Vibrating gauges including wire flexure extending from gauge coil and related methods

Abstract

A sensor assembly (10) for a vibrometer (50) is provided. The sensor assembly (10) includes one or more conduits (103A, 103B). The sensor assembly (10) also includes one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver (104) coupled with the one or more conduits (103A, 103B), a first pickup sensor (105), and a second pickup sensor (105 '). A wire flexure (300) extends from the coil (107) and is electrically coupled to the meter electronics (20). The wire flexure (300) is configured to include a length (L) that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure (300) that is higher than the maximum drive frequency of the sensor assembly (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to vibrating meters, and more particularly, to an improved electric flexure for a vibrating meter. Background Art

[0002] Vibration sensors, such as vibrating densitometers and Coriolis flowmeters, are generally known and are used to measure mass flow and other information related to material flowing through a conduit in the flowmeter. Example Coriolis flowmeters are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,109,524, 4,491,025, and Re. 31,450. These flowmeters have a meter assembly having one or more conduits in a straight or curved configuration. Each conduit configuration in a Coriolis mass flowmeter has, for example, a set of natural vibration modes, which can be simple bending, torsional, or coupled types. Each conduit can be driven to oscillate in a preferred mode. When there is no flow through the flowmeter, the driving force applied to the conduit causes all points along the conduit to oscillate in the same phase or with a small "zero offset" - a time delay measured at zero flow.

[0003] When material begins to flow through a conduit, the Coriolis force causes each point along the conduit to have a different phase. For example, the phase at the inlet end of the flowmeter lags the phase at the centralized driver location, while the phase at the outlet leads the phase at the centralized driver location. Pickups on the conduit generate sinusoidal signals representing the conduit's motion. The signal output from the pickups is processed to determine the time delay between the pickups, known as ΔT. The time delay between two or more pickups is proportional to the mass flow rate of the material flowing through the conduit.

[0004] Meter electronics, connected to the driver, generate drive signals to operate the driver and also determine the mass flow rate and / or other characteristics of the process material based on the signals received from the pickup. The driver can include one of many known arrangements; however, a magnet and opposing drive coil have been very successful in the flow meter industry. Alternating current is delivered to the drive coil to cause the conduit to vibrate at the desired conduit amplitude and frequency. It is also known in the art to provide the pickup as a magnet and coil arrangement very similar to the driver arrangement.

[0005] Flexures are commonly used to connect vibration transducers, such as drivers and pickups, to meter electronics. Flexures are electromechanical components used to provide a flexible connection between two electronic components. They typically allow the components to move relative to each other, providing a degree of flexibility while still maintaining mechanical stability and electrical continuity.

[0006] Monel strip has been commonly used as flowmeter flexures. Monel is a nickel-copper alloy known for its strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and flexibility, properties that make it suitable for use in harsh environments, such as those encountered in flowmeter installations and the internal vibration stresses present in vibrating flowmeter assemblies. Due to the shape of the monel strip, these flexures restrict side-to-side vibration and instead force more of a rolling motion when energized.

[0007] Figure 1 A prior art vibrating meter 50 is shown having conduits 103A, 103B and including meter electronics 20 and sensor assembly 200. Common reference numerals are used for components of the prior art sensor assembly 200 that also include components of the provided embodiment of the sensor assembly 10. Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG has the front half of the housing 15 removed to illustrate the internal components. The sensor assembly is coupled to bus 201 and electrically communicates with meter electronics 20 via bus 201. The sensor assembly may include one or more of a driver 104 and pickoff sensors 105, 105'. Bus 201 may be connected to sensor assembly strip flexures 210-212' that communicate between leads 130 and the sensor assembly. Sensor assembly strip flexures 210-212' are typically the aforementioned monel strip. Leads 130, for example, provide an electrical communication path between bus 201 and meter electronics 20. Thus, bus 201 provides electrical communication between the sensor assembly and devices external to sensor assembly 200, such as meter electronics 20.

[0008] To reduce the size of flow meter components, alternatives to monel strip have been employed. For example, continuous, relatively small-gauge copper magnet wire from the windings of a transducer coil has been used to bridge the gap between the transducer and a nearby printed circuit board (PCB), creating an extremely compact flexure.

[0009] This approach will result in two flexures in communication with each coil within the Coriolis sensor. These flexures are used to transmit signals from the meter electronics to the corresponding coil, be it the drive coil or the pick-off sensor coil.

[0010] Unfortunately, changes in the configuration of the magnetic wire flexure can have a drastic effect on the signal, potentially altering the measured value and potentially leading to malfunctions. A key change that can be realized occurs when the wire flexure vibrates near resonance. It has been shown that vibrations at resonant frequencies in one or more flexures within the meter can offset ΔT measurements. This, of course, makes flow measurements less accurate.

[0011] The flexure is connected to a coil, which includes a magnet within its assembly. Even with the presence of a magnetic retainer, a stray magnetic field exists close to the coil. The vibrating wire passing through this stray magnetic field induces a voltage, and the additional voltage induced in the flexure affects the signal measured from the coil.

[0012] Vibrating flexures also increase the likelihood of fatigue. During the assembly process, flexures may develop unwanted bends, dents, and inconsistencies. Flexures with dents on their surfaces are more likely to fail under vibration. The orientation of the flexures may also lower the resonant frequency, making it more likely that the flexure will vibrate at the drive coil frequency. Different flexure lengths result in different resonant frequencies for the corresponding flexures. Increasing the length can also shift the resonant frequency of the flexure toward the meter's drive frequency.

[0013] Additionally, the shape of the flexures can create a situation where two flexures on the coil assembly come into contact. Contact between the two flexures can cause a short circuit within the circuit, significantly affecting the signal and, therefore, the measurement reported by the sensor.

[0014] The embodiments described below overcome these and other problems and achieve an advancement in the art.The embodiments described below provide an improved flexure that resists unwanted resonances that negatively impact flow meter operation and accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0015] According to an embodiment, a sensor assembly for a vibrating meter is provided. The sensor assembly includes one or more conduits; and one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver, a first pickoff sensor, and a second pickoff sensor coupled to the one or more conduits, wherein the one or more sensor components each include a coil. A wire flexure extends from the coil and is electrically coupled to meter electronics. The wire flexure is configured to include a length that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure that is higher than a highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a method for configuring a sensor assembly for a vibrating meter is provided. The method includes providing one or more conduits; and providing one or more sensor components, the one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver, a first pickoff sensor, and a second pickoff sensor coupled to the one or more conduits, wherein the one or more sensor components each include a coil. A wire flexure extends from the coil to electrically couple the coil to meter electronics. The wire flexure is configured to include a length that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure that is higher than a highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly.

[0017] aspect

[0018] According to one aspect, a sensor assembly for a vibrating meter includes one or more conduits; and one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver, a first pickoff sensor, and a second pickoff sensor coupled to the one or more conduits, wherein the one or more sensor components each include a coil. A wire flexure extends from the coil and is electrically coupled to meter electronics. The wire flexure is configured to include a length that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure that is higher than a highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly.

[0019] Preferably, the flexure natural frequency ratio is less than or equal to 0.8, wherein the flexure natural frequency ratio comprises the highest driving frequency of the sensor assembly divided by the natural frequency of the wire flexure.

[0020] Preferably, the straight wire approximation ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio comprises the length of the gap between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure, where the wire flexure extends from the coil, divided by the height of the arc portion of the flexure.

[0021] Preferably, the attachment points near the ends of the wire flexures have damping compound placed on the wire flexures.

[0022] Preferably, the wire flexure forms an arc between the coil and the point of attachment of the wire flexure, wherein the wire flexure is oriented vertically so that the curvature of the arc is in the direction of the drive axis of the meter and lies substantially in the XY plane of the flow meter.

[0023] Preferably, the wire flexure forms an arc between the coil and the point of attachment of the wire flexure, wherein the orientation of the wire flexure is horizontal so that the curvature of the arc is bent in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis of the meter and lies substantially in the XZ plane of the flow meter.

[0024] Preferably, the wire flexure forms an arc between the coil and the point of attachment of the wire flexure, wherein the orientation of the wire flexure is between horizontal and vertical.

[0025] Preferably, the straight wire approximation ratio is less than 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio comprises the length of the gap between the attachment point of the coil and the end of the wire flexure, where the wire flexure extends from the coil, divided by the height of the arc of the flexure.

[0026] According to one aspect, a method for configuring a sensor assembly for a vibrating meter includes providing one or more conduits; and providing one or more sensor components, the one or more sensor components including one or more of a driver, a first pickoff sensor, and a second pickoff sensor coupled to the one or more conduits, wherein the one or more sensor components each include a coil. A wire flexure extends from the coil to electrically couple the coil to meter electronics. The wire flexure is configured to include a length that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure that is higher than a highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly.

[0027] Preferably, the flexure natural frequency ratio is less than or equal to 0.8, wherein the flexure natural frequency ratio comprises the highest driving frequency of the sensor assembly divided by the natural frequency of the wire flexure.

[0028] Preferably, the straight wire approximation ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio comprises the length of the gap between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure, where the wire flexure extends from the coil, divided by the height of the arc portion of the flexure.

[0029] Preferably, the method includes placing a damping compound on the wire flexure proximate the attachment points at the ends of the wire flexure.

[0030] Preferably, the method includes forming an arc portion using a wire flexure between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure; and vertically orienting the wire flexure so that the curvature of the arc portion bends toward the drive axis of the meter and is substantially located within the XY plane of the flow meter.

[0031] Preferably, the method includes forming an arc portion using a wire flexure between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure; and orienting the wire flexure horizontally so that the curvature of the arc portion is bent in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis of the meter and is substantially located in the XZ plane of the flow meter.

[0032] Preferably, the method includes forming an arc between the coil and the point of attachment of the wire flexure, wherein the orientation of the wire flexure is between horizontal and vertical.

[0033] Preferably, the straight wire approximation ratio is less than 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio comprises the length of the gap between the attachment point of the coil and the end of the wire flexure, where the wire flexure extends from the coil, divided by the height of the arc of the flexure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 A prior art sensor assembly is shown;

[0035] Figure 2A vibrating meter according to an embodiment is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 shows meter electronics according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 A graph indicating the length of the wire flexure and the effect on the natural frequency is illustrated;

[0038] Figure 5 A graph indicating how the drive frequency affects a specific wire length is illustrated;

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates a wire flexure attached to a pad of a printed circuit board;

[0040] Figure 7A and Figure 7B illustrates a vertically oriented wire flexure according to an embodiment; and

[0041] Figure 8 A horizontally oriented wire flexure is illustrated according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figures 1 to 8 The following description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to implement and use the best mode of the embodiments of the sensor assembly, support rod, driver, and pickup sensor. 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 from 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 multiple variations of the embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0043] Figure 2 A flow meter 5 according to an embodiment is shown. The flow meter 5 includes a sensor assembly 10 and meter electronics 20. The meter electronics 20 is connected to the sensor assembly 10 via leads 100 and is configured to provide measurements of one or more of density, mass flow, volume flow, total mass flow, temperature, or other measurements or information via a communication path 26. The flow meter 5 may include a Coriolis mass flow meter or other vibrating flow meter. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the flow meter 5 may include any form of flow meter 5, regardless of the driver, pickoff sensor, number of flow conduits, or operating mode of vibration.

[0044] Sensor assembly 10 includes a pair of flanges 101 and 101', manifolds 102 and 102', a driver 104, pickoff sensors 105 and 105', and flow conduits 103A and 103B. Driver 104 and pickoff sensors 105 and 105' are connected to flow conduits 103A and 103B. Pickoff sensor 105 may also be referred to as a left pickoff (LPO), and pickoff sensor 105' may also be referred to as a right pickoff (RPO).

[0045] Flanges 101 and 101' are attached to manifolds 102 and 102'. In some embodiments, manifolds 102 and 102' can be attached to opposite ends of spacer 106. Spacer 106 maintains the spacing between manifolds 102 and 102'. When sensor assembly 10 is inserted into a pipeline (not shown) carrying a process fluid being measured, the process fluid enters sensor assembly 10 through flange 101, passes through inlet manifold 102, where the total amount of process fluid is directed into flow conduits 103A and 103B, flows through flow conduits 103A and 103B, and returns to outlet manifold 102', where the process fluid exits sensor assembly 10 through flange 101'.

[0046] The process fluid may include a liquid. The process fluid may include a gas. The process fluid may include, for example, but not limited to, a multiphase fluid, such as a liquid including entrained gas and / or entrained solids. Flow conduits 103A and 103B are selected and appropriately mounted to inlet manifold 102 and outlet manifold 102' so as to have substantially the same mass distribution, moment of inertia, and elastic modulus about bending axes WW and W'-W', respectively. Flow conduits 103A and 103B extend outwardly from manifolds 102 and 102' in a substantially parallel manner.

[0047] Flow conduits 103A and 103B are driven by driver 104 in opposite directions about respective bending axes W and W', and in the so-called first out-of-phase bending mode of flow meter 5. Driver 104 can include one of many well-known arrangements, such as a magnet mounted to flow conduit 103A and an opposing coil mounted to flow conduit 103B. An alternating current is passed through the opposing coils to cause the two conduits to oscillate. A suitable drive signal is applied to driver 104 by meter electronics 20 via leads 110. Other drive arrangements are contemplated and are within the scope of the specification and claims.

[0048] Meter electronics 20 receives sensor signals on leads 111 and 111', respectively. Meter electronics 20 generates a drive signal on lead 110 that causes driver 104 to oscillate flow conduits 103A and 103B. Other sensor devices are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0049] Among other things, the meter electronics 20 processes the left and right speed signals from the pickoff sensors 105 and 105' to calculate flow.The communication path 26 provides input and output means that allow the meter electronics 20 to interact with an operator or with other electronic systems. Figure 2 The description is provided merely as an example of the operation of a flow meter and is not intended to limit the teachings of the present invention. In embodiments, single tube flow meters and multi-tube flow meters having one or more drivers and pick-offs are contemplated.

[0050] In one embodiment, meter electronics 20 is configured to vibrate flow conduits 103A and 103B. This vibration is performed by driver 104. Meter electronics 20 also receives resulting vibration signals from pickoff sensors 105 and 105'. The vibration signals include the vibration responses of flow conduits 103A and 103B. Meter electronics 20 processes the vibration responses and determines the response frequency and / or phase difference. Meter electronics 20 processes the vibration responses and determines one or more flow measurements, including mass flow rate and / or density of the process fluid. Other vibration response characteristics and / or flow measurements are contemplated and are within the scope of the specification and claims.

[0051] In one embodiment, as shown, flow conduits 103A and 103B comprise generally Ω-shaped flow conduits. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the flow meter may comprise generally straight flow conduits, U-shaped conduits, delta-shaped conduits, etc. Additional flow meter shapes and / or configurations may be used and are within the scope of the description and claims.

[0052] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the meter electronics 20 of the flow meter 5 according to an embodiment. In operation, the flow meter 5 provides various measurements that can be output, including one or more of mass flow, volume flow, individual flow components mass flow and volume flow, and a measurement or average of the total flow (including, for example, both volume flow and mass flow).

[0053] The flow meter 5 generates a vibration response. The vibration response is received and processed by the meter electronics 20 to generate one or more fluid measurement values. These values ​​can be monitored, recorded, saved, totaled and / or output.

[0054] The meter electronics 20 includes an interface 220, a processing system 203 in communication with the interface 220, and a storage system 204 in communication with the processing system 203. Although these components are shown as distinct blocks, it should be understood that the meter electronics 20 may include various combinations of integrated and / or discrete components.

[0055] The interface 220 is configured to communicate with the sensor assembly 10 of the flow meter 5. The interface 220 may be configured to couple to the lead 100 (see Figure 1 ) and exchanges signals with, for example, the driver 104, the pickup sensors 105 and 105', and a temperature sensor (not shown). The interface 220 may also be configured to communicate via the communication path 26, such as with an external device.

[0056] The processing system 203 may comprise any form of processing system. The processing system 203 is configured to retrieve and execute stored routines to operate the flow meter 5. The storage system 204 may store routines, including the flow meter routine 205. Other measurement / processing routines are contemplated and are within the scope of the specification and claims. The storage system 204 may store measured values, received values, operational values, and other information. In some embodiments, the storage system stores mass flow 221 , density (ρ) 225 , viscosity (μ) 223 , temperature (T) 224 , drive gain 226 , transducer voltage 227 , and any other variables known in the art.

[0057] The flow meter routine 205 can generate and store fluid quantification and flow measurement values. These values ​​can include substantially instantaneous measurements or can include totalized or accumulated values. For example, the flow meter routine 205 can generate mass flow measurements and store them, for example, in a mass flow 221 memory in the storage system 204. The flow meter routine 205 can generate density 225 measurements and store them, for example, in a density 225 memory. As previously described and known in the art, the mass flow 221 and density 225 values ​​are determined from the vibration response. The mass flow and other measurements can include substantially instantaneous values, samples, averages over a time interval, or accumulated values ​​over a time interval. The time interval can be selected to correspond to a period of time during which certain fluid conditions are detected, such as a liquid-only fluid state or, alternatively, a fluid state including liquid and entrained gas. Additionally, other mass flow rates and related quantifications are contemplated and are within the scope of the specification and claims.

[0058] In the embodiment presented herein, the wire flexure 300 is utilized in a manner to improve the performance of the sensor assembly 10. The vibration caused in the wire flexure 300 may lead to the communication of structural failure and inaccurate signals. The range of acceptable flexure lengths must be controlled, and acceptable lengths can vary according to the specific aspects of the flow meter. In an embodiment, the wire flexure 300 is configured to have a resonant frequency that is sufficiently high than the drive frequency of the sensor assembly 10. This is achieved by adjusting the length, shape, orientation, and environment of the flexure, as will be discussed further.

[0059] The length of the wire flexure 300 must be within a certain range to ensure that malfunction does not occur, and therefore to ensure that all resonant frequencies of the flexure are above the drive frequency of the flow meter. The first natural frequency is the lowest resonant frequency, and therefore, if the first natural frequency of the wire flexure 300 is sufficiently above the drive frequency, no wire flexure modes will be reached. If a wire flexure mode is excited, amplified vibration of the flexure will occur.

[0060] Of course, since the wire flexure is coupled to the vibrating structure, there will always be forced vibration of the wire flexure. When this forced vibration approaches the resonant frequency of the wire flexure 300, another problem arises. In an embodiment, the maximum length of the wire flexure allowed for each drive frequency encountered in the flow meter is calculated. In an example embodiment, equation 1 is used. However, it should be noted that this is merely an example of how to calculate the maximum length of the wire.

[0061]

[0062] in:

[0063] I x = Area moment of inertia

[0064] m / L = ratio of mass to length

[0065] K1 = coefficient of the first beam mode = 22.4

[0066] D = wire diameter (m)

[0067] E = Young's modulus (N / m 2 )m = mass of copper (kg)

[0068] L = length of the wire flexure (m)

[0069] ρ = density of wire (kg / m m )

[0070] in:

[0071]

[0072] Figure 4 A graph is shown indicating the variation of the wire flexure 300 length versus its natural frequency for a 42 gauge copper transducer wire of a flow meter. The dashed line represents a drive frequency of 800 Hz, which is assumed to be the highest drive frequency encountered by the flow meter 5 and is provided for reference only. Of course, it will be understood that this is merely an example and that different wires having different diameters, densities, materials, and other properties may be used. Furthermore, different highest drive frequencies will be understood based on the specific model / type of flow meter. Additionally, different wire flexure 300 lengths will be encountered and this will be based on the specific model / type of flow meter.

[0073] It will be apparent in this example that at lengths of approximately 0.625 inches (-15.9 mm) or longer, the natural frequency of the flexure is at or below the highest drive frequency indicated. In this embodiment, the length of the wire is therefore selected / cut so that it does not have a natural frequency near or below the sensor drive frequency, which results in a reduced likelihood of undesirable amplified vibrations.

[0074] To verify these results, different wire lengths were tested, e.g. Figure 5 This graph shows whether a wire flexure of a particular length vibrates significantly at the drive frequency, which in this example is 800 Hz. The Y-axis simply indicates whether vibration is present (yes or no). The flexure switches from invisible vibration to visible vibration between lengths of 0.60 inches (~15.2 mm) and 0.65 inches (~16.5 mm), confirming the use of the wire flexure to generate vibrations. Figure 4 The calculation of the graph of represents the wire flexure 300 and the calculation can be used to define design constraints. In an embodiment, the highest drive frequency of the sensor 10 constrains the maximum length of the flexure.

[0075] It is determined that in embodiments wherein a wire flexure having a flexure natural frequency ratio greater than 0.8 may vibrate at the drive frequency and should be avoided. Therefore, in embodiments, the wire flexure 300 preferably has a flexure natural frequency ratio less than or equal to 0.8.

[0076]

[0077] in:

[0078] f 驱动 = driving frequency (Hz)f 挠曲 = Natural frequency of wire flexure (Hz)

[0079] Typically, between the PCB and the coil 107 (see Figure 6) in each wire flexure 300 to allow strain relief and facilitate the assembly process. The extra length in the flexure forms a small bend or arc shape. In an embodiment, if the parameters of the wire satisfy the ratio in Equation 5, the wire flexure 300 can be approximated as a straight wire and the resulting arc is considered negligible. In an embodiment, the slack in each flexure is between 0.625 inches and 0.25 inches (~1.6mm to ~6.4mm). In an embodiment, there is about 0.125 inches (~3.2mm) of slack.

[0080] In an embodiment, if the ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5, the parameters of the wire satisfy the ratio in Equation 5.

[0081]

[0082] in:

[0083] L 间隙 = the gap length between the transducer coil (where the wire flexure 300 extends from the coil) and the attachment point of the wire flexure end

[0084] h = height of the arcuate portion of the flexure

[0085] These dimensions are determined by Figure 6 In this illustration, wire flexure 300 is attached to pads 303 of a printed circuit board (PCB) 302. 间隙 It is typically measured from the coil 107 to the attachment point 307 of the wire flexure 300 on the solder pad 303. In some embodiments, the attachment point may be mechanical rather than a solder joint.

[0086] However, if the flexure does not meet a straight line approximation ratio of less than 4.5, the wire flexure 300 should be considered to be in an arcuate shape.

[0087] In embodiments, orientations of the curved wire flexure 300 are contemplated. In embodiments, the orientation of the wire flexure 300 is horizontal. In embodiments, the orientation of the wire flexure 300 is vertical. In embodiments, the orientation of the wire flexure 300 is between horizontal and vertical. For purposes of the embodiments provided, vertical orientation is defined as when the height of the curved portion of the wire flexure 300 varies along the drive direction and bends upward toward the drive axis, as in Figure 7A and Figure 7B In the vertical orientation, the arcuate portion lies substantially in the XY plane of the meter 5. The horizontal orientation is defined as when the arcuate portion is perpendicular to the drive direction and lies flat in the tube plane with no height variation on the drive axis, as shown in FIG. Figure 8In the horizontal orientation, the arcuate portion lies substantially in the XZ plane of the gauge 5.

[0088] Comparing the behavior of two different arc orientation embodiments, the wire flexure 300 arc oriented in a horizontal orientation vibrates with a shorter length under a driving frequency than when the same length flexure arc is oriented in a vertical direction. In other words, the horizontal arc has a lower excitable frequency than the vertical arc. The flow conduit 103A, 103B vibrates along the vertical axis, and when the flexure is horizontally oriented, the bending mode of the flexure tends to be excited. The bending mode has a lower frequency than the rolling mode vertically excited. Therefore, it is preferred to have an arc oriented in a vertical direction so that the resonant frequency of the flexure is increased to be sufficiently higher than the driving frequency, and therefore prevent vibration. Horizontal orientation is available, and may be necessary in some flow meter configurations, but as mentioned above, vertical orientation is preferred.

[0089] In another embodiment, the damping compound 304 (see Figure 6 ) is introduced into the wire flexure 300. In an embodiment, the damping compound 304 comprises one of an RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) silicone, a hot melt adhesive, an epoxy, an acrylic, a polyurethane, or any other polymer / adhesive / potent known in the art. In an embodiment, the damping compound 304 is placed on the PCB 302 over the flexible wire near the connection between the flexible wire and the PCB 302. In addition to providing a certain degree of damping, the damping compound 304 also effectively shortens the effective length of the wire flexure 300.

[0090] By applying damping compound 304, the effective end point of the length of wire flexure 300 is effectively shifted closer to the edge of PCB 302, rather than the center of pad 303. Changing the end point location shortens the length of the flexure and, in turn, increases the natural frequency of the flexure. The larger amount of damping compound 304 also introduces material that adds damping to the end of the flexure, and the increased damping on wire flexure 300 reduces the likelihood of vibration.

[0091] The detailed description of the above embodiments is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to fall within the scope of this specification. Indeed, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above embodiments may be variously combined or removed to produce other embodiments, and that these other embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of this specification. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to produce additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of this specification.

[0092] Therefore, although specific embodiments and examples of sensor assemblies are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this specification, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other sensor assemblies, not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the scope of the above-described embodiments should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly (10) for a vibrating meter (5), the sensor assembly (10) comprising: one or more conduits (103A, 103B); one or more sensor components, the one or more sensor components comprising one or more of a driver (104), a first pickoff sensor (105), and a second pickoff sensor (105') coupled to the one or more conduits (103A, 103B), wherein the one or more sensor components each include a coil (107); and a wire flexure (300) extending from the coil (107) and electrically coupled to the meter electronics (20); The wire flexure (300) is configured to include the following length (L): the length (L) gives the wire flexure (300) a resonant frequency that is higher than the highest driving frequency of the sensor assembly (10).

2. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein The flexure natural frequency ratio is less than or equal to 0.8, wherein the flexure natural frequency ratio comprises the highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly (10) divided by the natural frequency of the wire flexure (300).

3. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein A straight wire approximation ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio includes a gap length (L) between the coil (107) and the attachment point (307) of the wire flexure. 间隙 ) divided by the height (h) of the arc portion of the flexure, wherein the wire flexure (300) extends from the coil (107).

4. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein A damping compound (304) is placed on the wire flexure (300) near an attachment point (307) at the end of the wire flexure.

5. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein The wire flexure (300) forms an arcuate portion between the coil (107) and the attachment point (307) of the wire flexure (300), wherein the orientation of the wire flexure (300) is vertical so that the curvature of the arcuate portion bends in the direction of the drive axis of the meter (5) and is substantially located in the XY plane of the flow meter (5).

6. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein The wire flexure (300) forms an arc portion between the coil (107) and the attachment point (307) of the wire flexure (300), wherein the orientation of the wire flexure (300) is horizontal so that the curvature of the arc portion is bent in a direction perpendicular to the drive axis of the meter (5) and is substantially located in the XZ plane of the flow meter (5).

7. The sensor assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein The wire flexure (300) forms an arcuate portion between the coil (107) and the attachment point (307) of the wire flexure (300), wherein the orientation of the wire flexure (300) is between horizontal and vertical.

8. The sensor assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein: A straight wire approximation ratio of less than 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio includes a gap length (L) between the coil (107) and the attachment point (307) of the end of the wire flexure. 间隙 ) divided by the height (h) of the arc portion of the flexure, wherein the wire flexure (300) extends from the coil (107).

9. A method for configuring a sensor assembly for a vibrating meter, the method comprising: providing one or more catheters; providing one or more sensor components comprising one or more of a driver, a first pickoff sensor, and a second pickoff sensor coupled to the one or more conduits, wherein the one or more sensor components each comprise a coil; and extending a wire flexure from the coil to electrically couple the coil to meter electronics; The wire flexure is configured to include a length (L) that imparts a resonant frequency to the wire flexure that is higher than a highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: A flexure natural frequency ratio is less than or equal to 0.8, wherein the flexure natural frequency ratio comprises the highest drive frequency of the sensor assembly divided by the natural frequency of the wire flexure.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein The straight wire approximation ratio is greater than or equal to 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio includes the gap length (L 间隙 ) divided by the height (h) of the arcuate portion of the flexure, wherein the wire flexure extends from the coil.

12. The method of claim 9, comprising placing a damping compound on the wire flexure proximate attachment points at the ends of the wire flexure.

13. The method according to claim 9, comprising: forming an arcuate portion with the wire flexure between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure; The wire flexure is oriented vertically so that the curvature of the arcuate portion curves in the direction of the meter's drive axis and lies substantially in the XY plane of the flow meter.

14. The method according to claim 9, comprising: forming an arcuate portion with the wire flexure between the coil and the attachment point of the wire flexure; The wire flexure is oriented horizontally so that the curvature of the arcuate portion is bent in a direction perpendicular to the meter's drive axis and lies substantially in the XZ plane of the flow meter.

15. The method of claim 9, comprising forming an arcuate portion between the coil and the wire flexure attachment point, wherein The wire flexure is oriented between horizontal and vertical.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein The straight wire approximation ratio is less than 4.5, wherein the straight wire approximation ratio includes the gap length (L) between the attachment point of the coil and the end of the wire flexure. 间隙 ) divided by the height (h) of the arcuate portion of the flexure, wherein the wire flexure extends from the coil.

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