Device for detecting flow of flow channel of 3D printing piece

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for detecting the flow rate of a flow channel of a 3D printed piece. The device comprises a pressure boosting and stabilizing device, a water tank, a micro flow meter, a digital display integrating instrument, a flange connecting device and the like. The pressure increasing and stabilizing device provides stable pressure for the water tank, and the water tank is sequentially communicated with the micro flow meter and the flange connecting device, so that liquid flows through an internal flow channel of the to-be-tested 3D printing workpiece under the action of pressure. The micro flow meter detects the flow of liquid flowing through the workpiece flow channel in real time, and the digital display integrating instrument displays and records measured data. The device adopts a non-intrusive measurement mode, holes do not need to be formed in the workpiece, and the integrity of the structure of the workpiece is kept; and the flow of a flow channel with the inner diameter of 2-5mm can be measured with high precision (+ / -1%) by integrating the functions of pressurization, pressure supply and small flow measurement. The device is compact in structure, easy and convenient to operate, safe and reliable in testing process and suitable for rapid detection of flow of internal runners of 3D printing workpieces of different sizes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fluid testing technology, and in particular to a testing device for detecting the flow rate of micro-channels inside 3D printed parts. Background Technology

[0002] 3D printing is a technology that uses layer-by-layer material deposition to create physical parts with complex structures from digital models, and it has been widely applied in aerospace, medical, and automotive manufacturing fields. Many 3D printed parts have internal flow channels designed for fluid transport, and the size and shape of these channels significantly impact the part's performance. To ensure the quality and usability of 3D printed workpieces, the flow rate within these internal channels must be tested and analyzed. However, currently, there is a lack of simple and efficient methods for measuring the flow rate in minute flow channels.

[0003] The existing flow measurement methods are mainly as follows: (1) Volumetric method: The volume of liquid flowing through is collected within a certain time and the flow rate is calculated accordingly. This method is intuitive and simple, but human error is large and continuous real-time measurement is not possible; (2) Traditional flow meter method: The flow rate is directly measured using conventional flow meters (such as electromagnetic flow meters, oval gear flow meters, etc.). These flow meters are usually suitable for larger pipe diameters. For small flow channels inside 3D printed parts with an inner diameter of only 2 to 5 mm, it is often necessary to drill holes in the workpiece to install sensors, which not only damages the integrity of the workpiece structure and affects performance, but also makes the installation process complicated and time-consuming, which is not conducive to batch testing; (3) Tracer method: Tracer substances (such as dyes or radioactive substances) are added to the fluid, and the flow rate is estimated by detecting the change in their concentration. This method can be used for complex pipelines, but the operation is cumbersome, and adding tracers may change the properties of the fluid being measured; (4) Differential pressure method: The flow rate is calculated by using the pressure difference generated before and after the fluid passes through the throttling device. It is suitable for various fluid conditions, but the differential pressure signal is weak at low flow rates, and the measurement accuracy is poor.

[0004] The aforementioned existing technologies all have certain limitations when used to measure the flow rate of microchannels inside 3D printed workpieces, such as insufficient measurement accuracy, complex operation, and lack of specificity, making it difficult to meet practical needs. For example, existing technologies lack integrated testing devices specifically designed for microchannels, making the testing process cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors; conventional flow meters are difficult to accurately measure the flow rate of small channels with an inner diameter of 2-5mm, and the measurement accuracy often fails to meet requirements; existing testing methods are complex to operate and lack standardization, resulting in poor consistency and repeatability of test results; there is a lack of universal testing platforms that can quickly install and replace different 3D printed workpieces, affecting testing efficiency and flexibility; high-precision small flow rate testing equipment is expensive, hindering widespread application; and many flow rate tests for 3D printed workpieces still mainly rely on indirect measurement or simulation estimation, lacking direct, fast, and accurate experimental measurement methods. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this utility model is to provide an integrated testing device specifically designed for detecting the flow rate of micro-channels inside 3D printed workpieces, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies such as lack of dedicated equipment, insufficient measurement accuracy, cumbersome operation, poor versatility, and susceptibility to leakage during the testing process.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a device for detecting the flow rate of a 3D printed part's flow channel, comprising a pressure booster and regulator, a water tank, a micro flow meter, a digital integrator, a flange connection device, connecting pipes, and a frame. The pressure booster and regulator are connected to the water tank to provide stable pressure to drive the test liquid in the water tank; the water tank stores the test liquid and has an outlet, which is connected to the micro flow meter and the flange connection device in sequence through the connecting pipes, so that the liquid flows sequentially through the micro flow meter and the internal flow channel of the workpiece under pressure; the micro flow meter detects the flow rate of the liquid passing through the internal flow channel of the 3D printed workpiece under test; the digital integrator is signal-connected to the micro flow meter for real-time display and recording of flow data; the flange connection device securely connects the 3D printed workpiece under test to the downstream interface of the micro flow meter; the frame supports and mounts the above components and facilitates overall movement.

[0007] Preferably, the micro-flow meter is a high-precision turbine flow meter with an instrument diameter of approximately 1.15 mm, a measurement range of 0.035–1.6 L / min, and a measurement accuracy of ±1% (reading). Preferably, the flange connection device has four bolt holes for mounting bolts to clamp the workpiece under test, and its fixing clamping area is approximately 30 mm × 35 mm. The clamping area is equipped with a replaceable annular silicone sealing ring to ensure no leakage during testing. This quick-fixing device can withstand an internal pressure of not less than 2 MPa. Preferably, the booster and stabilizer is a pneumatic booster pump with an input pressure range of 0.1–0.8 MPa and an output pressure range of 0–1.0 MPa, capable of stably controlling the output pressure within ±0.5%, thereby providing a constant pressure for the water tank. Further, the water tank is preferably made of stainless steel, with a volume of approximately 20 L, equipped with an inlet and an outlet, and a safety valve and pressure gauge. Its maximum working pressure is not less than 1.2 MPa to ensure safety during high-pressure testing. Preferably, the connecting pipeline includes a high-pressure hose connecting the output end of the booster and stabilizer to the water tank, and a metal pipeline connecting the water tank outlet to a micro-flow meter and a flange connection device in sequence. The metal pipeline can be made of stainless steel with an inner diameter of approximately 8mm, and all connection interfaces are sealed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seals. Preferably, the frame is made of aluminum alloy profile, and the bottom of the frame is equipped with casters with brakes for easy movement and fixation of the device.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has significant advantages: The device employs a non-invasive measurement method, eliminating the need to drill holes in the workpiece to install sensors, thus avoiding damage to the workpiece structure and ensuring its performance; the device integrates multiple functions such as pressurization, flow measurement, and data display, simplifying and maximizing the testing process, resulting in stable and reliable results; it utilizes a high-precision turbine flow meter to achieve real-time measurement of liquid flow in micro-channels with inner diameters of 2–5 mm, covering a range of 0.1–5 L / min with high accuracy (±1% of reading), ensuring the accuracy of test data; the device has good versatility and flexibility, with flange connections adaptable to 3D-printed workpieces of different sizes and shapes, enabling rapid installation and replacement; the pressurization and stabilization module provides stable pressure (fluctuations not exceeding ±0.5%), and together with safety valves and other measures, ensures stable pressure and high safety during the testing process; the device has a compact structure, is easy to operate, and is convenient to move and maintain, possessing broad application prospects. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the 3D printed part internal flow channel flow testing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an embodiment of this utility model.

[0011] In the attached diagram, the component labels are as follows: 1-Booster and regulator; 2-Water tank; 3-Micro flow meter; 4-Digital display totalizer; 5-Flange connection device; 6-Connecting pipeline; 7-Frame; 8-3D printed workpiece to be tested. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The structure and working process of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0013] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a device for testing the flow rate of internal channels in 3D printed parts. It includes a pressure booster and regulator 1, a water tank 2, a micro-flow meter 3, a digital integrator 4, a flange connection device 5, connecting pipes 6, and a frame 7. The pressure booster and regulator 1 is connected to the water tank 2 via pipes and provides a stable pressure source (such as compressed air) to drive the flow of the test liquid within the water tank 2. Preferably, the pressure booster and regulator 1 uses a pneumatic booster pump as the pressure boosting and stabilizing device, with an input pressure range of 0.1–0.8 MPa and an output pressure range of 0–1.0 MPa, and can control the fluctuation of the output pressure within ±0.5%, thereby providing a constant and adjustable air pressure to the water tank 2.

[0014] Water tank 2 is used to store the liquid to be tested (e.g., deionized water), and is preferably a sealed 304 stainless steel water tank with a volume of approximately 20L. The top of water tank 2 has an inlet for injecting the test liquid and an interface for connecting to the output of the booster / stabilizer 1; the bottom of the water tank has an outlet for discharging the liquid. To ensure safety under high pressure, water tank 2 is equipped with a safety valve and a pressure gauge. When the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the safety valve automatically releases pressure, and the pressure gauge is used to monitor the pressure inside the water tank in real time. Water tank 2 has undergone pressure resistance testing and can withstand a maximum internal pressure of approximately 1.2MPa to ensure that it will not rupture or leak under high-pressure testing conditions.

[0015] The outlet of water tank 2 is connected to the inlet of micro flow meter 3 via connecting pipe 6. Micro flow meter 3 is used to measure the flow rate of liquid flowing through the internal flow channel of the workpiece under test. Its inlet is connected to the outlet of water tank 2, and its outlet is connected to the inlet port of flange connection device 5 via connecting pipe 6. Preferably, micro flow meter 3 adopts a turbine flow sensor with a sensor diameter of approximately 1.15 mm, suitable for measuring the flow rate of liquid in micro-pipes. The measurement range of this turbine flow meter is 0.035~1.6L / min, which can cover the flow range of typical 3D printed micro-channels; its measurement accuracy can reach ±1% of the reading, which can accurately reflect the flow rate change under low flow conditions. In order to reduce the frictional resistance of the flow meter at low flow rates, a low friction coefficient bearing design is adopted inside the flow meter, so as to ensure the normal rotation of the turbine and the output of a stable signal even at low flow rates. Micro flow meter 3 is equipped with an electrical signal output interface, which is connected to digital display integrator 4 via wires.

[0016] The digital integrator 4 is used to receive and display the flow signal from the micro flow meter 3. The digital integrator 4 can display the instantaneous flow value in real time and count the cumulative flow through the workpiece. A preferred digital integrator has a 5-digit LED display with a display accuracy of ±0.1%, which can intuitively display information such as the current flow reading and cumulative flow. The digital integrator 4 also has data storage and communication functions, such as transmitting measurement data to a computer or host computer system via an RS-485 interface, facilitating further data recording and analysis. During the test, the operator can monitor flow changes through the digital integrator 4; after the test, the data recorded by the digital integrator 4 can be used to generate a test report (including average flow, flow rate over time curve, pressure-flow characteristics, etc.).

[0017] like Figure 1As shown, the outlet of the micro flow meter 3 is connected to the flange connection device 5 via a pipeline. The flange connection device 5 is used to install and fix the 3D printed workpiece 8 to be tested, so that the internal flow channel of the workpiece is connected to the outlet flow path of the flow meter 3. The flange connection device 5 seals and fixes the workpiece 8 to the downstream interface of the micro flow meter 3 with a flange and a sealing gasket, ensuring no leakage during testing. The flange connection device 5 is preferably made of stainless steel, which has the characteristics of corrosion resistance and high strength. When properly installed and sealed, the flange connection device 5 can withstand internal liquid pressures of up to 2 MPa without leakage or loosening, ensuring the safety of high-pressure testing.

[0018] The connecting pipe 6 connects the booster / stabilizer 1, water tank 2, micro-flow meter 3, and flange connection device 5 to form a closed fluid loop. A high-pressure resistant hose connects the output end of the booster / stabilizer 1 to the gas interface at the top of the water tank 2. This hose facilitates the movement and installation of the device and can withstand compressed air pressure within the operating pressure range. Stainless steel rigid pipes are preferably used for connections between the bottom outlet of the water tank 2 and the inlet of the micro-flow meter 3, and between the outlet of the micro-flow meter 3 and the inlet of the flange connection device 5, to improve system stability. The stainless steel pipe has an inner diameter of approximately 8 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, capable of withstanding pressures up to several MPa while providing sufficient flow cross-section. To ensure reliable sealing at all connections, all pipe connection threads are wrapped with PTFE sealing tape or padded with PTFE gaskets to prevent leakage of high-pressure liquids or gases.

[0019] Rack 7 is used to support the above components and provide a stable mounting platform. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the booster regulator 1, water tank 2, micro flow meter 3, digital display integrator 4, and flange connection device 5 are all fixedly installed on the frame 7, ensuring a reasonable relative arrangement of the components and simple and reliable pipeline connections. The frame 7 is preferably constructed using 6063-T5 aluminum alloy profiles, with overall dimensions of approximately 800mm × 600mm × 1200mm to accommodate the aforementioned components. The frame structure is robust yet lightweight, facilitating the movement and transport of the experimental apparatus. To enhance mobility, the frame 7 is equipped with four swivel casters at the bottom, two of which have brakes, allowing the frame to be secured to the ground when needed. The surface of the frame 7 undergoes an anti-oxidation treatment, ensuring long-term use in a laboratory environment without rusting.

[0020] Please see Figure 2The working process of this utility model device is as follows: First, before starting the test, the test liquid (e.g., deionized water at room temperature of approximately 25°C) is injected from the top inlet of the water tank 2 until the liquid level reaches the required height, ensuring that the air inside the water tank is expelled. Then, the 3D printed workpiece 8 to be tested is installed on the flange connection device 5, and it is tightened with bolts and the sealing ring is pressed to ensure that the inlet of the internal flow channel of the workpiece 8 is tightly connected to the outlet flow path of the flow meter 3, and the outlet of the flow channel at the other end of the workpiece remains unobstructed (a hose can be connected to lead to a collection container). After preparation, the pressure booster 1 is turned on, and the output pressure is gradually increased and stabilized to the predetermined test pressure (e.g., 0.5MPa). The compressed air generated by the pressure booster 1 enters the water tank 2 through the hose, applying air pressure above the liquid surface inside the water tank, thereby pushing the liquid in the water tank to flow out from the bottom outlet. The liquid passes through the micro flow meter 3 and the internal flow channel of the workpiece 8 in sequence, flows out from the outlet of the workpiece 8 and is collected. During the test, the micro-flow meter 3 continuously monitors the instantaneous flow rate and sends the corresponding electrical signal to the digital integrator 4, which displays the flow rate value in real time. The operator can observe the flow rate stability and record the data by observing the digital integrator 4. When it is necessary to plot the pressure-flow curve, the output pressure of the booster regulator 1 can be gradually adjusted at different times (e.g., in stages from 0.2MPa to 0.8MPa), and the corresponding flow rate readings can be recorded. After the test is completed, the booster regulator 1 is turned off to release the pressure. After the system pressure drops to a safe value, the workpiece 8 is removed. The average flow rate, cumulative flow rate, and other results of this test can be read through the digital integrator 4. If necessary, the flow rate data stored in the digital integrator 4 can also be exported to a computer to generate a more detailed test report (e.g., plotting the pressure-flow curve for analysis).

[0021] Through the above embodiments, the testing device provided by this utility model can achieve direct, rapid, and high-precision flow measurement of the micro-channels inside a 3D printed workpiece without damaging the workpiece. The entire testing process is simple to operate, requiring only the workpiece to be installed and fixed and the pressure adjusted, which greatly improves testing efficiency and reliability compared to existing methods.

[0022] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Without departing from the principles of this utility model, those skilled in the art can make various equivalent substitutions or modifications to the structure of the above device, and these substitutions and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model. For example, in other embodiments, the micro-flow meter 3 can be a Coriolis mass flow meter or other types of small flow sensors to further improve the accuracy of low flow measurement; the flange connection device 5 can also be designed as a vacuum adsorption clamp to accommodate the fixing of workpieces with irregular surfaces (but a vacuum pump module needs to be added); a temperature sensor can be added to the device to monitor the temperature of the test liquid to study the effect of temperature changes on flow rate, etc. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims of this utility model are protected by this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for detecting flow rate in the runner of a 3D printed part, characterized in that: The system includes a pressure booster (1), a water tank (2), a micro flow meter (3), a digital integrator (4), a flange connection device (5), a connecting pipe (6), and a frame (7). The pressure booster (1) is connected to the water tank (2) and is used to provide a pressure source to the water tank. The water tank (2) is used to store the test liquid and has an outlet. The outlet is connected to the micro flow meter (3) and the flange connection device (5) in sequence through the connecting pipe (6). The micro flow meter (3) is used to measure the flow rate of the liquid passing through the internal flow channel of the 3D printed workpiece under test. The digital integrator (4) is connected to the micro flow meter (3) and is used to display and record the flow data. The flange connection device (5) is used to seal and fix the 3D printed workpiece under test downstream of the micro flow meter (3). The frame (7) is used to install and support the above components.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The micro flow meter (3) is a high-precision turbine flow meter with a sensor diameter of about 1.15 mm, a measurement range of 0.035 to 1.6 L / min, and a measurement accuracy of ±1%.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange connection device (5) seals and fixes the 3D printed workpiece to be tested downstream of the micro flow meter (3) through the flange and sealing gasket. The maximum withstand pressure of the flange connection device (5) is not less than 2MPa.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The booster and stabilizer (1) is a pneumatic booster pump with an input pressure range of 0.1 to 0.8 MPa, an output pressure range of 0 to 1.0 MPa, and an output pressure stability of ±0.5%.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water tank (2) is a sealed water tank made of stainless steel with a volume of about 20L. The water tank (2) is equipped with a safety valve and a pressure gauge, and its maximum working pressure is not less than 1.2MPa.

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