 to 12 The following description and the drawings depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art the best mode of implementing a fin coupler assembly and a balance base assembly of a fin sensor for manufacturing and using the same. For the purpose of teaching the principles of the invention, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand variations of these examples that fall within the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form various variations of the fin coupler assembly and the balance base assembly for the fin sensor. Therefore, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are defined only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0158] Figure 1 A perspective view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 100 having a fin-type sensor is shown. The system 100 has a fin sensor 102 having an upstream transducer 104a, a drive transducer 104b, a downstream transducer 104c, a base 106, a first fin 108a, a second fin 108b, a pipe 110 (not shown), instrumentation electronics 112 (not shown), a first fin protrusion 114a, a second fin protrusion 114b, a base coupler 116, a balance rib 118, a first fin coupler 120a, a second fin coupler 120b, a transverse axis 131 having a first direction 133 and a second direction 135, a flow axis 141 having an upstream direction 143 and a downstream direction 145, a longitudinal axis 151 having an upward direction 153 and a downward direction 155, an end 196 of the balance rib, an intermediate portion 197 of the balance rib, a centerline 198 of the balance rib, and a free edge 199. Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 10 to 12 the images in may not be to scale with respect to the various embodiments of the system 100.

[0159] The flow system 100 can use a fin sensor 102 to determine flow characteristics. For example, the fin sensor 102 can drive elements of the fin sensor 102, and the fin sensor 102 uses a transducer to drive vibrations in the elements of the fin sensor 102. The transducer can be any type of drive device or pickup device, such as a piezoelectric device or a magnet and coil arrangement. Any, some, or all of the transducers in the transducer can measure the phase difference or time difference of the signal measured by the transducer to determine flow characteristics, such as determining the mass flow rate. In an embodiment, the fin sensor 102 is a Coriolis flow sensor that uses a transducer arrangement that can rely on the Coriolis force on the elements in the fin sensor 102 to generate these flow rates. The phase difference or time delay can be generated by a drive element and a measurement element. For example, the phase difference or time delay can be generated by vibrating the base and measuring the response in the transducer, by vibrating the fin and measuring the response at the fin, or by comparing the signal (drive signal) used to generate the vibration with the response at the fin. The flow rate measurement result can be generated based on the phase difference and / or frequency response signal acquired by the transducers 104a to 104c. The fin sensor 102 can be used to generate density measurement results by determining the oscillation frequency and using methods known in the art to determine density based on these frequencies. For example, the density measurement result can be generated based on the frequency response signal acquired by the transducers 104a to 104c. The viscosity measurement result can be obtained in the fin sensor 102 based on the phase difference or time delay measured by the transducer, such as the phase difference driven based on two possible non-resonant frequencies. The methods for measuring the flow rate, density, and viscosity of a vibrator are all recognized in the art. A fin coupler can be used to couple the fin at a specific location. In various embodiments, the fin sensor 102 can be one or more of a Coriolis flowmeter, a fin meter, or a fork meter (possibly having fins or tines).

[0160] The fin couplers 120a and 120b can be used to enhance the mode separation between the in-phase (hereinafter referred to as "IP") mode and the out-of-phase (hereinafter referred to as "OOP") mode. In an embodiment, the OOP mode can be a mode in which the first fin 108a vibrates with a phase difference of 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees from the second fin 108b. Additionally, the fin coupler can introduce more curling motion to enhance the sensitivity of the measurement by the fin sensor 102. In an embodiment, the base 106 can be a plate having a thin middle portion and thick outer portions along the transverse axis 131. The base 106 can also have balance ribs 118 that control flexure and can limit the net movement of the fin sensor 102 relative to the pipe to which the base is coupled along the longitudinal axis 151.

[0161] In an embodiment, the fin sensor 102 may have two fins, a first fin 108a and a second fin 108b. The first fin 108a and the second fin 108b are fins that are at least partially immersed in a flowing fluid during operation of the fin sensor 102. Embodiments using more fins are contemplated. For example, embodiments having 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more fins are contemplated. In other embodiments, teeth may be used in place of fins, where the teeth have some or all of the same characteristics and arrangements of the fins 108a and 108b disclosed in this specification. When the specification refers to fins, embodiments using teeth are also contemplated.

[0162] The fins 108a and 108b may be arranged parallel to each other and may be arranged such that their lengths are parallel or substantially parallel to the expected path of fluid flow in the conduit. The fins 108a and 108b may be arranged such that they have portions that extend through the base 106, and the fins 108a and 108b may have fin protrusions 114a and 114b on a side ( Figure 3 as shown, the side having the immersed element is the immersed side 342) of the base 106 that is on the outer side 344 of the portion where the fins 108a and 108b are not immersed in the flowing fluid. Figure 3

[0163] The fins 108a and 108b may have free edges 199, which may be defined as the lowermost 155 edges of the fins. Fin couplers (e.g., fin couplers 120a and 120b) may be used to restrict movement of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a relative to the coupled second fin 108b, possibly by coupling a portion of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a to a portion of the free edge 199 of the second fin 108b or possibly by coupling other portions of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0164] The fins 108a and 108b can be coupled to each other using one or more fin couplers. The fin couplers 120a and 120b are elements that couple the movement of the fins 108a and 108b at specific locations on the fins 108a and 108b. For the purposes of this specification, the first fin coupler 120a is shown as an upstream fin coupler 143 relative to the second fin coupler 120b. In various embodiments, any number of fin couplers can be used to couple adjacent fins and / or non-adjacent fins. For example, the couplers that couple each coupled fin group can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and any other number of couplers 120a and 120b. In various embodiments, a certain number of fins can be coupled while a certain number of fins can be uncoupled. For example, all of the fins, three-quarters of the fins, two-thirds of the fins, half of the fins, one-quarter of the fins, one-third of the fins, one-eighth of the fins, one-tenth of the fins, or fins in a similar proportion can be coupled.

[0165] In an embodiment, one, a combination, or all of the fins 108a and 108b can extend or substantially extend the entire length of the base 106. For example, in this context, substantially can mean that the fin does not extend to the portion of the base 106 that is used to couple the base to the pipe, or the fin does not extend to the portion of the base that is just adjacent to the portion of the base 106 that is coupled to the pipe 110 and / or the base coupler 116.

[0166] The pipe 110 is a pipe through which fluid can flow. Any type of pipe known in the art can be used. The pipe 110 is not shown in Figure 1 but the manner in which the fluid pipe and the flow sensor, such as the fin sensor 102, are coupled to the pipe is well known in the flow sensor art.

[0167] The fin couplers 120a and 120b can couple the fins 108a and 108b at multiple positions between the fins. For example, the fin couplers 120a and 120b can couple the fins 108a and 108b at substantially the same positions on the corresponding faces of the fins 108a and 108b, and the fins may be arranged to have the same placement positions such that when the fins 108a and 108b are placed in the same orientation in the plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the longitudinal axis 151 (e.g., if the fins have the same shape and size), the fin couplers 120a and 120b are parallel or substantially parallel to the transverse axis 131, or the fin couplers 120a and 120b can be coupled at different positions on each of the respective fins 108a and 108b. The fin couplers 120a and 120b can be coupled to one or more of the fins 108a and 108b at one, a combination, or all of the positions within the regions represented by the following in at least one of the fins 108a and 108b: the lowermost 155 and upstream 143 quadrant portions (this quadrant may not include at least one central position of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b) of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the lowermost 155 and downstream 145 quadrant portions (this quadrant may not include at least one central position of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b) of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the lowermost 155 and upstream 143 corner of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the lowermost 155 and downstream 145 corner of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the central one-ninth region portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the middle one-third region portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the upstream 143 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the middle one-third portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the downstream 145 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the upper 153 one-third portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the upstream 143 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the upper 153 one-third portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the downstream 145 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the lower 155 one-third portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the upstream 143 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; the region defined by the lower 155 one-third portion on the longitudinal axis 151 and the downstream 145 one-third portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b; and / or similar regions.

[0168] Embodiments are contemplated where the surface of the fin does not have a flat surface. In such cases, the regions stated in the previous paragraphs may represent the projections of those relevant regions of the maximum fin cross-section in any plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the longitudinal axis 151, the relevant regions being projected onto the region of the surface of the fin (e.g., the inner surface of 108a) facing the inner surface of another fin (e.g., the inner surface of 108b), and the relevant regions being projected along a line on the transverse axis. For the purposes of the claims, these regions are referred to as "projection regions".

[0169] The fin couplers 120a and 120b may have different shapes and configurations. For example, one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b may be, for example, rod-shaped or cylindrical, struts, beams (when there is no flow, may have a cross-section of square, circular, triangular, other polygonal, elliptical, and / or similar shapes with respect to the plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the longitudinal axis 151), strips having flat regions (when there is no flow, the region is flat or substantially flat with respect to the plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the longitudinal axis 151, or flat with respect to the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 151 and the transverse axis 131), spiral structures, etc. The present specification contemplates combinations of fin couplers 120a and / or 120b of different shapes. For example, the fin sensor 102 may have an upstream fin coupler 120a in the form of a rod and a downstream fin coupler 120b represented by one or more struts. These are merely exemplary, and all combinations of shapes and configurations are contemplated by the specification.

[0170] The fin couplers 120a and 120b may be made of any number of materials and may have a material different from one, any combination, or all of the pipe 110, the base 106, the transducers 104a to 104c, the fins 108a and 108b, and / or the portions of the fins 108a and 108b coupled to the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b. The fin couplers 120a and 120b may be made of the same material throughout the fin sensor 102 or may have different compositions between them.

[0171] One or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b can be made of a flexible material to allow some flexure and modal flexibility of one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b, which may enhance the flexibility of movement of one or more of the fins 108a and 108b or one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b in some modes more than in other modes. One or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b can be made of a rigid material to limit the flexure and modal flexibility of one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b, which may enhance the flexibility of movement of one or more of the fins 108a and 108b or one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b in some modes more than in other modes. The fin couplers 120a and 120b can be assembled with the fins 108a and 108b, and this assembly is referred to in this specification as the fin coupler assembly.

[0172] When the fins 120a and 120b are driven in an out-of-phase mode, the fin couplers 120a and 120b can increase the curling of the fins 108a and 108b. The fin couplers 120a and 120b can increase the axial stiffness, which can result in enhanced curling. The enhanced curling can allow the fin sensor 102 to better couple the fins to the flowing medium and cause a Coriolis response, which may be similar to a typical Coriolis mass flow meter, a fork meter, or a fin meter. Additionally, compared to the fin sensor 102 driven in a similar in-phase mode, the curling generated in the fins 108a and 108b by including the fin couplers 120a and 120b in an out-of-phase mode can provide a different, potentially higher frequency, which potentially creates mode separation. The axial stiffness provided by the fin couplers 120a and 120b can also cause the tips of the free edges 199 of the fins 108a and 108b to be stationary, substantially stationary, or at least limit the mobility of the free edges of the fins 108a and 108b relative to the mobility that the fins 108a and 108b would have if the fins 108a and 108b were not coupled by the fin couplers 120a and 120b, which can reduce their drag in the flowing medium and can have less impact on the fluid-structure interaction.

[0173] The fin couplers 120a and 120b should be understood as functional elements that act independently of the base 106 and the transducers 104a to 104c. The fin couplers 120a and 120b can be separated from the base 106 and the transducers 104a to 104c, and the fin couplers 120a and 120b can be elements that are not coupled to one or more of the transducers 104a to 104c and the base 106 (possibly not coupled to any). In such an arrangement, the fin couplers 120a and 120b can affect the movement of the fins 108a and 108b in a manner different from how the base 106 and the transducers 104a to 104c affect the movement of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0174] For the purposes of this specification, a fin coupler assembly is an assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). Embodiments with more fin couplers coupled to fins are contemplated. For example, in an embodiment, the fin coupler assembly has two fins (108a and 108b) coupled by, for example, two (as shown, 120a and 120b), three, four, five, six, or more fin couplers. In additional embodiments, the fin coupler assembly can have coupling elements for coupling the fins to the fin couplers. These coupling elements can be formed as parts of either or both of the fins and / or the fin couplers, or the entire fin coupler assembly can be molded. Examples of coupling elements can include grooves, tabs, pins, threaded articles, segments for use with brazing, soldering, or weldments, fasteners, adhesives, and / or the like.

[0175] The base 106 is the base of the fin sensor 102 that is coupled to the fins. The base 106 can restrict the movement of the fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the base 106 has holes through which the fins 108a and 108b are positioned, where the fins 108a and 108b have elements on the upper 153 side and the lower 155 side of the base 106.

[0176] In an embodiment, the base 106 is conformal with the pipe such that the base 106 serves as an element of the pipe, where one side of the base 106 (possibly the lower 155 side in the illustrated embodiment) is exposed to the fluid flowing in the pipe 110 during operation.

[0177] In an embodiment, the base 106 can be or include a plate. In an embodiment, the plate can be a plate having a thickness (or hardness) less than or greater than the thickness of the material defining the wall of the conduit 110. In an embodiment, the plate can be thicker in some portions of the plate and thinner in other portions. For example, the center of the plate can be thinner than the region where the plate is coupled to the conduit, the middle of the plate relative to the transverse axis 131 can be thinner than the edges of the plate adjacent to the conduit 110 on the transverse axis 131, the middle of the plate relative to the transverse axis 131 can be thicker than the edges of the plate adjacent to the conduit 110 on the transverse axis 131, the thickness of the plate can have a gradient such as one of continuously increasing or decreasing from at least the edges of the plate adjacent to the conduit on the transverse axis 131 to the middle of the plate on the transverse axis 131, etc. In an embodiment, instead of varying the thickness of the plate, the material can be varied, which allows for softer and harder regions of the plate. Any relationships regarding thickness and thinness in the disclosed plate are considered separately with respect to hardness and softness (possibly by varying the material). The varying thickness (or softness) in the plate can allow for better net cancellation of forces along the longitudinal axis 151.

[0178] The base coupler 116 is an element that couples the base 106 to the environment in which the fin sensor 102 is used. For example, the base coupler 116 can be used to couple the base 106 of the fin sensor 102 to a location where flow is measured (e.g., the conduit 110). The base coupler 116 can couple the base 106 to the conduit along the perimeter of the base 106. The base 106 can be coupled to the base coupler 116 in any manner known in the art - for example, by one or more of welding, brazing, adhesive bonding, or mechanical fitting. In an embodiment, the base 106 can be formed as an integral part with the base coupler 116.

[0179] The balance rib 118 is an element that partially restricts the flexure of the base 106 at certain locations of the base 106. The balance rib 118 can be an elongated member. The balance rib 118 can be composed of a material that is rigid enough to restrict movement such as vibrational and / or oscillatory movement. The balance rib 118 can help eliminate the net movement of the fin sensor 102 relative to the duct 110 along the longitudinal axis 151. The balance rib 118 can be coupled to one or more of the base 106, the duct 110, and the base coupler 116. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 is directly coupled to at least one of the fins 108a and 108b, but in other embodiments, the balance rib 118 may not be coupled to the fins 108a and 108b. In various embodiments, the balance rib 118 can be coupled to the base 106 at a plurality of locations along the base 106 - for example, at locations along the base that at least include the center of the base 106, at locations along a portion of the base 106 that represents the middle of the base 106 along the transverse axis 131 along the flow axis 141, etc. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 can extend across the length of the base 106 or substantially across the length of the base 106, where the length of the base 106 may be the entire length of the base 106 or the length of the base 106 that is not restricted by the base coupler 116. The base coupler 116 can be coupled to the substrate at a location equidistant from the portion of the fin protruding through the base 106 along the transverse axis 131. By perhaps positioning the balance rib 118 equidistant from the protrusions along the transverse axis 131 between the fin protrusions, the balance rib 118 can force the fin to rotate about a pivot point at or near the edge of the base 106 or at a point at the edge of the base 106 or substantially at the edge of the base 106 - where the base 106 is unrestricted. This can force the fin to have no net longitudinal axis 151 movement and thus no reactive movement of the surrounding structure.

[0180] In an embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetric about a centerline 198 along the longest length of the balance rib 118, the balance rib 118 can have a centerline 198 that represents the center of that length. Although in Figure 1Depicted as a dashed line visible on the surface, but the centerline is inside the balance rib 118. The centerline may be at the centroid of each cross-section defined by the plane of the transverse axis 131 and the longitudinal axis 151. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may be coupled to the fin sensor 102 such that the centerline 198 is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a uniform thickness around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a varying thickness around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141 and / or a varying thickness on the transverse axis 131 along the flow axis 141 itself. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib on the transverse axis 131 at at least one end 196 with respect to the centerline 198 may be greater than the thickness of the balance rib on the transverse axis 131 at the middle portion 197 with respect to the centerline 198. In another embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib on the transverse axis 131 at at least one end 196 with respect to the centerline 198 may be less than the thickness of the balance rib on the transverse axis 131 at the middle portion 197 with respect to the centerline 198.

[0181] Embodiments in which a balance base assembly is formed are contemplated. The balance base assembly may at least include a base 106 and a balance rib 118. In various embodiments, the balance base assembly may further include fins 108a and 108b. Additionally, the base 106 may be configured as the variable base 306 as shown and generally described in the specification. In an embodiment, the balance base assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102. Figure 3 Shown as well as the variable base 306 generally described in the specification. In an embodiment, the balance base assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0182] The transducers 104a to 104c are elements that drive and / or measure the movement of the fins 108a and 108b. Although three transducers are shown in the figure, any number of transducers may be used. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the upstream transducer 104a is a sensing transducer that measures the upstream oscillation of the relative movement between the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the driving transducer 104b is a transducer that acts as a driver and vibrates the middle protrusion and / or a segment of the protrusion 114a or a segment of the protrusion 114a of the first fin 108a and the middle protrusion 114b or a segment of the protrusion 114b of the second fin 108b. The middle position is the middle position of the fin along the flow axis 141. In other embodiments, the driving transducer 104b acting as a driver may drive the base 106, or may drive fewer or more fins among the fins 108a and 108b. In another embodiment, the driving transducer 104b may be located inside the base 106 and vibrate at least one of the fins 108a and 108b and / or one or more of the base 106. InFigure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the downstream transducer 104c is a sensing transducer for downstream oscillations that measures the relative motion between the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. A phase difference or time delay between the upstream and downstream oscillations can be measured to produce a mass flow rate of the fluid flowing over and / or around the fins. In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to the vibration response of the upstream or downstream measurement, a command signal from the drive transducer 104b can be used to determine the phase difference. The transducers 104a to 104c can also be used to drive and perform measurements that can be used in conjunction with known techniques to determine density and / or viscosity. Combining these measurements can produce a volumetric flow rate. These methods of determination are well known in the art.

[0183] In an embodiment, the transducers 104a to 104c can be coupled to the fin projections 114a and 114b. The fin projections 114a and 114b can have different segments for coupling the transducers. For example, in an embodiment, each of 114a and 114b can have three segments that may have complementary faces that face each other between the fin projections 114a and 114b. Each of the transducers 104a to 104c can be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of the fin projections 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other on the transverse axis 131). In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to 104c can be aligned with each other on the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, the transducers 104a to 104c can be coupled to the fins 108a and 108b in a position on the following side of the base 106, which is opposite to the side of the base 106 having the portion where the fins 108a and 108b are immersed.

[0184] In various embodiments, fin coupler 120a and / or 120b may couple fins 108a and / or 108b on the immersion side 342 or the outer side 344. For example, in an embodiment, the fin coupler couples fins 108a and 108b on the outer side by coupling fin protrusions 114a and 114b - for example, by coupling segments representing fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Fin coupler 120a and / or 120b may be coupled to the fins at a location 155 below and / or 153 above the area where one or more of transducers 104a to 104c are coupled on fins 108a and / or 108b. In an embodiment, fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to the fins on the outer side 344 of base 106 at a location closer to base 106 than the location where transducers 104a to 104c are coupled on fins 108a and / or 108b. In an embodiment, fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to the fins on the outer side 344 of base 106 at a location that is positioned closer to fins 108a and / or 108b than the location where transducers 104a to 104c are coupled on fins 108a and / or 108b relative to base 106. In embodiments where fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to fins 108a and / or 108b on the outer side 344 of base 106, it can be understood that fin coupler 120a and / or 120b may be outside the fluid flow and may reduce the likelihood that fin coupler 120a and / or 120b affects the flow profile and / or is vulnerable to erosion and / or corrosion. In embodiments where fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to fins 108a and / or 108b on the outer side 344 of base 106, fin coupler 120a and / or 120b may still cause mode splitting and / or may still cause more curling in the OOP mode.

[0185] Meter electronics 112 is a set of electronic logic circuits that determines flow characteristics based on flow measurements. Meter electronics 112 is in Figure 1is not shown, but the configuration and coupling method of the instrumentation electronics are well known in the art. The instrumentation electronics 112 may have logic circuitry representing processing elements, logic circuitry representing memory, logic circuitry for sending and receiving data, and a communication coupler coupled to sensors, actuators, computing devices, other instrumentation electronics 112, etc. The instrumentation electronics 112 may execute commands stored in the memory by a processor to send drive signals, receive sensor data (e.g., from sensing transducers such as the upstream transducer 104a and the downstream transducer 104c), determine flow characteristics, and / or send raw data or determined data to an external computing device or sensor, etc. The instrumentation electronics 112 may be used to determine and / or send data representative of, for example, mass flow rate, density, volumetric flow rate, etc. The instrumentation electronics 112 may be configured to use the drive transducer 104b to drive or send instructions to drive the fins 108a and 108b at different frequencies, phases, and / or different modes. In an embodiment, the instrumentation electronics 112 may be coupled to the base 106 or the fins 108a and 108b and may be coupled on the outer side 344 of the base 106. In another embodiment, the instrumentation electronics 112 may be a device external to the fin sensor 102. The instrumentation electronics 112 may be Figure 4 an embodiment of the computer system 400.

[0186] In an embodiment, one, any combination, or all of the electronic components may be external to the fluid flow and / or may be external to the base. The electronic components may include one, any combination, or all of the transducers 104a to 104c and / or the instrumentation electronics 112.

[0187] The flow axis 141 is the general direction of the expected flow of the fluid flowing in the pipe, and the flow axis 141 is orthogonal to the transverse axis 131 and the longitudinal axis 151. In a straight pipe, the flow axis may be defined by the center of the line inside the pipe along the line representing the fluid flow. The upstream direction 143 is defined as the direction upstream from which the flowing fluid starts to flow along the flow axis 141. The downstream direction 145 is defined as the direction downstream in which the flowing fluid flows along the flow axis 141.

[0188] The longitudinal axis 151 is a line that bisects the center point of the internal cross-section (a cross-section having the same internal radius as the entire pipe) of the pipe 110 and the base 106 in the case where the pipe is coupled. The longitudinal axis 151 is orthogonal to the flow axis 141 and the transverse axis 131. The upward direction 153 is defined as the direction along the longitudinal axis 151 from the center of the pipe 110 to the base 106. The downward direction 155 is defined as the direction along the longitudinal axis 151 from the base 106 to the center of the pipe 110.

[0189] The horizontal axis 131 is defined as being parallel or substantially parallel to the base 106 (if the base is curved, the horizontal axis may be parallel to a line representing the average distance of the base 106 from the center of the conduit 110) and orthogonal to the axis of the fluid flow. The horizontal axis 131 is orthogonal to the flow axis 141 and the vertical axis 151. The first direction 133 and the second direction 135 are opposite directions along the horizontal axis 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction 133 may be the direction to the left of the conduit 110 when viewing the cross-section defined by the vertical axis 151 and the horizontal axis 131 of the conduit 110 from a perspective facing the downstream direction 145. Although the directions and reference axes appear to be related to the fin sensor 102 and the flow therethrough, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the specific elements of the fin sensor instrument may be considered as independent elements having the following directions and reference axes when described relative to the directions and reference axes. The directions and reference axes are generally only used to show the relative positioning, coupling, placement, and configuration of those elements isolated from the fin sensor 102 and the flow therethrough. For example, if the thickness of the balance rib 118 varies along the flow axis, this variation may generally be only related to the balance rib 118 itself in the figure and not related to the flow or the flow sensor 102. In addition, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the fin sensor 102 and its elements mainly relate to the following references: these references represent the relative positioning, coupling, placement, and configuration of the fin sensor 102 when it is not experiencing flow - for example, during manufacturing or installation.

[0190] Figures 2A to 2C A perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200a to 200c is shown. The fin coupler assemblies 200a to 200c may be Figure 1 the embodiments of the fin coupler assemblies disclosed in the description of. It should be understood that the images shown may not be to scale, and embodiments with different relative sizes are considered. For clarity, for Figures 2A to 2C a particular perspective view, references with reference directions and axes are shown.

[0191] Figure 2A A perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200a having a bar-shaped fin coupler 220a is shown. The bar-shaped fin coupler 220a may be an embodiment of the fin couplers (120a and 120b). For the purposes of this specification, a fin coupler assembly is an assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). The bar-shaped fin coupler 220a may be an embodiment of the fin coupler 120a or 120b.

[0192] Figure 2BA perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200b having a strip fin coupler 220b is shown. The strip fin coupler 220b may be an embodiment of the fin coupler 120a and / or 120b. In an alternative embodiment, the flat portion of the strip may be parallel to the plane defined by the transverse axis 131 and the flow axis 141, may be parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 151 and the transverse axis 131, or may have portions that are twisted in a helical manner, for example when there is no flow in the duct. In another embodiment, the strip fin coupler 220b may have at least one tapered end. For example, the strip fin coupler 220b may be tapered such that the cross-sectional area of one or more of the upstream 143 end and the downstream 145 end of the strip fin coupler 220b in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 151 and the transverse axis 131 is less than the cross-sectional area of the strip fin coupler 220b at a more central location along the flow axis 141 in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 151 and the transverse axis 131. For example, the cross-section of the strip fin coupler 220b in the plane defined by the longitudinal axis 151 and the flow axis 141 may be narrower at one or more of the upstream 143 end and the downstream 145 end of the cross-section on the longitudinal axis 151 than at at least one more central portion of the cross-section on the flow axis 141.

[0193] Figure 2C A perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200c having a strut-shaped fin coupler 220c is shown. The strut-shaped fin coupler 220c may be an embodiment of the fin coupler 120a or 120b. The curve 204c (not shown) of the strut-shaped fin coupler 220c may be such that the strut-shaped fin coupler 220c is coupled between different or the same positions on the respective faces of the fins 108a and 108b. For example, the strut-shaped fin coupler 220c may be one or more of the following: coupled to a position on the first fin 108a that is above 153 the position on the corresponding face of the second fin 108b to which the same strut-shaped fin coupler 220c may be coupled; coupled to a position on the first fin 108a that is upstream 143 of the position on the corresponding face of the second fin 108b to which the same strut-shaped fin coupler 220c may be coupled; etc.

[0194] In Figures 2A to 2C the embodiment shown, it should be understood that, regardless of shape or configuration, any one of the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b may be coupled to each of the fins 108a and / or 108b in any of the positions or manners disclosed in this specification.

[0195] Figure 3is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 300 having a fin sensor 302 with a varying base 306 in a balanced base assembly. The cross-section of the cross-sectional view is a cross-section in a plane defined by a longitudinal axis 151 and a transverse axis 131. The flow sensor system 300 may have a fin sensor 302 having a varying base 306, a first fin 308a, a second fin 308b, an immersion side 342, and an outer side 344. The flow sensor system 300, the fin sensor 302, the varying base 306, the first fin 308a, and the second fin 308b may be embodiments of a fin sensor system 100, a fin sensor 102, a base 106, a first fin 108a, and a second fin 108b from Figure 1 respectively. The varying base 306 may have a first stiffer portion 310, a second stiffer portion 312, and a softer portion 314. The reference directions and axes are shown corresponding to Figure 3 the view of. It should be understood that the images shown may not be to scale and embodiments with different relative dimensions are contemplated.

[0196] In the illustrated embodiment, the softer portion 314 is located in the middle of the varying base 306 (the middle of the varying base 306 on the transverse axis 131), and the first stiffer portion 310 and the second stiffer portion 312 of the varying base 306 are located on the sides of the varying base 306 that are near where the varying base 306 is coupled to the pipe. It can be understood that in various embodiments, the transition between the softer portion 314 and the stiffer portions 310 and 312 may be smooth in terms of an increase in hardness from the middle of the varying base 306 to each edge in the first and second sides of the varying base 306, or the transition may occur stepwise as the hardness of the blocks increases from the middle of the varying base 306 to each edge in the first and second sides of the varying base. In an embodiment, the difference in softness and hardness may be facilitated by making the softer portion thinner and the stiffer portions thicker - perhaps by removing a portion of the base 106 or forming the base 106 as a varying base 306 with a varying thickness. In another embodiment, the softness and hardness may be changed by using different materials or alloys along the transverse axis 131, the different materials or alloys being stiffer in the stiffer portions 310 and 312 and softer in the softer portion 314. The balance rib 118 may be connected to the varying base 306 at the middle of the transverse axis 131 of the varying base 306, and the length of the balance rib 118 is along or substantially along the flow axis 141 (not visible in the plane representing the transverse axis 131 and the longitudinal axis 151 in this figure).

[0197] As depicted in the figure, as the balance rib 118 is coupled to the varying base 306, the softer portion 314 can represent the area around the balance rib 118. It can be understood that in the absence of the balance rib 118, 314 does not necessarily represent a separate softer portion, as depicted in the figure (the balance rib 118 can increase rigidity when coupled to the sensor 302). In an embodiment, the portion of the varying base 306 between the two fins 108a and 108b (along the horizontal axis 131) can be softer than the portions of the varying base 306 between each of the fins 108a and 108b and the edge of the varying base 306 (on the horizontal axis 131). In an embodiment, the softer portion 314 and the harder portions 310 and 312 can be formed by coupling at least one of the fins 108a and 108b to be closer to the edge of the varying base 306 than the balance rib 118 on the horizontal axis 131.

[0198] Embodiments are contemplated in which the varying base 306 does not have the balance rib 118 and embodiments in which the fin sensor 102 has the balance rib 118 in the absence of the varying base 306. For example, an embodiment can have a base 106 with uniform isolation characteristics such that the thickness and material are consistent (with any variability in the plate due to coupling to the environment (such as the pipe 110)), and can still have the balance rib 118. In this embodiment, the base 106 can be a uniform thin plate.

[0199] In an embodiment, the base 106 is a substantially flat member with thin edges relative to the surface area of two opposing surfaces. One of the two surfaces can be characterized as the immersion side 342 surface, and the side opposite the immersion side 342 surface can be referred to as the outer side 344 surface. The immersion side 342 represents the lower side of the base 106 on which a portion of the fins 108a and 108b and / or the base 106 is exposed to the flowing fluid to be measured. The outer side 344 represents the lower side of the base 106 on which the fin protrusions 114a and 114b can be located and may be coupled to the transducer.

[0200] In an embodiment, the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments that may each protrude through holes in the base 106 when the fin sensor 302 is assembled. In an embodiment, the transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to the fin protrusions 114a and 114b. The fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling the transducers. For example, in an embodiment, each of 114a and 114b may have three segments that may have complementary faces that face each other between the fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Each of the transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of the fin protrusions 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other on the transverse axis 131). In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to 104c may be aligned with each other on the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, the transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to the fins 108a and 108b at locations on the outside 344 of the base 106.

[0201] Figure 4 A block diagram of an embodiment of a computer system 400 is shown. In an embodiment, the computer system 400 may be an instrumentation electronic device, such as the instrumentation electronic device 112. In various embodiments, the computer system 400 may be composed of application specific integrated circuits or may have discrete processor elements and memory elements for processing commands from the memory elements and storing data on the memory elements. The computer system 400 may be an isolated physical system, a virtual machine, and / or may be established in a cloud computing environment.

[0202] The computer system may have a processor 410, a memory 420, an input / output 430, and a communication coupler 440. The memory 420 may store and / or may have integrated circuits representative of, for example, a drive module 422, a signal module 424, and a processing module 426. In various embodiments, the computer system 400 may have other computer elements integrated into the elements or in addition to or in communication with the computer elements, such as buses, other communication protocols, etc.

[0203] The processor 410 is a data processing element. The processor 410 may be any element for performing processing, such as a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit, other integrated circuits, an analog controller, a graphics processing unit, a field programmable gate array, any combination of these or other common processing elements, etc. The processor 410 may have a cache memory for storing processed data. The processor 410 may benefit from the methods in this specification because these methods may improve the solution of calculations and reduce the errors of those calculations using the proposed inventive structures.

[0204] Memory 420 is a device for an electronic storage device. Memory 420 can be any non-transitory storage medium and can include one, some, or all of the following: hard disk drive, solid state drive, volatile memory, integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, random access memory, read only memory, dynamic random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, cache memory, etc. Processor 410 can execute commands from memory 420 and utilize data stored in memory 420.

[0205] Computer system 400 can be configured to store any data to be used by drive module 422, signal module 424, and / or processing module 426, and can store in memory 420 historical data representing any amount of time of any parameter received or used by drive module 422, signal module 424, and / or processing module 426. Computer system 400 can also store in memory 420 any data representing the determination of any intermediate, and the any data may be timestamped representing when the data was acquired or determined. Although drive module 422, signal module 424, and processing module 426 are shown as three separate and discrete modules, this specification contemplates any number (even the specified one or three) and a wide variety of modules that work together to implement the methods expressed in this specification.

[0206] Drive module 422 is a module that sends a drive signal to a transducer (e.g., Figure 1 driving transducer 104b) to vibrate an element of the sensor assembly. Drive module 422 can be configured to send data representing commands to drive in various different modes. For example, drive module 422 can be configured to send data representing commands to drive in IP mode and / or OOP mode.

[0207] Signal module 424 is a module that receives sensor data (e.g., data representing phase difference, time delay, and / or frequency response). In fin sensor 102, signal module 424 can receive frequency data from upstream transducer 104a and downstream transducer 104c. Determine the phase difference or time delay between the frequencies represented by the frequency data of upstream transducer 104a and downstream transducer 104c.

[0208] The processing module 426 is a module that determines the behavior of the fin sensor 102 and / or outputs data related to the fin sensor 102. The processing module 426 can determine the flow characteristics based on the data received by the signal module 424. For example, the processing module 426 can use the phase difference or time delay data to calculate the mass flow rate of the flowing fluid using methods known in the art. In an embodiment, the processing module 426 can use the drive signal from the drive module 422 as the signal from which the time delay or phase difference is derived (when compared with another transducer signal). The processing module 426 can also derive the density of the flowing fluid based on the frequency data received by the signal module 424. The processing module 426 can also derive the viscosity of the flowing fluid based on the frequency and / or phase data received by the signal module 424.

[0209] The processing module 426 can also be configured to: determine the mode and / or frequency of driving the driver, possibly by driving a closed or open feedback loop to achieve one or more of the desired frequencies or phase differences. After determining the data command representing the drive mode to be driven, the processing module 426 can send the command to the drive module 422 to send a command to drive the drive circuit (e.g., drive the drive transducer 104b).

[0210] The capabilities of the drive module 422, the signal module 424, and the processing module 426 are considered with respect to the presented flowcharts and reflect the methods performed in the presented flowcharts. All methods in this specification are considered with respect to each flowchart and flowchart description, and for the purpose of following any method claims in this specification, all methods and capabilities of the drive module 422, the signal module 424, and the processing module 426 are considered in the order of the presented steps and any other order that makes sense to a person of ordinary skill in the art in the context of this specification.

[0211] The input / output 430 is a device for communicatively coupling the computer system 400 to external components. The input / output 430 can connect the computer system 400 to external components using known techniques (e.g., Universal Serial Bus, ProLink, serial communication, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, etc.). The input / output 430 can have a communication coupler 440. The communication coupler 440 is used to couple the computer system 400 with components external to the computer system 400 - such as external computing devices, sensors, transducers (e.g., transducers 104a to 104c), other sensor components, etc.

[0212] Flowchart

[0213] Figures 5 to 9A flowchart of an embodiment of a method for manufacturing and using a fin coupler assembly, a balance base assembly, and a combined fin coupler and balance base assembly is shown. The methods disclosed in the flowchart are not exhaustive and only show potential embodiments of steps and sequences. These methods must be interpreted in the context of the entire specification - including Figures 1 to 4 the elements disclosed in the description, including, for example, base 106 (e.g., variant base 306), fins 108a and 108b, balance ribs 118, and fin couplers 120a and 120b.

[0214] Figure 5 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 of a fin coupler assembly using a fin sensor 102 is shown. The method steps of method 500 are presented using embodiments that include references to elements presented in other figures and the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, configurations, relative couplings, and positions of these elements disclosed in other figures and the descriptions of other figures are considered for performing these steps.

[0215] Step 502 determines, by processing module 426, data representing a first vibration to be driven by drive transducer 104b. In an embodiment, the first drive driven by drive transducer 104b can be one or more of an IP mode and an OOP mode. In an embodiment, the out-of-phase mode is a mode in which the frequencies of the vibrations of fins 108a and 108b are spaced 180° apart. Processing module 426 itself can send the data representing the first vibration to the driver (e.g., drive transducer 104b), or can send it via drive module 422.

[0216] Step 504 vibrates drive transducer 104b based on the data representing the first vibration to be driven.

[0217] Step 506 at least partially restricts movement of the first fin 108a relative to the second fin 108b by at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b that couples the first fin 108a to the second fin 108b. In an embodiment, at least partially restricting can restrict movement of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a that is relative to the free edge 199 of the second fin 108b. In an embodiment, at least partially restricting includes restricting movement of the first fin 108a relative to the second fin 108b at any location where the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to the first fin. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b does not directly restrict movement of any element of the base 106, and the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is not coupled to the base 106 or an element of the base 106. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b does not directly restrict movement of any element of the transducers 104a to 104c, and the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is not coupled to the transducers 104a to 104c or an element of the transducers 104a to 104c. All coupling methods, configurations, and alternative arrangements of the fins 108a and 108b and the fin couplers 120a and 120b are contemplated for this step.

[0218] Step 508 optionally receives data representing at least one sensor signal via the signal module 424 or the processing module 426. In an embodiment where the signal module 424 receives data representing at least one sensor signal, the signal module 424 can transmit the information or a processed output derived from the data representing at least one signal from the signal module to the processing module 426.

[0219] Step 510 optionally determines flow fluid characteristics, such as mass flow rate and / or density, via the processing module 426.

[0220] In an embodiment, Figure 5 Each step in the steps of the method shown is a different step. In another embodiment, although depicted as different steps in Figure 5 the steps 502 to 512 may not be different steps. In other embodiments, Figure 5 the method shown may not have all of the above steps and / or may have other steps in addition to or instead of the above-listed steps. Figure 5 The steps of the method shown may be performed in an alternative order. As above as Figure 5A subset of the steps listed as part of the method shown can be used to form their own method. The steps of method 500 can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, for example, in a continuous loop to maintain monitoring.

[0221] Figure 6 A flowchart of an embodiment of method 600 for using a fin sensor 102 in a balance base assembly is shown. The method steps of method 600 are presented using embodiments that include references to elements presented in other figures and the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, configurations, relative couplings, and positions of these elements disclosed in other figures and the descriptions of other figures are considered for the purpose of performing these steps.

[0222] Step 602 drives the movement of fins 108a and 108b by driving transducer 104b.

[0223] Step 604 limits the movement of the base 106 in response to actuation by the balance rib 118. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may limit the movement of the base 106 along an intermediate or substantially intermediate portion of the base 106, the intermediate being defined as the middle of the transverse axis 131. Step 604 may result in the following movement of the fins 108a and 108b: no net movement is generated in a direction from the center of the duct through the middle of the sensor assembly, thereby providing balance and not moving the sensor assembly relative to the support structure to which the fin sensor 102 is coupled. In an embodiment, this may not provide a net movement of the fins 108a and / or 108b and / or the fin sensor 102 in a direction from the center of the duct through the middle of the base 106 (which may be defined as along the longitudinal axis 151). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the fins 108a and 108b of the fin sensor 102 may rotate about the respective central points of the fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 at least partially limits the movement of the base 106 along the intermediate portion of the base 106 on the longitudinal axis 151, the intermediate portion being defined by the middle of the transverse axis 131. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 at least partially limits the base 106 at a location on the transverse axis 131 between the location where the first fin 108a is or is to be coupled to the base 106 and a different location where the second fin 108b is or is to be coupled to the base 106. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may at least partially limit the movement of the base 106 at a location on the transverse axis 131 that is equidistant from the location of the first fin 108a and the different location of the second fin 108b. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may at least partially limit the movement of the base 106 at least along a linear portion of the base 106 that is parallel to the flow axis 141. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 may at least partially limit the movement of the base 106 such that the movement of one or more of the downstream 145 end and the upstream 143 end of the base 106 is limited less than the middle of the base 106, the middle of the base 106 being the middle of the base 106 on the flow axis 141. Alternatively, the balance rib 118 may at least partially limit the movement of the base 106 such that the movement of one or more of the downstream 145 end and the upstream 143 end of the base 106 is limited more than the middle of the base 106, the middle of the base 106 being the middle of the base 106 on the flow axis 141.

[0224] In an embodiment, Figure 6 Each step in the method shown is a distinct step. In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct steps in Figure 6 the steps 602 to 604 may not be distinct steps. In other embodiments, Figure 6The method shown may not have all of the steps in the above steps and / or may have other steps in addition to or instead of the steps listed above. Figure 6 The steps of the method shown may be performed in an alternative order. As above Figure 6 A subset of the steps listed as part of the method shown may be used to form their own method. The steps of method 600 may be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, for example, may be continuously looped to maintain monitoring.

[0225] Figure 7 A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 700 for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown. The method steps of method 700 are presented using an embodiment that includes references to elements presented in other figures and the description of other figures. All capabilities, configurations, relative couplings, and positions of these elements disclosed in other figures and the description of other figures are considered for the purpose of performing these steps. In an embodiment, the fin coupler assembly may be combined with a base 106 (e.g., a varying base 306) and / or a balance rib 118 to form a combined balance base and fin coupler assembly. In an embodiment, the fin coupler assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0226] Step 702 optionally forms a first fin 108a and a second fin 108b. The manufacturing methods for forming these components may be any suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art, such as molding, extrusion, and other methods and / or any combination of these methods. The fin coupler may be formed of, for example, metal or a composite material and may be formed by, for example, additive (3D printing) manufacturing, machining from a solid block, part machining, and assembly using any one or any combination of fasteners, adhesives, welds, brazes, etc.

[0227] Step 704 forms at least one fin coupler (e.g., first fin coupler 120a and second fin coupler 120b). Manufacturing methods for manufacturing components such as fin couplers - e.g., molding, extrusion, and other methods - are well known in the art. The fin coupler can be formed of, for example, metal, plastic, or other composite materials. The at least one fin coupler can be formed in a variety of shapes - e.g., in a rod, strip, or strut. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be formed as a single piece with fins 108a and 108b, thus eliminating the need for a separate step to form fins 108a and 108b (as in step 702) and / or a separate step to couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be formed with one or more coupling elements configured to more easily and / or effectively couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b, e.g., at one or both ends of the at least one fin coupler. In another embodiment, one or more of fins 108a and 108b can be formed with coupling elements to more easily and / or effectively couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In yet another embodiment, the at least one fin coupler and fins 108a and 108b can each have corresponding or complementary coupling elements to couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be two, three, four, five, six, or any other number of fin couplers. In an embodiment, one or more of the at least one fin 108a and / or 108b and the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b can be formed with coupling elements configured to facilitate coupling between the at least one fin 108a and / or 108b and the at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b.

[0228] Step 706 couples at least one fin coupler to the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. In embodiments in which one or more of the fins 108a and 108b and the at least one fin coupler have coupling elements, the at least one fin coupler and the fins 108a and 108b may be coupled at and / or through the coupling elements. Any coupling method is contemplated, for example, welding, brazing, 3D printing, soldering, adhesive bonding, plastic molding or melting, complementary physical or mechanical connectors (such as screws), mounting in grooves, and / or similar methods. In an embodiment, the fin coupler 120a is coupled to the fin 108a at a location that is closer to the free edge 199 of the fin 108a than to the edge of the fin 108a that is coupled or to be coupled to the base 106. In an embodiment, two fin couplers 120a and 120b are coupled to the fins 108a and 108b. In this embodiment, the first fin coupler 120a may be coupled at at least one location that is a different point along the flow axis 141 from at least one location where the second fin coupler 120b may be or is coupled.

[0229] Step 708 optionally configures the instrument electronics 112 to store and / or execute one or more of the drive module 422, the signal module 424, and / or the processing module 426.

[0230] Step 710 optionally couples the fins 108a and 108b to the base 106. In an embodiment, the fins 108a and 108b project through holes in the base 106 such that the fins 108a and 108b have immersion portions configured to be immersed in a fluid flow and fin projections 114a and 114b that project from a side of the base 106 opposite the immersion portions.

[0231] In an embodiment, Figure 7 Each of the steps in the method shown is a distinct step. In another embodiment, steps 702 through 710 may not be distinct steps, although depicted as such in Figure 7 . In other embodiments, Figure 7 the method shown may not have all of the above steps and / or may have other steps in addition to or instead of the above-listed steps. Figure 7 The steps of the method shown may be performed in an alternative order. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown may be used to form their own method. The steps of method 700 may be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, for example, may be continuously cycled to maintain monitoring. Figure 7

[0232] Figure 8A flowchart showing an embodiment of a method 800 for manufacturing a balanced base assembly of a fin sensor 102 is presented. The method steps of method 800 are presented using embodiments that include references to elements presented in other figures and the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, configurations, relative couplings, and positions of these elements disclosed in other figures and the descriptions of other figures are considered for the purpose of performing these steps. In an embodiment, the balanced base assembly can be manufactured to have one or more fin couplers 120a and / or 120b to form a combined balanced base and fin coupler assembly. In an embodiment, the balanced base assembly can be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0233] Step 802 optionally forms transducers 104a to 104c, a first fin 108a and a second fin 108b, instrumentation electronics 112, a balance rib 118, a base coupler 116, and a first fin coupler 120a and a second fin coupler 120b. Manufacturing methods for forming these components are well established in the art, for example, 3D printing, molding, coupling separately formed components, and the like.

[0234] Step 804 forms at least one base 106. The base 106 can be a flat or substantially flat member that has a small thickness relative to the area of its larger surface. In an embodiment, the base 106 can be formed to be thin and / or can be formed to have a varying or uniform hardness. For example, the base 106 can be formed as a varying base 306 such that the hardness at the middle (as the middle of the horizontal axis 131) of the varying base 306 is lower than the hardness at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the horizontal axis 131). This variation can be achieved by molding to generate a varying base 306 that is thinner (has less material) at the middle (along the horizontal axis 131) than at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the horizontal axis 131) to form the base 106. In another embodiment, this variation can be achieved by removing - possibly by cutting - a portion of the base 106 to make the base 106 a varying base that is thinner (has less material) at the middle (along the horizontal axis 131) than at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the horizontal axis 131). In another embodiment, the base 106 can be composed of different materials that make the base a varying base 306 along the horizontal axis 131, such that the middle (along the horizontal axis 131) of the varying base 306 is softer than the edges (of the varying base 306 along the horizontal axis 131).

[0235] Step 806 forms balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 can be an elongated member and can be manufactured using any standard manufacturing method and can be made of any material known in the art sufficient to at least somewhat limit the movement of the base 106. In an embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetric about the longest length of the balance rib along at least one axis (e.g., symmetric about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131), the balance rib 118 can have a centerline 198 representing the center of the longest length. The balance rib 118 can have a varying thickness around the centerline 198 along the length of the centerline 198. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be greater than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131. In another embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be less than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131.

[0236] Step 808 couples the balance rib 118 to the base 106. The balance rib 118 can be coupled to the base at the middle location of the base on the transverse axis 131, and the balance rib may have an elongated portion along or substantially along the flow axis 141. In embodiments where the base 106 has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106 or will have fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, the balance rib 118 can be coupled to the base 106 between the coupled fins 108a and 108b, possibly along the transverse axis 131 between the fins 108a and 108b, and also possibly along the transverse axis 131 equidistantly coupled at different locations for coupling or being coupled to the first fin 108a and for coupling or being coupled to the second fin 108b. The assembly formed when the balance rib 118 is coupled to the base 106 (or varying base 306) can be considered the balance base assembly of the fin sensor 102. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 can be coupled to the fin sensor 102 such that the centerline 198 is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 can have a uniform thickness around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 can have a varying thickness on the transverse axis 131 around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be greater than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be less than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131.

[0237] Step 810 optionally forms the fin sensor 102 by coupling the balance base assembly to fins 108a and 108b (possibly with balance ribs 118 between fins 108a and 108b on base 106), transducers 104a to 104c, instrumentation electronics 112, base coupler 116, and / or first fin coupler 120a and second fin coupler 120b. In an embodiment, fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments that may each protrude through holes in base 106 when the fin sensor 302 is assembled. In an embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling the transducers. For example, in an embodiment, each of fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have three segments that may have complementary faces that face each other between fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Each of transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of fin protrusions 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other on the transverse axis 131). In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to 104c may be aligned with each other on the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to fins 108a and 108b at a location on one side of base 106, the one side of base 106 being opposite the side of base 106 having the portion where fins 108a and 108b are immersed. Instrumentation electronics 112 may be coupled to base 106 or fins 108a and 108b and may be coupled on the outer side 344 of base 106.

[0238] In an embodiment, Figure 8 each step in the steps of the method shown is a different step. In another embodiment, steps 802 to 810 may not be different steps, although depicted as different steps in Figure 8 . In other embodiments, Figure 8 the method shown may not have all of the above steps and / or may have other steps in addition to or instead of the above-listed steps. Figure 8 The steps of the method shown may be performed in a different order. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the Figure 8 method shown may be used to form their own method. The steps of method 800 may be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, e.g., may be continuously looped to maintain monitoring.

[0239] Figure 9A flowchart of an embodiment of a method 900 for fabricating a balanced base and fin coupler assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown. The method steps of method 900 are presented using an embodiment that includes references to elements presented in other figures and the descriptions of those other figures. All capabilities, configurations, relative couplings, and positions of these elements disclosed in the other figures and the descriptions of those other figures are considered for the purpose of performing these steps. In an embodiment, the balanced base assembly can be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0240] Step 902 optionally forms transducers 104a to 104c, first fin 108a and second fin 108b, instrumentation electronics 112, base coupler 116, and first fin coupler 120a and second fin coupler 120b. Manufacturing methods for forming these components are well established in the art, e.g., 3D printing, molding, coupling separately formed components, etc.

[0241] Step 904 forms at least one base 106. The base 106 can be a flat or substantially flat member that has a small thickness relative to the area of its larger surface. In an embodiment, the base 106 can be formed to be thin and / or can be formed to have a varying or uniform hardness. For example, the base 106 can be formed as a varying base 306 such that the hardness at the middle (as the middle of the transverse axis 131) of the varying base 306 is lower than the hardness at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the transverse axis 131). This variation can be achieved by molding such that a varying base 306 is generated that is thinner (has less material) at the middle (along the transverse axis 131) than at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the transverse axis 131) to form the base 106. In another embodiment, the variation can be achieved by removing - possibly by cutting - a portion of the base 106 to make the base 106 a varying base that is thinner (has less material) at the middle (along the transverse axis 131) than at the edges (of the varying base 306 along the transverse axis 131). In another embodiment, the base 106 can be composed of different materials that make the base a varying base 306 along the transverse axis 131 such that the middle (along the transverse axis 131) of the varying base 306 is softer than the edges (of the varying base 306 along the transverse axis 131).

[0242] Step 906 forms balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 can be an elongated member and can be manufactured using any standard manufacturing method and can be made of any material known in the art sufficient to at least somewhat limit the movement of the base 106. In an embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetric about the longest length of the balance rib along at least one axis (e.g., symmetric about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131), the balance rib 118 can have a centerline 198 representing the center of the longest length. The balance rib 118 can have a varying thickness around the centerline 198 along the length of the centerline 198. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be greater than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131. In another embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be less than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131.

[0243] Step 908 couples the balance rib 118 to the base 106. The balance rib 118 can be coupled to the base at the middle location of the base on the transverse axis 131, and the balance rib can have an elongated portion along or substantially along the flow axis 141. In an embodiment where the base 106 has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106 or will have fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, the balance rib 118 can be coupled to the base 106 between the coupled fins 108a and 108b, possibly along the transverse axis 131 between the fins 108a and 108b, and also possibly along the transverse axis 131 equidistantly coupled at different positions for coupling or coupled to the first fin 108a and for coupling or coupled to the second fin 108b. The assembly formed when the balance rib 118 is coupled to the base 106 (or varying base 306) can be considered the balance base assembly of the fin sensor 102. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 can be coupled to the fin sensor 102 such that the centerline 198 is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. In an embodiment, the balance rib 118 can have a uniform thickness around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 can have a varying thickness on the transverse axis 131 around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be greater than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131. For example, in an embodiment, the thickness of the balance rib 118 at at least one end of the balance rib about the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131 can be less than the thickness of the balance rib about the middle portion 197 of the centerline 198 on the transverse axis 131.

[0244] Step 910 forms at least one fin coupler (e.g., first fin coupler 120a and / or second fin coupler 120b). Manufacturing methods for manufacturing components such as fin couplers - such as molding, extrusion, and other methods - are well known in the art. The fin coupler can be formed of, for example, metal or composite materials. The at least one fin coupler can be formed in a variety of shapes - such as in a rod, strip, or strut. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be formed as a single piece with fins 108a and 108b without the need for a separate step for forming fins 108a and 108b (such as step 702) and / or a separate step for coupling the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be formed with one or more coupling elements configured to couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b more easily and / or more effectively (e.g., one or both ends of the at least one fin coupler). In another embodiment, one or more of fins 108a and 108b can be formed with coupling elements to couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b more easily and / or more effectively. In yet another embodiment, the at least one fin coupler and fins 108a and 108b can each have corresponding or complementary coupling elements to couple the at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, the at least one fin coupler can be two, three, four, five, six, or any other number of fin couplers.

[0245] Step 912 couples the at least one fin coupler to the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. In embodiments where one or more of fins 108a and 108b and the at least one fin coupler have coupling elements, the at least one fin coupler and fins 108a and 108b can be coupled at and / or through the coupling elements. Any coupling method is contemplated, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, plastic molding or melting, complementary physical or mechanical connectors, etc.

[0246] Step 914 couples fins 108a and 108b to the base 106. Fins 108a and 108b can be coupled to the base 106 in any of the following ways: e.g., by molding together, by adhesive bonding, by welding or brazing, and other known methods in the art. In an embodiment, the base 106 has holes through which fin protrusions 114a and 114b can protrude, and the base 106 and fin protrusions 114a and 114b establish a coupling by standard coupling methods - such as adhesive bonding, welding, and brazing.

[0247] Step 916 optionally forms the fin sensor 102 by coupling the balance base assembly to fins 108a and 108b (possibly having a balance rib 118 between fins 108a and 108b on the base 106), transducers 104a to 104c, instrumentation electronics 112, and / or base coupler 116. In an embodiment, fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments that may each protrude through holes in the base 106 when the fin sensor 302 is assembled. In an embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling the transducers. For example, in an embodiment, each of fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have three segments that may have complementary faces that face each other between fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Each of transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of fin protrusions 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other on the transverse axis 131). In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to 104c may be aligned with each other on the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to fins 108a and 108b at a location on one side of the base 106, the one side of the base 106 being opposite the side of the base 106 having the portion where fins 108a and 108b are immersed.

[0248] The specification contemplates alternative orders of these steps, including all orders that are reasonable under the necessary order of certain steps. For example, the step of coupling fin couplers 120a and 120b to fins 108a and 108b and the step of coupling fins 108a and 108b to the base 106 may be performed in any order relative to each other. Additionally, the balance base assembly may be formed before, during, or after the fin coupler assembly is formed.

[0249] In an embodiment, Figure 9 each step in the steps of the method shown is a different step. In another embodiment, although depicted as different steps in Figure 9 , steps 902 to 916 may not be different steps. In other embodiments, Figure 9 the method shown may not have all of the above steps and / or may have other steps in addition to or instead of the above-listed steps. Figure 9 The steps of the method shown may be performed in an additional order. As above as Figure 9A subset of the steps listed as part of the method shown can be used to form their own method. The steps of method 900 can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order. For example, they can be looped continuously to maintain monitoring.

[0250] Comparison

[0251] Figures 10 to 11 A comparison is shown that explains certain effects of the embodiments of the features presented by the applicant in this specification.

[0252] Figure 10 A comparison 1000 of embodiments of fin sensors 102 with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode is shown. Fin sensors 102a and 102b are embodiments of fin sensor 102 without and with fin couplers 120a and 120b respectively. Comparison 1000 has a first row 1042, a second row 1044, a first image 1052, a second image 1054, a third image 1056, and a fourth image 1058.

[0253] The first row 1042 is a row representing an image of fin sensor 102a without fin couplers 120a and 120b. The first row 1042 has a first image 1052 and a second image 1054. The first image 1052 shows an embodiment of fin sensor 102a without fin couplers 120a and 120b, which is driven in in-phase mode. The second image 1054 shows an embodiment of fin sensor 102a driven in out-of-phase mode. It can be seen that at point 1055, the fins in the out-of-phase mode show minimal curling and remain substantially flat. It can be understood that there is a minimal frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode because both are driven with the same force and their response frequencies are close to the same value. The lack of separation between the vibration modes may cause coupling of the drive mode and the natural mode and make the expected excitation shape impure, which may lead to calibration and measurement errors.

[0254] The second row 1044 is a row representing an image of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b. The second row 1044 has a third image 1056 and a fourth image 1058. The third image 1056 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b, which is driven in a in-phase mode. The second image 1054 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b, which is driven in an out-of-phase mode. It can be seen that at point 1059, the out-of-phase mode shows a considerable curl, generating greater amplitude, frequency, and phase resolution. This generates a considerable frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode because both are driven with the same force, where the frequency generated by the fin sensor 102b in the out-of-phase mode is 20% higher than the frequency generated by the in-phase mode in this embodiment. This frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode can at least limit the coupling between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode, which potentially allows for better measurement and calibration. The increased curl can allow the fin sensor 102b to better couple the fins to the flowing medium and induce a Coriolis response, which may be similar to a typical Coriolis mass flowmeter.

[0255] Figure 11 A comparison 1100 shows embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without the balance rib 118 at undeformed and deformed positions. The fin sensors 102c and 102d are embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without the balance rib 118, respectively. The comparison 1100 has a first row 1142, a second row 1144, a first image 1152, a second image 1154, a third image 1156, and a fourth image 1158.

[0256] The first row 1142 is a row representing an image of the fin sensor 102c without the balance rib 118. The first row 1142 has a first image 1152 and a second image 1154. The first image 1152 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102c without the balance rib 118 in an undeformed position. The second image 1154 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102c without the balance rib 118 in a deformed position. It can be seen that at points 1155a and 1155b, the axes of rotation of the fins 108a and 108b are located at the edge of the base 106. It can be understood that the movement of the resulting sensor assembly will generate a net movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis 151 through the sensor assembly, which causes an imbalance and moves the sensor assembly relative to the support structure to which the fin sensor 102c is coupled.

[0257] The second row 1144 is a row representing an image of the fin sensor 102d with the balance ribs 118. The second row 1144 has a third image 1156 and a fourth image 1158. The third image 1156 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102d with the balance ribs 118, and the fin sensor 102d is in an undeformed position. The fourth image 1154 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102d with the balance ribs 118, and the fin sensor 102d is in a deformed position. It can be seen that at points 1159a and 1159b, the axes of rotation of the fins 108a and 108b are located at the couplings of the fins 108a and 108b to the base 106. It can be understood that the resulting movement of the fins 108a and 108b will not generate a net movement on the longitudinal axis 151 through the middle of the sensor assembly, which provides balance and does not cause the sensor assembly to move relative to the support structure to which the fin sensor 102d is coupled. In an embodiment, this may not provide a net movement of the fins (or teeth) in the vertical direction. It can be understood that in some embodiments, the fins 108a and 108b of the fin sensor 102d can rotate around the respective central points of the fins 108a and 108b (at 1159a and 1159b respectively).

[0258] Figure 12 A comparison 1200 of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without the fin couplers 120a and 120b on the outer side 344 of the base 106 driven in the in-phase (IP) mode and the out-of-phase (OOP) mode is shown. The fin sensors 102e and 102f are embodiments of the fin sensor 102 without and with the fin couplers 120a and 120b respectively. The comparison 1200 has a first row 1242, a second row 1244, a first image 1252, a second image 1254, a third image 1256, and a fourth image 1258.

[0259] The first row 1242 is a row representing an image of the fin sensor 102e without the fin couplers 120a and 120b. The first row 1242 has a first image 1252 and a second image 1254. The first image 1252 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102a without the fin couplers 120a and 120b, and the fin sensor 102a is driven in the in-phase mode. The second image 1254 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102a driven in the out-of-phase mode. It can be seen that at point 1255, the fins in the out-of-phase mode show minimal curling and remain substantially flat. It can be understood that there is a minimal frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode because both are driven with the same force and their response frequencies are close to the same value. The lack of separation between the vibration modes may lead to the coupling of the driving mode and the natural mode and make the expected excitation shape impure, which may cause calibration and measurement errors.

[0260] The second row 1244 is a row representing an image of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b. The second row 1244 has a third image 1256 and a fourth image 1258. The third image 1256 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b, and the fin sensor 102b is driven in a in-phase mode. The second image 1254 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b driven in an out-of-phase mode. This creates a substantial frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode because both are driven with the same force, where the frequency generated by the fin sensor 102b in the out-of-phase mode is 20% higher than the frequency generated by the in-phase mode in this embodiment. This frequency separation between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode can at least limit the coupling between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode, which potentially allows for better measurement and calibration. The increased curling can allow the fin sensor 102b to better couple the fins to the flowing medium and induce a Coriolis response, which may be similar to a typical Coriolis mass flowmeter.

[0261] The detailed description of the above embodiments is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments that the inventors consider to be within the scope of this specification. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that some elements of the above embodiments can be combined differently or eliminated to create additional embodiments, and such additional embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that, within the scope and teachings of this specification, the above embodiments can be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments. When the statement "and / or" is used, it should be interpreted that, for the purposes of this specification, embodiments applying one or more of "and" and "or" are fully considered and disclosed.

[0262] Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various equivalent modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts within the scope of this specification. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other methods and devices for determining vibration response parameters of a vibrating element, not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the figures. Accordingly, the scope of the above embodiments should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of using a Coriolis sensor (102), the Coriolis sensor having a drive transducer (104b) that drives Coriolis vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin and the second fin (108a and 108b) being coupled to a base (106), the Coriolis sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the method comprising: The movement of the first fin (108a) that is at least partially restricted relative to the second fin (108b) is through at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the free edge (199) of the first fin (108a) relative to the free edge (199) of the second fin (108b).

3. The method according to claims 1 and 2, wherein the vibrations are driven by the drive transducer (104b) so as to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in an out-of-phase (OOP) mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The out-of-phase (OOP) mode represents a phase separation of approximately 180° between the movements of the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b).

5. The method according to claims 1 to 4, wherein, The movement of the first fin (108a) that is at least partially restricted relative to the second fin (108b) through the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) includes: at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the second fin (108b) at any location where the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the first fin (108a).

6. The method according to claims 1 to 5, wherein, The at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) does not directly restrict the movement of any element of the base (106), and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not coupled to an element of the base (106) nor is it an element of the base (106).

7. The method according to claims 1 to 6, the method further comprising: Use a balance rib (118) to at least partially restrict the movement of the base (106).

8. A method of using a fin sensor (102), the fin sensor having a drive transducer (104b) that drives vibrations in a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) being coupled to a base (106), the fin sensor (102) having at least one sensing transducer (104a) that receives response data, the fin sensor (102) having a balance rib (118), the method comprising: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) through the balance rib (118).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) by the balance rib (118) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) along the longitudinal axis (151) of the middle part of the base (106), and the middle part is the part defined by the middle of the transverse axis (131).

10. The method according to claims 8 and 9, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) by the balance rib (118) comprises: At least partially prevent the net movement of the fins (108a and 108b) along the longitudinal axis (151).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) by the balance rib (118) comprises: At least partially prevent the net movement of the fin sensor (102) along the longitudinal axis (151).

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) comprises: Restrict the base (106) at least partially to a position on the transverse axis (131) between the position where the first fin (108a) on the base (106) is coupled or will be coupled and a different position where the second fin (108b) on the base (106) is coupled or will be coupled.

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) at a position on the transverse axis (131) that is equidistant from the position and the different position.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) at least along a straight part of the base (106) parallel to the flow axis (141).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is restricted less than the middle of the base (106), and the middle of the base (106) is the middle of the base (106) on the flow axis (141).

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least partially restricting the movement of the base (106) comprises: At least partially restrict the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is restricted more than the middle of the base (106), where the middle of the base (106) is the middle of the base (106) along the flow axis (141).

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