A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of bubble detection, in particular to a portable ultrasonic bubble sensor which comprises a detection main body, a signal transceiving module, a signal processing module and a fixing support. The detection main body is fixed on a pipeline through a positioning assembly, a pasting assembly is suitable for the surfaces of pipelines with different diameters, a flexible circuit board reduces signal loss, a heat dissipation assembly reduces working temperature, and a battery compartment and integrated design improve portability. The utility model simplifies the installation process, reduces environmental requirements, ensures efficient signal transmission, prolongs the service life, is suitable for various complex working conditions, and significantly improves portability and practicality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of detection technology, specifically a portable ultrasonic bubble sensor. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production and medical equipment, bubble detection is a key technology for ensuring the safety and stability of fluid systems. Currently, some bubble detection devices based on technologies such as ultrasound, optics, and pressure sensing have emerged on the market. However, these devices are often bulky, inconvenient, and require specific installation environments. Furthermore, these devices may require additional auxiliary equipment to improve accuracy and stability during the detection process.

[0003] For example, some existing technologies achieve high-precision bubble detection through complex mechanical structures. These designs typically include a mounting bracket, multiple sensor modules, and a signal processing unit. The mounting bracket is used to mount the sensor modules, which are connected to the signal processing unit via connectors. A dedicated power management system is also required to meet energy consumption demands. While such devices can achieve relatively accurate detection, their portability and applicability are limited by space and operational constraints in practical applications.

[0004] Therefore, we have made improvements to this by proposing a portable ultrasonic bubble sensor. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of existing bubble detection devices being large in size, inconvenient to carry, and having high requirements for the installation environment, while avoiding the limitations in use caused by complex mechanical structures and auxiliary equipment.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned objectives and address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a portable ultrasonic bubble sensor, comprising a detection body. The detection body includes a signal transceiver module and a signal processing module, which are connected via a signal transmission component. A fixing bracket is provided on the outer side of the signal transceiver module, and positioning components are provided on both sides of the fixing bracket. The positioning components are used to fix the detection body onto the fluid pipe to be tested. A fitting component is provided at the bottom of the signal transceiver module, and the fitting component is connected to the fixing bracket via an elastic connector to adapt to pipe surfaces of different diameters.

[0007] The signal transceiver module includes an ultrasonic transmitting unit and a receiving unit, which are respectively embedded inside the signal transceiver module and electrically connected to the signal transmission component via wires. The signal transmission component includes a flexible circuit board, one end of which is plugged into the internal interface of the signal transceiver module, and the other end is soldered to the input port of the signal processing module. The outer shell of the signal processing module is a rectangular shell, which contains a signal amplification unit and a data processing unit. The signal amplification unit and the data processing unit are connected via copper foil lines on a printed circuit board.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the fixing bracket includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped clamping arms. The inner side of the arc-shaped clamping arms is provided with an anti-slip pad. The anti-slip pad is made of silicone material and has several raised textures on its surface. The two ends of the arc-shaped clamping arms are connected to the positioning component by bolts. The positioning component includes an adjusting screw and a locking nut. The adjusting screw passes through the end of the arc-shaped clamping arm and is threadedly engaged with the locking nut. The distance between the arc-shaped clamping arms can be changed by rotating the adjusting screw.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the bonding assembly includes a bonding plate and an elastic connector. The bottom surface of the bonding plate is provided with a flexible buffer layer, which is made of polyurethane material and has a thickness of 2mm to 5mm. The elastic connector includes a spring and a guide post. The spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide post. One end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the bonding plate, and the other end is slidably connected to the inner sidewall of the fixed bracket. The two ends of the spring are welded and fixed to the bonding plate and the fixed bracket, respectively. When the bonding assembly is subjected to external force, the spring can extend and retract along the axial direction of the guide post.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the top of the signal transceiver module is provided with a heat dissipation component, which includes a heat sink and a thermal grease layer. The heat sink is tightly attached to the outer shell of the signal transceiver module through the thermal grease layer. The surface of the heat sink is provided with a number of parallel heat dissipation fins. The height of the heat dissipation fins is 3mm to 8mm, and the spacing between adjacent heat dissipation fins is 1mm to 2mm.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the bottom of the outer shell of the signal processing module is provided with a battery compartment, and a rechargeable lithium battery is provided inside the battery compartment. The rechargeable lithium battery is connected to the power supply interface of the signal processing module through a power management circuit. A sealing cover is provided at the opening of the battery compartment. The sealing cover is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the battery compartment by a buckle. A rubber sealing ring is provided on the inner side of the sealing cover. The thickness of the rubber sealing ring is 1mm to 2mm.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the signal processing module has a display screen and operation buttons on the side of its housing. The display screen is connected to the data processing unit via a ribbon cable, and the operation buttons are electrically connected to the data processing unit via a contact switch. The display screen is an LCD screen with a resolution of 128×64 pixels, and there are four operation buttons, which are used for power on / off, mode switching, parameter setting, and confirmation operations, respectively.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of this application, the top of the housing of the signal transceiver module is provided with a through hole, the diameter of which is 5mm to 10mm. A waterproof and breathable membrane is provided inside the through hole. The waterproof and breathable membrane is made of polytetrafluoroethylene material and has a thickness of 0.1mm to 0.2mm. A protective cover is provided outside the through hole, and the protective cover is fixedly connected to the housing of the signal transceiver module by screws.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The signal transceiver module is directly fixed to the fluid pipeline under test using a fixed bracket and positioning components, eliminating the need for additional installation platforms or auxiliary equipment, simplifying the installation process and reducing environmental requirements. The design of the fitting components ensures a tight fit between the transceiver module and the pipeline surface, guaranteeing efficient ultrasonic signal transmission. The flexible circuit board design of the signal transmission components reduces signal loss during transmission, improving detection accuracy. The heat dissipation components effectively lower the operating temperature of the transceiver module, extending the device's lifespan. The integrated design of the signal processing module combines the signal amplification unit, data processing unit, and battery compartment into one unit, significantly reducing overall size and improving portability. The waterproof and breathable membrane and protective cover enhance the device's waterproof performance and durability, making it suitable for various complex working environments. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the signal transceiver module of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixing bracket and positioning assembly of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the signal processing module of this utility model.

[0016] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Signal transceiver module; 2. Signal processing module; 3. Fixing bracket; 4. Positioning component; 5. Fitting component; 6. Ultrasonic transmitting unit; 7. Receiving unit; 8. Elastic connector; 9. Arc-shaped clamping arm; 10. Adjusting screw; 11. Locking nut; 12. Anti-slip pad; 13. Heat sink; 14. Battery compartment; 15. Display screen; 16. Operation buttons. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This invention provides a portable ultrasonic bubble sensor, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a signal transceiver module 1, a signal processing module 2, a mounting bracket 3, and a positioning component 4. The signal transceiver module 1 and the signal processing module 2 are connected via a flexible circuit board. One end of the flexible circuit board is inserted into the internal interface of the signal transceiver module 1, and the other end is soldered to the input port of the signal processing module 2. The mounting bracket 3 is located on the outside of the signal transceiver module 1, and the positioning components 4 are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the mounting bracket 3 to fix the entire detection body to the fluid pipeline under test. The fitting component 5 is connected to the mounting bracket 3 via an elastic connector 8 and is located at the bottom of the signal transceiver module 1 to achieve a tight fit to the surface of pipelines of different diameters.

[0018] The internal structure of signal transceiver module 1 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the assembly includes an ultrasonic transmitting unit 6 and a receiving unit 7, which are embedded inside the signal transceiver module 1 and electrically connected to the flexible circuit board via wires. The ultrasonic transmitting unit 6 and the receiving unit 7 are arranged symmetrically, separated by a partition to avoid signal interference. The bonding assembly 5 consists of a bonding plate and an elastic connector 8. The bottom surface of the bonding plate has a flexible buffer layer made of polyurethane material with a thickness of 3mm. The elastic connector 8 includes a spring and a guide post. The spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide post. One end of the guide post is fixed to the top center of the bonding plate, and the other end is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixing bracket 3. The two ends of the spring are welded to the inner walls of the bonding plate and the fixing bracket 3, respectively. When the bonding assembly 5 is subjected to external force, the spring extends and retracts axially along the guide post to adapt to pipe surfaces of different diameters.

[0019] The specific structure of the fixing bracket 3 and the positioning component 4 is as follows: Figure 3As shown, the fixed bracket 3 includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped clamping arms 9. The inner side of each arc-shaped clamping arm 9 is provided with an anti-slip pad 12, made of silicone material, with several raised textures on its surface to enhance friction. The two ends of the arc-shaped clamping arms 9 are connected to the positioning assembly 4 by bolts. The positioning assembly 4 includes an adjusting screw 10 and a locking nut 11. The adjusting screw 10 passes through the end of the arc-shaped clamping arm 9 and is threaded into the locking nut 11. Rotating the adjusting screw 10 changes the distance between the two arc-shaped clamping arms 9, thus adapting to pipes of different diameters. When the adjusting screw 10 is tightened, the locking nut 11 locks the adjusting screw 10, ensuring that the fixed bracket 3 is stably clamped onto the pipe.

[0020] The internal structure of signal processing module 2 is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing of the signal processing module 2 is rectangular, housing a signal amplification unit and a data processing unit. The signal amplification unit and the data processing unit are connected via copper foil traces on a printed circuit board. A battery compartment 14 is located at the bottom of the outer casing of the signal processing module 2, housing a rechargeable lithium battery. The rechargeable lithium battery is connected to the power supply interface of the signal processing module 2 via a power management circuit. A sealing cover is provided at the opening of the battery compartment 14, fixed to the outer wall of the battery compartment 14 by a snap-fit. A rubber sealing ring with a thickness of 1.5mm is provided on the inner side of the sealing cover to prevent liquid from seeping into the battery compartment 14. A display screen 15 and operation buttons 16 are located on the side of the outer casing of the signal processing module 2. The display screen 15 is connected to the data processing unit via a ribbon cable, and the operation buttons 16 are electrically connected to the data processing unit via contact switches. The display screen 15 is an LCD screen with a resolution of 128×64 pixels. There are four operation buttons 16, used for power on / off, mode switching, parameter setting, and confirmation operations, respectively.

[0021] The top of the signal transceiver module 1 is equipped with a heat dissipation component, the specific structure of which is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the module includes a heat sink 13 and a thermally conductive silicone grease layer. The heat sink 13 is tightly attached to the housing of the signal transceiver module 1 via the thermally conductive silicone grease layer. The surface of the heat sink 13 has several parallelly arranged heat dissipation fins, each 5mm high, with a spacing of 1.5mm between adjacent fins to improve heat dissipation efficiency. A through-hole with a diameter of 8mm is provided at the top of the housing of the signal transceiver module 1. A waterproof and breathable membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with a thickness of 0.15mm is installed inside the through-hole. A protective cover is provided outside the through-hole, and the protective cover is fixedly connected to the housing of the signal transceiver module 1 with screws to protect the waterproof and breathable membrane from external damage.

[0022] In practical use, the spacing between the arc-shaped clamping arms 9 of the fixed bracket 3 is first adjusted according to the diameter of the fluid pipe to be tested. The two arc-shaped clamping arms 9 are moved closer or further apart by rotating the adjusting screw 10 until the inner anti-slip pads 12 of the arc-shaped clamping arms 9 are tightly fitted to the pipe surface. Then, the locking nut 11 is tightened to fix the position. The signal transceiver module 1 contacts the pipe surface through the flexible buffer layer of the bonding component 5. The spring of the elastic connector 8 expands and contracts axially when pressure is applied to the pipe surface, allowing the bonding component 5 to adapt to pipes of different diameters and maintain a tight fit. After the equipment is started, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 6 emits a high-frequency ultrasonic signal. The signal propagates through the fluid in the pipe and is received by the receiving unit 7. The received signal is transmitted to the signal processing module 2 via the flexible circuit board.

[0023] The signal amplification unit in signal processing module 2 initially amplifies the received signal before transmitting it to the data processing unit for further analysis and processing. The data processing unit displays the processed results on display screen 15, and the user can set parameters and switch modes via operation buttons 16. During operation, the heat sink 13 absorbs the heat generated by the signal transceiver module 1 through a thermally conductive silicone grease layer and dissipates the heat to the surrounding environment through heat dissipation fins, effectively reducing the operating temperature. The waterproof and breathable membrane allows the gas inside the signal transceiver module 1 to exchange with the outside while preventing liquid ingress, enhancing the device's waterproof performance and durability.

[0024] The battery compartment 14 of the signal processing module 2 contains a rechargeable lithium battery, which powers the entire device through a power management circuit. When the battery is low, the user can open the sealed cover to replace the battery or recharge the lithium battery. The rubber sealing ring of the sealed cover ensures the airtightness of the battery compartment 14, preventing liquid ingress that could affect the normal operation of the device. The protective cover protects the waterproof and breathable membrane of the heat dissipation components from external damage, extending the service life of the device.

[0025] Even in complex working conditions, such as high humidity or environments with slight vibrations, the portable ultrasonic bubble sensor of this invention maintains high efficiency and stable performance. The design of the mounting bracket 3 and positioning component 4 allows the device to be directly fixed to the fluid pipeline without additional mounting platforms or auxiliary equipment, simplifying the installation process and reducing environmental requirements. The flexible buffer layer and elastic connector 8 of the fitting component 5 ensure a tight fit between the signal transceiver module 1 and the pipeline surface, thereby guaranteeing efficient ultrasonic signal transmission. The flexible circuit board reduces signal loss during transmission and improves detection accuracy. The overall integrated design significantly reduces the device's size, making it easy to carry and operate, and suitable for various application scenarios.

[0026] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the specific implementation principle of this utility model is further supplemented below with a specific application scenario.

[0027] In practical applications, this portable ultrasonic bubble sensor can be installed in industrial fluid pipelines or infusion lines of medical equipment. Taking a coolant circulation system in industrial production as an example, this system needs to monitor the presence of bubbles in the pipeline in real time to prevent reduced cooling efficiency or equipment damage caused by bubble accumulation. The specific operating steps and principles are as follows: First, adjust the spacing between the arc-shaped clamping arms 9 of the fixed bracket 3 according to the diameter of the pipeline to be tested. By rotating the adjusting screw 10, the two arc-shaped clamping arms 9 are moved axially until the anti-slip pads 12 on the inner side of the arc-shaped clamping arms 9 are tightly attached to the pipeline surface. Since the anti-slip pads 12 are made of silicone and have raised textures on their surface, they can provide sufficient friction during clamping, preventing the equipment from loosening due to vibration. Then, tighten the locking nut 11 to lock the adjusting screw 10, ensuring that the fixed bracket 3 is stably clamped on the pipeline. This design achieves quick installation and disassembly of the equipment through a simple mechanical structure, without the need for additional tools or auxiliary platforms.

[0028] Next, the signal transceiver module 1 comes into contact with the pipe surface via the bonding component 5. The flexible buffer layer of the bonding component 5 is made of 3mm thick polyurethane material, which effectively absorbs minor undulations on the irregular surface, ensuring a tight fit between the signal transceiver module 1 and the pipe surface. The spring and guide post in the elastic connector 8 work together; when the bonding component 5 is subjected to external force, the spring extends and retracts axially along the guide post, thus adapting to changes in pipe surfaces of different diameters. This design not only ensures efficient transmission of ultrasonic signals but also enhances the equipment's adaptability to various pipe specifications.

[0029] After the equipment is started, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 6 emits a high-frequency ultrasonic signal, which is transmitted through the fluid in the pipe and received by the receiving unit 7. The ultrasonic transmitting unit 6 and the receiving unit 7 are arranged symmetrically, separated by a partition to avoid mutual interference between signals. The received signal is transmitted to the signal processing module 2 via a flexible circuit board. The design of the flexible circuit board reduces signal loss during transmission, thereby improving detection accuracy. The signal amplification unit in the signal processing module 2 initially amplifies the received signal and then transmits it to the data processing unit for further analysis and processing. The data processing unit displays the results on the display screen 15, and the user can set the detection mode or adjust parameters using the operation buttons 16.

[0030] During operation, the heat dissipation components absorb the heat generated by the signal transceiver module 1 through a thermally conductive silicone grease layer and dissipate the heat to the surrounding environment through heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation fins are 5mm high, with a spacing of 1.5mm between adjacent fins. This structural design improves heat dissipation efficiency and effectively reduces operating temperature. Furthermore, a waterproof and breathable membrane is installed within the through-hole at the top of the signal transceiver module 1, allowing internal gas exchange with the outside while preventing liquid ingress, enhancing the device's waterproof performance and durability. A protective cover is fixed to the outside of the through-hole with screws, protecting the waterproof and breathable membrane from external damage and extending the device's service life.

[0031] When the device runs out of power after prolonged operation, the user can open the sealing cover of the battery compartment 14 at the bottom of the signal processing module 2 to replace the battery or charge the lithium battery. The rubber sealing ring on the inside of the sealing cover is 1.5mm thick, ensuring the airtightness of the battery compartment 14 and preventing liquid from seeping in and affecting the normal operation of the device. The power management circuit provides stable power support to the entire device by controlling the charging and discharging process of the rechargeable lithium battery.

[0032] Even in complex working conditions, such as high humidity or environments with slight vibration, this invention maintains high efficiency and stable performance. The design of the fixing bracket 3 and positioning component 4 allows the device to be directly fixed to the fluid pipeline without the need for an additional installation platform or auxiliary equipment, simplifying the installation process and reducing environmental requirements. The flexible buffer layer and elastic connector 8 of the fitting component 5 ensure a tight fit between the signal transceiver module 1 and the pipeline surface, thereby guaranteeing efficient transmission of ultrasonic signals. The overall integrated design significantly reduces the device's size, making it easy to carry and operate, and suitable for various application scenarios.

[0033] All content not described in detail in this specification is prior art known to those skilled in the art, and the model parameters of each electrical appliance are not specifically limited; conventional equipment can be used. Electrical control components not mentioned in this technical solution are not shown in the figures because they are prior art, and will not be described further here.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor, characterized in that, The device includes a detection body, which includes a signal transceiver module (1) and a signal processing module (2). The signal transceiver module (1) and the signal processing module (2) are connected by a signal transmission component. A fixed bracket (3) is provided on the outside of the signal transceiver module (1). Positioning components (4) are provided on both sides of the fixed bracket (3). The positioning components (4) are used to fix the detection body on the fluid pipeline to be tested. A fitting component (5) is provided at the bottom of the signal transceiver module (1). The fitting component (5) is connected to the fixed bracket (3) through an elastic connector (8).

2. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transceiver module (1) includes an ultrasonic transmitting unit (6) and a receiving unit (7). The ultrasonic transmitting unit (6) and the receiving unit (7) are respectively embedded inside the signal transceiver module (1) and electrically connected to the signal transmission component through wires. The signal transmission component includes a flexible circuit board. One end of the flexible circuit board is plugged into the internal interface of the signal transceiver module (1), and the other end is welded and fixed to the input port of the signal processing module (2).

3. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed bracket (3) includes two symmetrically arranged arc-shaped clamping arms (9). The inner side of the arc-shaped clamping arms (9) is provided with anti-slip pads (12). The anti-slip pads (12) are made of silicone material and have several raised textures on their surface. The two ends of the arc-shaped clamping arms (9) are connected to the positioning assembly (4) by bolts. The positioning assembly (4) includes an adjusting screw (10) and a locking nut (11). The adjusting screw (10) passes through the end of the arc-shaped clamping arm (9) and is threadedly engaged with the locking nut (11).

4. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bonding component (5) includes a bonding plate and an elastic connector (8). The bottom surface of the bonding plate is provided with a flexible buffer layer, which is made of polyurethane material and has a thickness of 3 mm. The elastic connector (8) includes a spring and a guide post. The spring is sleeved on the outside of the guide post. One end of the guide post is fixedly connected to the bonding plate, and the other end is slidably connected to the inner wall of the fixed bracket (3).

5. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the signal transceiver module (1) is provided with a heat dissipation component, which includes a heat sink (13) and a thermal grease layer. The heat sink (13) is tightly attached to the outer shell of the signal transceiver module (1) through the thermal grease layer. The surface of the heat sink (13) is provided with several parallel heat dissipation fins. The height of the heat dissipation fins is 5 mm, and the spacing between adjacent heat dissipation fins is 1.5 mm.

6. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer shell of the signal processing module (2) is provided with a battery compartment (14), and a rechargeable lithium battery is provided inside the battery compartment (14). The rechargeable lithium battery is connected to the power supply interface of the signal processing module (2) through a power management circuit. A sealing cover is provided at the opening of the battery compartment (14). The sealing cover is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the battery compartment (14) by a buckle. A rubber sealing ring is provided on the inner side of the sealing cover. The thickness of the rubber sealing ring is 1.5 mm.

7. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing module (2) has a display screen (15) and operation buttons (16) on the side of its housing. The display screen (15) is connected to the data processing unit via a ribbon cable, and the operation buttons (16) are electrically connected to the data processing unit via a contact switch. The display screen (15) is a liquid crystal display screen with a resolution of 128×64 pixels, and there are four operation buttons (16).

8. A portable ultrasonic bubble sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transceiver module (1) has a through hole on the top of its outer shell. The diameter of the through hole is 8 mm. The inside of the through hole is a waterproof and breathable membrane made of polytetrafluoroethylene material with a thickness of 0.15 mm. A protective cover is provided on the outside of the through hole. The protective cover is fixedly connected to the outer shell of the signal transceiver module (1) by screws.

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