Stabilization mode split fin sensor

Abstract

To provide an improved fin sensor.SOLUTION: An embodiment of a fin sensor has a base, which is coupled to a first fin and a second fin. The fin sensor further has at least two transducers coupled to the fins. The first fin is coupled to the second fin by at least one fin coupler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described below relate to sensors, and more particularly, to flow sensors.

Background Art

[0002] Existing fin sensors have problems with mode separation. Typically, the frequency difference between the in-phase mode and the out-of-phase mode is minimal, which confuses the calculation of fluid flow characteristics. Also, when curl is generated in existing fin sensors, there is little amplitude contrast for deriving the phase difference measurement values that result in flow characteristics.

[0003] In existing fin sensors, the measurements are confused by a significant net movement from the center of the conduit in which they are located towards the sensor assembly. The reason for this is that the axis of rotation of the fins is controlled by the fin position on the plate and the position of the driver. The axis of rotation of the fins is typically around the edge of the base where the fins are located. This creates an imbalance, which results in errors and problems in calibration. The force from the in-phase mode causes a net movement in the process connection. Also, the tubes and balance bars may be difficult or impossible to drive into equal in-phase mode shapes. The imbalance generated can lead to calibration and measurement errors. These problems limit the effectiveness of fin sensors and make them impractical for many industrial applications. Therefore, an improved fin sensor is needed.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. Embodiments of the fin sensor (102) have a base (106) coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), and the fin The sensor (102) further has at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to fins (108a and 108b), the first fin (108a) being coupled to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0005] Another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) is disclosed. Another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) and a balance rib (118), the base (106) is coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), and the fin sensor (102) further comprises at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) The balance rib (118) is connected to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0006] Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly are disclosed. The embodiment of the method has a fin coupler assembly having at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), the method comprising the step of forming a fin coupler assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0007] Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a balanced base assembly are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for manufacturing a balanced base assembly include the steps of forming a base (106) and ballast The steps include forming a balance rib (118) and attaching the balance rib (118) to the base (106) and base -Includes the step of coupling to one or more of the couplers (116).

[0008] Embodiments of a method using a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. In embodiments of a method using a fin sensor (102), the fin sensor (102) is a first fin (108a) and a second fin It has a drive transducer (104b) for driving the vibration of the fin (108b), and the first The second fins (108a and 108b) are coupled to the base (106), and the fin sensor (102 ) has at least one sensing transducer (104a) for receiving response data Furthermore, this method at least partially restricts the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the movement of the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). It has the step of doing so.

[0009] Embodiments of a method using a fin sensor (102) are disclosed. The embodiment of a method using a fin sensor (102) has a fin sensor (102) having a drive transducer (104b) for driving vibrations of a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b). The first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) are connected to the base (106). The fin sensor (102) has at least one sensing transducer (104a) for receiving response data, and the fin sensor (102) has a balance rib (118), the method having the step of restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially by the balance rib (118).

[0010] [Aspect] According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. The embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), and the fin sensor (102) further has at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b), and the first fin (108a) is coupled to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0011] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is rod-shaped. This is a fin-shaped connector (220a).

[0012] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a brace It's a bar (220c).

[0013] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is stripped This is a fin-shaped connector (220b).

[0014] Preferably, the strip-shaped fin connector (220b) has at least one tapered end To possess.

[0015] Preferably, the strip-shaped fin connector (220b) has one or more of its upstream (143) end and downstream (145) end connected to the strip-shaped fin connector The cross-sectional area in the plane defined by the vertical axis (151) and the cross axis (131) at a more central position along the flow axis (141) of the combiner (220b) is greater than the cross-sectional area along the vertical axis (151) and the cross axis (131) Therefore, it is tapered to have a smaller cross-sectional area within the defined plane.

[0016] Preferably, the cross-section in the plane defined by the vertical axis and the flow axis of the strip fin coupler (220b) is the flow axis (141) between the upstream (143) end and the downstream (145) end of the cross-section is narrower within at least one central portion within than at the upstream (143) and downstream (145) ends of the cross-section in one or more of them within the vertical axis (151).

[0017] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) attaches the fins (108a and 108b) at substantially the same positions on the corresponding faces of the fins (108a and 108b) together.

[0018] Preferably, the fins are arranged such that when the fins (108a and 108b) are arranged at the same or substantially the same positions within the plane defined by the flow axis (141) and the vertical axis (151), at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is parallel to the cross-axis (131).

[0019] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is attached to different positions of the respective fins (108a and 108b).

[0020] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is attached to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the area or projected area of the face of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by at least one of the lowermost (155) and upstream-most (143) quadrant portions of the fins (108a and / or 108b). to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0021] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by at least one of the lowermost (155) and most downstream (145) quadrant portions of the fins (108a and / or 108b). is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the area or projection area of the surface of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0022] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is the surface of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by at least one of the lowermost (155) and most upstream (143) corners of the fins (108a and / or 108b). is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) in the area or projection area of the surface of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0023] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by at least one of the lowermost (155) corners and the most downstream (145) corners of the fins (108a and / or 108b). In the area or projection area of one surface of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b), one or more of the fins (108a and / or 108b) are coupled.

[0024] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is in the area or projection area of the surface of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) represented by at least one - ninth of the center of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b). and is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0025] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is located in the central 1 / 3 portion of the vertical axis (151) and at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) The region or projected region is defined by the 1 / 3 portion of the upstream (143) In the region of at least one face of the fin (108a and / or 108b), It is bound to at least one of n(108a and / or 108b).

[0026] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is located in the central 1 / 3 portion of the vertical axis (151) and at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) Represented by the region or projected region defined by the one-third portion downstream (145) of In the region of at least one face of the fin (108a and / or 108b), It is bound to at least one of n(108a and / or 108b).

[0027] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is represented by a region or projected region defined by the upper (153) 1 / 3 portion and the upstream (143) 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b), in a region of at least one face of the fin (108a It is joined to at least one of the following:

[0028] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is represented by a region or projected region defined by the upper (153) 1 / 3 portion and the downstream (145) 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b), in a region of at least one face of the fin (108a It is joined to at least one of the following:

[0029] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is represented by a region or projected region defined by the lower (155) 1 / 3 portion and the upstream (143) 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b), in a region of at least one face of the fin (108a It is joined to at least one of the following:

[0030] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is located in the lower (155) portion of the vertical axis (151) and at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b). In the region of at least one face of the fin (108a and / or 108b), which is represented by a region or projected region defined by both one downstream (145) and one-third of the fin (145) , it is coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b).

[0031] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is fin-coupled. The first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) are coupled to the immersed element of the nucleus (102) to increase its axial stiffness.

[0032] Preferably, the fins (108a and 108b) protrude through the opening in the base (106). The transducer (104a and 104b) has fin protrusions (114a and 114b) and is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at the fin protrusions (114a and 114b).

[0033] Preferably, the base (106) has an immersion side (342) and an outer side (344), and fin protrusions. (114a and 114b) protrude outward (344) through the base (106).

[0034] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) have corresponding segments, the corresponding segments being at least partially aligned within the intersecting axis (131).

[0035] Preferably, the transducers (104a and 104b) each have two corresponding segments It will be attached to the ment.

[0036] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) outside the base (106).

[0037] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) has a fin protrusion. It is connected to at least one fin projection (114a or 114b) of the protrusions (114a or 114b). It can be done.

[0038] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is at least It also connects to a segment of another fin projection (114a or 114b).

[0039] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at a position below (155) the coupling between the fins (108a and 108b) and at least two transducers (104a and 104b).

[0040] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a transformer The position on the fin (108a and / or 108b) to which the deucers (104a~c) are attached is greater than the position on the fin (108a and / or 108b). It is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) on the outside (344) of the base (106) at a position close to the base (106).

[0041] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) has fins (108a and / or 108b) to which transducers (104a~c) are coupled rather than base (106). It is coupled to the outer (344) fins (108a and 108b) of the base (106) at a position close to the above position.

[0042] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) have corresponding segments, the corresponding segments being at least partially aligned within the intersecting axis (131).

[0043] Preferably, the transducers (104a and 104b) each have two corresponding segments It will be attached to the ment.

[0044] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) includes a first fin coupler (120a) and a second fin coupler (120b), wherein the first fin coupler (120a) is upstream of the position where the second fin coupler (120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) It is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at that position.

[0045] Preferably, the sensing transducer (104a) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) upstream of the driving transducer (104b) which is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0046] Preferably, the base (106) is a variable base (306) having various hardnesses.

[0047] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a flexible portion in the center of the variable base (306) and a rigid portion at the edge of the variable base (306), where the center and edge are the center and edge of the variable base (306) within the intersecting axis (131).

[0048] Preferably, the variable base (306) is thinner in the center than at the edges.

[0049] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a variable material composition along the intersecting axis (131).

[0050] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a flexible material in the center of the variable base (306) and a rigid material at the edge of the variable base (306) within the intersecting axis (131).

[0051] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) is located between the base (106) and the base coupler (116). It further comprises one or more balance ribs (118) connected to the ribs, and the balance ribs (118) are The movement of the base (106) along the vertical axis (151) parallel to the central part of the base (106) is reduced. Both are configured to be partially restricted, with the central portion of the base (106) being the portion defined by the center of the intersecting axis (131).

[0052] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) further comprises meter electronic equipment (112), and at least One of the two transducers (104a and 104b) is the drive transducer (104b), and the meter electronics (112) is in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode. To drive the fins (108a and 108b) in one or more of them, a command representing the de It is configured to transmit the data to the drive transducer (104b).

[0053] Preferably, one of at least two transducers (104a and 104b) The transducer is a sensing transducer (104a), and the meter electronic equipment (112) is a control A controlled feedback loop is used to receive signal data from the sensing transducer (104a) in order to maintain the drive mode.

[0054] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) and at least At least one of each of the fins (10⁸a and / or 10⁸b) , having a coupling element, the coupling element is at least one fin coupler (120a and 120b) At least one of the fins (10⁸a and / or 10⁸b) is connected via a connecting element. It is configured to combine into one even if there are no other components.

[0055] Preferably, the first fin coupler (120a) has a coupling element, and the first fin (108a) has another coupling element (120b), the coupling elements being complementary to each other such that the coupling element is configured to couple to the other coupling element.

[0056] Preferably, the connecting element is a recess in the first fin (108a).

[0057] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is neither an element of the base (106) nor an element of any of the at least two transducers (104a-c).

[0058] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is configured such that the base (106) affects the movement of the fins (108a and 108b) in a manner different from that of at least two fin couplers. One transducer (104a-c) influences the movement of the fins (108a and 108b). This affects the movement of the fins (108a and 108b) in a way different from the law.

[0059] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not coupled to the base (106) or to any of the at least two transducers (104a-c).

[0060] According to one embodiment, another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) is disclosed. Another embodiment of the fin sensor (102) has a base (106) and a balance rib (118), and the base (106 ) is coupled to the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b), and the fin sensor (102 ) has at least two transducers (104a) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b). The system further includes (104b) and the balance rib (118) is coupled to one or more of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0061] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is aligned with the vertical axis (151) along the central portion of the base (106). The base (106) is configured to restrict the movement of the base at least partially. The central part of (106) is the part defined by the center of the intersecting axis (131).

[0062] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is located in the central part of the base (106) It is joined to ().

[0063] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled to the central portion of the base coupler (116).

[0064] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is configured to at least partially prevent net movement of the fins (108a and 108b) along the vertical axis (151).

[0065] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b) It is coupled to the base (106) between them.

[0066] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is on the intersecting axis (131) and the first fin (108a The position on the base (106) to which the first fin (108b) is attached or will be attached, and the position between the second fin (108b) and a different position on the base (106) to which the second fin (108b) is attached or will be attached. In this configuration, it is coupled to the base (106).

[0067] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is coupled equidistant from a position on the intersecting axis (131) and from different positions.

[0068] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has its centerline (198) aligned with the flow axis. It is joined to the base (106) so as to be parallel to (141).

[0069] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has a center line (198) in at least one axis It is symmetrical with respect to the center.

[0070] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has a cross axis (131) in the central part of the balance rib (118). The thickness of the balance rib (118) at the intersecting axis (131) of the balance rib (118) at one or both of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is smaller than the thickness at the intersecting axis (131).

[0071] Preferably, the balance rib (118) has a cross axis (131) in the central part of the balance rib (118). The thickness of the balance rib (118) at the intersecting axis (131) of the balance rib (118) at one or both of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is greater than the thickness at the intersecting axis (131).

[0072] Preferably, the fin sensor (102) further comprises at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) , it is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0073] Preferably, the base (106) is a variable base (306) having various hardnesses.

[0074] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a flexible portion in the center of the variable base (306) and a rigid portion at the edge of the variable base (306), where the center and edge are the center and edge of the variable base (306) within the intersecting axis (131).

[0075] Preferably, the variable base (306) is along the cross axis (131) and the edge of the variable base (306) It is thinner in the center of the variable base (306).

[0076] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a variable material composition along the intersecting axis (131).

[0077] Preferably, the variable base (306) has a central flexible material and a rigid material at the edges along the intersecting axis (131).

[0078] Preferably, the portion of the variable base (306) between the fins (108a and 108b) along the intersecting axis (131) is such that each of the fins (108a and 108b) on the intersecting axis (131) and the variable base It is softer than the portion of the variable base (306) between the edge of (306).

[0079] Preferably, the flexible portion (314) and the rigid portion (310 and 312) are fins (108a and At least one of the components (b) can be formed by connecting it to the edge of the variable base (106) rather than the balance rib (118) near the cross axis (131).

[0080] According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a fin coupling assembly is disclosed. This embodiment of the method involves at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least A fin coupler assembly also has one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). The method includes the step of forming a fin coupler assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0081] Preferably, the coupling assembly is formed by molding such that at least one fin coupling (120a and / or 120b) is already coupled to at least one fin (120a and / or 120b).

[0082] Preferably, forming a fin coupler assembly includes forming a fin coupler (120a), which is distinct from the base (106) and transducers (104a-c).

[0083] Preferably, forming a fin coupler assembly further includes forming a fin (108a) of at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and coupling a fin coupler (120a) of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to a fin (108a).

[0084] Preferably, the fin connector (120a) is connected to the fin (108a), and the base (106 The fin coupler (120a) is coupled to the fin (108a) at a position closer to the free edge (199) of the fin (108a) than the position of the fin (108a) that will be coupled to or will be coupled to the fin (108a). This includes the following.

[0085] Preferably, the method involves at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) The first fin coupler (120a) is coupled to both fins (108a and 108b), and less The invention further includes coupling a second fin coupler (120b) of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to both fins (108a and 108b), wherein the first fin coupler (120a) is coupled to at least one position that is or will be at different points along the flow axis (141) to which the second fin coupler (120b) is coupled.

[0086] Preferably, forming a fin coupler assembly involves forming one or more of the at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) using coupling elements configured to facilitate coupling between at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

[0087] Preferably, at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is present in or will be present in part of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) on the immersion side (342) of the base (106) It is bound to 120b).

[0088] Preferably, at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is on the base (106) It is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) in part of at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) that is present or will be present on the outside (344).

[0089] Preferably, the method further includes forming a balance rib (118) and coupling the balance rib (118) to one or both of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0090] Preferably, the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having various hardnesses.

[0091] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is rod-shaped. It is formed as a fin coupler (220a).

[0092] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is a brace It is formed as a bar (220c).

[0093] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is stripped It is formed as a fin-shaped connector (220b). Preferably, the method further includes forming a base (106) and bonding the base (106) to fins (108a and 108b).

[0094] Preferably, the fins (108a and 108b) protrude through the opening in the base (106). Formed having fin protrusions (114a and 114b), at least one transducer (104a and / or 104b) has fins (108a and It is joined to (108b).

[0095] Preferably, the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) are formed by corresponding segments, and the corresponding segments are segments that are at least partially aligned with the intersecting axis (131). Furthermore, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) corresponds to the segment They are coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) in this configuration.

[0096] Preferably, the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having various hardnesses. Preferably, the variable base (306) is at the edge of the variable base (306) on the intersecting axis (131) Rather, the central portion of the variable base (306) is formed more softly.

[0097] Preferably, the method further includes coupling the balance rib (118) to one or both of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

[0098] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is balanced The fins (108a and 108b) are coupled to the rib (118) at at least one position in a first direction (133) and to the balance rib (118) at at least one position in a second direction (135).

[0099] Preferably, the method involves forming a meter electronic device (112) and communicatively coupling the meter electronic device (112) to transducers (104a and / or 104b and / or 104c), wherein the meter electronic device (112) has a processor and memory, and memo The meter electronics (112) are configured to store commands and data for the processor to perform operations, and to operate in in-phase and out-of-phase modes. This further includes constituting [something].

[0100] According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a method for manufacturing a balanced base assembly is disclosed. The embodiment of the method for manufacturing a balanced base assembly involves forming a base (106) The process includes the steps of forming a balance rib (118) and connecting the balance rib (118) to one or more of the base (106) and base couplers (116).

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

[0102] Preferably, the variable base (306) is formed by changing the thickness of the variable base (306) during molding, or by cutting off a portion of the variable base (306).

[0103] Preferably, the thickness changes such that the center of the variable base (306) is thinner than the edge of the variable base (306) at the intersecting axis (131).

[0104] Preferably, the variable base (306) is formed by changing the material that constitutes the variable base (306) along at least the intersecting axis (131).

[0105] Preferably, varying the material includes making at least a portion of the variable base (306) from a material in the center of the variable base (306) that is softer than the material at the edges of the variable base (306) on the intersecting axis (131).

[0106] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) includes forming the balance rib (118) as an elongated member.

[0107] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is connected to the base (106) via the cross axis (131) The balance rib (118) is connected to the base (106) at the center of the upper base (106). This includes doing so.

[0108] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is connected to the base (106) at a position on the base (106) where the first fin (108a) is connected or will be connected, and the second fin Between (108b) and different positions on the base (106) to which it is joined or will be joined. This involves connecting the balance rib (118) to the base (106) at the position, and this position and other positions lie on the cross axis (131).

[0109] Preferably, connecting the balance rib (118) to the base (106) at a position on the base (106) where the first fin (108a) is connected or will be connected to, and at a different position on the base (106) where the second fin (108b) is connected or will be connected, includes connecting the balance rib (118) at a position equidistant from the position on the cross axis (131) and the different position.

[0110] Preferably, the balance rib (118) is connected to the base (106) of the flow axis (141) This includes connecting the balance rib (118) to the base (106) using the center line (198) of the balance rib (118) which is parallel to the base (106).

[0111] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) includes forming the balance rib (118) such that the balance rib (118) is symmetrical with respect to the center line (198) on at least one axis.

[0112] Preferably, forming a balance rib (118) downstream of the balance rib (14 5) Further comprising forming the balance ribs (118) such that the thickness of one or more balance ribs (118) at the intersection axis (131) of the end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is less than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib (118) at the intersection axis (131) in the flow axis (141).

[0113] Preferably, forming the balance rib (118) further includes forming the balance rib (118) such that the thickness of one or more of the balance rib (118) at the intersection axis (131) of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the balance rib (118) is greater than the thickness of the balance rib (118) at the intersection axis (131) of the central portion of the balance rib (118) in the flow axis (141).

[0114] Preferably, the method further includes forming fins (108a and 108b) and bonding the fins (108a and 108b) to a base (106).

[0115] Preferably, the method involves at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) The further includes forming and coupling at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to the fins (108a and 108b).

[0116] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is balanced The first fin (120a) is coupled from the rib (118) in a first direction (133), and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled from the balance rib (118) in a second direction At (135), it is coupled to the second fin (120b).

[0117] Preferably, at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) is balanced The rib (118) is joined to the base (106) at a position in a first direction (133) from the rib (118), and this position is closer to the edge of the base (106) in the first direction (133) from the balance rib (118) than to the balance rib (118) itself, along the intersecting axis (131).

[0118] Preferably, at least one of the fins (108a and / or 108b) is balanced It is connected to the base (106) at a position in the first direction (133) from the rib (118), and that position is such that, on the intersecting axis (131), it is more from the balance rib (118) than from the balance rib (118) It is further away from the edge of the base (106) in the first direction (133).

[0119] Preferably, the method further includes forming a meter electronic device (112) and communicatively coupling the meter electronic device (112) to transducers (104a and / or 104b and / or 104c), wherein the meter electronic device (112) has a processor and memory. The memory contains commands and data for the processor to execute operations and configure the meter electronics (112) to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in in-phase and out-of-phase modes. It is configured to store.

[0120] According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a method using a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. In an embodiment of the method using the fin sensor (102), the fin sensor (102) is a first fin The fin sensor (102) has a drive transducer (104b) for driving the vibration of the first and second fins (108a and 108b), the first and second fins (108a and 108b) are coupled to a base (106), and the fin sensor (102) has at least one sensing transducer (104a) for receiving response data, and the method has at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b The method includes a step of at least partially restricting the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the movement of the second fin (108b).

[0121] Preferably, by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), the second The movement of the first fin (108a) is at least partially restricted in relation to the movement of the fin (108b). What to do is the free edge (199) of the second fin (108b) of the first fin (108a) This includes restricting the movement of the edge (199) at least partially.

[0122] Preferably, the vibration is driven by a drive transducer (104b) to drive the fins (108a and 108b) in out-of-phase (OOP) mode.

[0123] Preferably, the out-of-phase (OOP) mode represents a phase separation between the motions of the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) of approximately 180°.

[0124] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) restricts, at least partially, the movement of the first fin (108a) relative to the movement of the second fin (108b). This involves restricting, at least partially, the movement of the first fin (108a) at any point where at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the first fin (108a) with respect to the movement of the second fin (108b).

[0125] Preferably, at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) does not directly restrict the movement of any element of the base (106), and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not bound to the base (106) element. Preferably, the method further includes restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially by the balance rib (118).

[0126] According to one embodiment, an embodiment of a method using a fin sensor (102) is disclosed. An embodiment of the method using the sensor (102) is a first fin (108a) and a second fin A fin sensor (102) may have a drive transducer (104b) for driving vibrations of (108b), and the first fin (108a) and the second fin (108b) are based Coupled with (106), the fin sensor (102) has at least one for receiving response data The method has two sensing transducers (104a), and the fin sensor (102) has a balance rib (118), and the method includes the step of restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially by the balance rib (118).

[0127] Preferably, the movement of the base (106) is restricted at least partially by the balance rib (118), which is the vertical axis (151) along the central portion of the base (106) This includes at least partially restricting the movement of the central part, the center of the cross axis (131) This is the part defined by [the specified method / method].

[0128] Preferably, the movement of the base (106) is at least partially restricted by the balance rib (118), which reduces the net movement of the fins (108a and 108b) along the vertical axis (151). This includes preventing at least partial prevention.

[0129] Preferably, restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially by the balance rib (118) includes at least partially preventing the net movement of the fin sensor (102) in the vertical axis (151).

[0130] Preferably, the movement of the base (106) is to be at least partially restricted in a position between the position on the base (106) to which the first fin (108a) on the cross axis (131) is attached or to which it will be attached, and a different position on the base (106) to which the second fin (108b) is attached or to which it will be attached. include.

[0131] Preferably, restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially reduces the movement of the base (106) at positions on the cross axis (131) and at positions equidistant from different positions. This includes, at least partially, restricting it.

[0132] Preferably, restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially includes restricting the movement of the base (106) along at least a straight portion of the base (106) parallel to the flow axis (141).

[0133] Preferably, restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially includes restricting the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is restricted to less than the movement of the center of the base (106), where the center of the base (106) is within the flow axis (141) It is in the center.

[0134] Preferably, restricting the movement of the base (106) at least partially includes restricting the movement of the base (106) such that the movement of one or more of the downstream (145) end and the upstream (143) end of the base (106) is more restricted than the movement of the center of the base (106), where the center of the base (106) is within the flow axis (141) It is in the center.

[0135] The same reference numeral represents the same element in all drawings. Please understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0136] [Figure 1] This shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 100 having a fin-type sensor. [Figure 2A] This shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupling assembly 200a having a rod-shaped fin coupling 220a. [Figure 2B] This shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupling assembly 200b having a strip-shaped fin coupling 220b. [Figure 2C] This shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupling assembly 200c having a brace bar-shaped fin coupling 220c. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 300 having a fin sensor 302 with a variable base 306 in a balanced base assembly. [Figure 4]A block diagram of an embodiment of the computer system 400 is shown. In this embodiment, the computer system 400 may be a meter electronic device, for example, a meter electronic device 112. [Figure 5] A flowchart of an embodiment of Method 500 for using the fin coupling assembly of the fin sensor 102 is shown. [Figure 6] A flowchart of an embodiment of Method 600 for using a balanced base assembly of fin sensor 102 is shown. [Figure 7] A flowchart of an embodiment of method 700 for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly for a fin sensor 102 is shown. [Figure 8] A flowchart of an embodiment of method 800 for manufacturing a balanced base assembly of a fin sensor 102 is shown. [Figure 9] A flowchart of an embodiment of method 900 for manufacturing a balanced base and fin coupling assembly for a fin sensor 102 is shown. [Figure 10] This shows a comparison of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b on the immersion side 342 of the base 106, which are driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode. [Figure 11] This shows a comparison 1100 of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without the balance rib 118, in both the non-deformed and deformed positions. [Figure 12] A comparison 1200 of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 is shown, with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b on the outside 344 of the base 106, which are driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0137] Figures 1-12 and the following description show the fin coupler assembly and the fin sensor. Specific examples are provided to teach those skilled in the art how to manufacture and use the best mode of an embodiment of a balance-type base assembly. For the purpose of teaching the principle of the invention, some conventional embodiments have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will understand variations from these examples that are included 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 balance-type base assemblies for fin coupler assemblies and fin sensors. As a result, the embodiments described below are not limited to the specific examples described below, but are limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0138] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 100 having a fin-type sensor. System 100 includes an upstream transducer 104a, a drive transducer 104b, and a downstream Transducer 104c, base 106, first fin 108a, second fin 108b, conduit 110 (not shown), meter electronic equipment 112 (not shown), first fin projection 114a, second fin projection 114b , base coupler 116, balance rib 118, first fin coupler 120a, second fin coupler 120b, cross axis 131 having first direction 133 and second direction 135, upstream direction 143 and downstream direction 145 The system has a flow axis 141, and a fin sensor 102 having a vertical axis 151 with an upward direction 153, a downward direction 155, the end of the balance rib 196, the central portion of the balance rib 197, the centerline of the balance rib 198, and a free edge 199. The images in Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 12 may not be at a constant scale for various embodiments of the system 100.

[0139] The flow system 100 can determine its flow characteristics using the fin sensor 102. For example, the fin sensor 102 can drive its elements by using a transducer to drive the vibration of the elements of the fin sensor 102. The transducer is The drive element or pick-off element can be any type, such as a piezoelectric element or a magnet and coil configuration. Any, some, or all of the transducers can measure the phase or time difference of the signal measured by the transducer to determine flow characteristics, such as determining mass flow rate. In an embodiment, the fin sensor 102 is a Coriolis flow sensor that uses a transducer configuration which can rely on the Coriolis force across the elements in the fin sensor 102 to generate these flow rates. The phase difference or time delay can be generated by the drive element and the measuring element, for example, by vibrating the base and measuring the response in the transducer, by vibrating the fin and measuring the response in the fin, or by comparing the signal used to generate the vibration (drive signal) with the response in the fin. The flow rate measurement is obtained by the phase difference and / or frequency response obtained by transducers 104a~c It can be generated from the signal. The fin sensor 102 determines the vibration frequency and the technique It can be used to generate density measurements by determining the density from those frequencies using methods known in the field. For example, density measurements can be generated from frequency response signals acquired by transducers 104a-c. Viscosity measurements are, for example, based on two resonant frequency-driven phase differences that may be derived. The transducer measurement phase difference or time delay is derived in the fin sensor 102. It is possible. Methods for measuring flow rate, density, and viscosity using vibrating meters are all well established in the art. The fins are coupled to specific positions using a fin coupling device. It can be done. In various embodiments, the fin sensor 102 is a Coriolis flow meter, fin It may be one or more of a meter, or a fork meter (which may have either a fin or a fork).

[0140] Fin couplers 120a and 120b can be used to enhance mode separation between in-phase (hereinafter referred to as "IP") mode and out-of-phase (hereinafter referred to as "OOP") mode. In this configuration, the OOP mode can be a mode in which the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b vibrate with a phase difference of 180 degrees or approximately 180 degrees relative to each other. Furthermore, the fin coupler is a fin To increase the measurement sensitivity of sensor 102, more curling motion can be introduced. In the embodiment, the base 106 can be a plate having a thin central portion and a thick outer portion along the intersecting axis 131. The base 106 also has a balance beam for controlling deflection. It can have a base 118, which can limit the net movement of the fin sensor 102 in the vertical axis 151 with respect to the conduit to which the base is coupled.

[0141] In this embodiment, the fin sensor 102 may have two fins, a first fin 108a and a second fin 108b. The first fin 108a and the second fin 108b are fins that are at least partially immersed in the fluid during the operation of the fin sensor 102. The embodiments in which they are used are intended. For example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Embodiments having 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or more fins are contemplated. In other embodiments, prisms may be used instead of fins, and the prisms have some or all of the same characteristics and arrangement as the fins 108a and 108b disclosed herein. Where this specification refers to fins, this specification also contemplates embodiments in which prisms are used.

[0142] The fins 108a and 108b may be arranged parallel to each other, or they may be arranged to a length parallel or substantially parallel to the expected path of the fluid flow in the conduit. The fins 108a and 108b may be arranged to have portions extending through the base 106, and fin 108a and 108b may have fin protrusions 114a and 114b on the side of the base 106 (outer 344 in Figure 3) that does not have portions of fins 108a and 108b that are immersed in the flow fluid (immersed elements The side that possesses it is the immersion side 342 shown in Figure 3).

[0143] Fins 108a and 108b may have a free edge 199, which may be defined as the outermost end of the lower 155 of the fin. and 120b) are used, and in some cases a portion of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a is used for the second fin The movement of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a relative to the coupled second fin 108b can be restricted by coupling it to a portion of the free edge 199 of the fin 108b, or, in some cases, by coupling it to other portions of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0144] Fins 108a and 108b are joined to each other using one or more fin couplers. Yes, it is possible. The fin couplers 120a and 120b are elements that couple the movement of fins 108a and 108b at specific positions on the fins 108a and 108b. For the purposes of this specification, the first fin Fin coupler 120a is shown as an upstream fin coupler 143 relative to the second fin coupler 120b. In various embodiments, any number of fin couplers can be used to couple adjacent fins and / or non-adjacent fins. For example, the number of couplers that couple each set of coupled fins may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 The number of couplers 120a and 120b may be 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and any other number. In various embodiments, a certain number of fins may be coupled, or a certain number of fins may not be coupled, for example, all of the fins, three-quarters of the fins, two-thirds of the fins, half of the fins, one-quarter of the fins, one-third of the fins, one-eighth of the fins, one-tenth of the fins, etc. Fins in this ratio may be joined together.

[0145] In the embodiment, one or both of the fins 108a and 108b, a combination of them, or all of them are attached to the entire base 106. They can extend over a length or substantially extend over a length. For example, substantially related to this, it may mean that the fins do not extend to a portion of the base 106 used to connect the base to the conduit, or to a portion of the base directly adjacent to a portion of the base 106 that is connected to the conduit 110 and / or base coupler 116.

[0146] Conduit 110 is a conduit through which a fluid can flow. The following types of conduits can be used. Although conduit 110 is not shown in Figure 1, the way in which the flow conduit and flow sensor, for example fin sensor 102, are coupled to the conduit is as follows: It is well known in the technical field.

[0147] The fin couplers 120a and 120b can couple fins 108a and 108b at any number of positions between the fins. For example, the fin couplers 120a and 120b can couple fins 108a and 108b at substantially the same positions on the corresponding surfaces of fins 108a and 108b, and in some cases the fins are positioned at the same position in a plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the vertical axis 151 (for example, if the fins have the same shape and size) when the fin couplers 120a and 120b are parallel to or substantially parallel to the intersecting axis 131. They are arranged to have the same arrangement so as to be parallel, or the fin couplers 120a and 120b can be coupled at different positions on each of the fins 108a and 108b. The fin couplers 120a and 120b are at least one of the fins 108a and 108b The lowermost quadrant 155 and the uppermost quadrant 143 (at least one of fins 108a and 108b) Quadrants that may not include at least one central position, fins 108a and 108b At least one of the lowermost 155 and downstream 145 quadrant portions (of fins 108a and 108b) At least one of the quadrants (which may not include at least one central position), the lowermost 155 and uppermost 143 corners of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b, fin 108a and At least one of the lowermost 155 and downstream 145 corners of 108b, fins 108a and 108b The region defined by at least one central 1 / 9 region of the vertical axis 151 and the central 1 / 3 region of the vertical axis 151 and the 1 / 3 portion upstream of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b, the region defined by the central 1 / 3 region of the vertical axis 151 and the 1 / 3 portion downstream of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b, and the upper 1 / 3 portion of the vertical axis 151 A region defined by the upper 1 / 3 portion of 143, at least one of fins 108a and 108b, the upper 1 / 3 portion of 153, and at least one of fins 108a and 108b The region defined by the 1 / 3 portion downstream of 145 and the 1 / 3 portion below the vertical axis 151 A region defined by the region defined by the upstream 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b and the region defined by the downward 1 / 3 portion of the vertical axis 151 and the downstream 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b can be coupled to one or more of the fins 108a and 108b at one, combination or all of the positions in the region of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b, such as the region defined by the upstream 1 / 3 portion of the upstream 143 of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b and the region defined by the downward 1 / 3 portion of the vertical axis 151 and the downstream 1 / 3 portion of at least one of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0148] Embodiments in which the fin surface does not have a plane are considered. In this case, the regions described in the previous paragraph may represent projections of the largest fin cross-section in an arbitrary plane defined by the flow axis 141 and the vertical axis 151 from their relative regions, and the regions in question are projected along the lines of the intersecting axes onto the region of the fin surface (e.g., the inner surface of 108a) facing the inner surface of another fin (e.g., the inner surface of 108b). For the purposes of the claims, these are referred to as “projected regions”.

[0149] The fin couplers 120a and 120b may consist of different shapes and structures. For example, one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b may be, for example, rod-shaped or cylindrical. Shape, brace bar, beam (in some cases, square, circular, triangular when there is no flow) Strips having a flat region (with a cross-section relative to a plane defined by the flow axis 141 and vertical axis 151, such as other polygons, ellipses, etc.), if no flow exists, the flow axis 141 and It is flat or substantially flat with respect to the plane defined by the vertical axis 151, or The fin couplers may be flat with respect to the plane defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131, or they may be spiral, etc. Different combinations of shapes of the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are contemplated herein, for example, a fin sensor 102 may have an upstream fin coupler 120a which is a rod and a downstream fin coupler 120b represented by one or more brace bars. These are merely examples, and all combinations of shapes and structures are contemplated herein.

[0150] The fin connectors 120a and 120b may be composed of any number of materials, including the conduit 110, - 106, transducers 104a~c, fins 108a and 108b, and / or one of the portions of fins 108a and 108b to which fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are coupled, They may be composed of any combination or all different materials. The fin couplers 120a and 120b may be made of the same material throughout the fin sensor 102, or they may be composed of different materials. They may have different compositions in between.

[0151] One or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b are among the fin couplers 120a and 120b To allow for some degree of deflection and mode flexibility in one or more of the flexible material They may be fabricated from a material, and in some cases, the flexibility of movement of one or more of the fins 108a and 108b, or one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b, in some modes is increased compared to other modes. One or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b are fin Limiting the deflection and mode flexibility in one or more of the coupling units 120a and 120b. They may be fabricated from a rigid material, and in some cases, the flexibility of movement of one or more of the fins 108a and 108b, or one or more of the fin couplers 120a and 120b, in some modes is increased compared to other modes. The fin couplers 120a and 120b may be assembled with the fins 108a and 108b, and this assembly is referred to herein as the fin coupler assembly.

[0152] The fin couplers 120a and 120b can increase the curl of fins 108a and 108b when fins 120a and 120b are driven in different phase modes. The fin couplers 120a and 120b can increase axial stiffness, which can result in increased curl. Increased curl can, in some cases, allow the fin sensor 102 to couple the fin well with the flow medium, as is the case with typical Coriolis mass flowmeters, fork meters, or fin meters. This makes it possible to induce an Ori response. Also, the curl generated on fins 108a and 108b by including fin couplers 120a and 120b in out-of-phase mode provides a potentially higher frequency than the fin sensor 102 which is similarly driven in in-phase mode, and latent Mode separation can be created intrinsically. The axial stiffness provided by the fin couplers 120a and 120b also keeps the tips of the free edges 199 of the fins 108a and 108b stationary, substantially By keeping them stationary or if the fins 108a and 108b were not coupled by the fin couplers 120a and 120b, the mobility of the free edges of the fins 108a and 108b can be at least limited, thereby reducing their drag in the fluid medium and potentially reducing their influence on fluid-structure interactions.

[0153] The fin couplers 120a and 120b should be understood as functional elements that function independently of the base 106 and transducers 104a-c. The fin couplers 120a and 120b may be separate from the base 106 and transducers 104a-c, and the fin couplers 120a and 120b may not be coupled to one or more of the transducers 104a-c and the base 106. In some cases, the elements may not be coupled to either. In this configuration, the fin couplers 120a and 120b are connected to the base 106 and transducers 104a~c to the fins 108a and Unlike methods that affect the movement of fin 108b, this method can affect the movement of fins 108a and 108b.

[0154] For the purposes of this specification, a fin coupling assembly comprises at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) are connected to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) This is an assembly to be combined. Embodiments in which more fin couplers and fins are coupled are contemplated. For example, in an embodiment, the fin coupler assembly may consist of, for example, two (120a And 120b, as shown in the figure, has two fins (108a and 108b) connected by three, four, five, six, or more fin couplers. In further embodiments, fin A fin coupler assembly may have coupling elements used to connect fins to fin couplers. These coupling elements may be formed as components of either or both of the fins and / or fin couplers, or the entire fin coupler assembly may be molded. Examples of coupling elements may include recesses, tabs, pins, segments for use by threading, brazing, soldering, or welding, fasteners, adhesives, etc.

[0155] The base 106 is the base of the fin sensor 102 to which the fins are attached. The movement of fins 108a and 108b can be restricted. In this embodiment, base 106 is The base 106 has an opening in which fins 108a and 108b are located, and the fins 108a and 108b have upper 153 and lower 155 elements.

[0156] In this embodiment, the base 106 acts as an element of the conduit, and the sides of the base 106 The conduit is conformal to the conduit so that (in some cases, the lower side 155 in the illustrated embodiment) is exposed to the fluid flowing through the conduit 110 during operation.

[0157] In the embodiment, the base 106 may be a plate or may have a plate. In the embodiment, the plate is smaller than the thickness of the material defining the wall of the conduit 110 or The plate may have a large thickness (or hardness). In the embodiment, the plate may be thicker in certain parts and thinner in other parts. For example, the center of the plate may be thinner than the region where the plate is joined to the conduit, relative to the intersecting axis 131. The center of the plate may be thinner than the edge of the plate adjacent to the conduit 110 at the intersecting axis 131, and the center of the plate relative to the intersecting axis 131 may be thinner than the edge of the plate adjacent to the conduit 110 at the intersecting axis 131 The plate may be thicker than the edge of the plate, and the thickness of the plate is adjacent to the conduit at the intersecting axis 131. Increase or decrease from at least the edge of the plate to the center of the plate along the intersecting axis 131 It may have a grade that follows one of the others, and so on. In embodiments, instead of changing the thickness of the plate, the material can be changed, allowing for a softer and harder region of the plate. Any relationship in the plate disclosed with respect to thickness and thinness is intended with respect to hardness and flexibility (possibly by various materials), respectively. Changing the thickness (or flexibility) of the plate allows for better net force offsetting along the vertical axis 151. It can be done.

[0158] The base coupler 116 is necessary for coupling the base 106 to the environment in which the fin sensor 102 is being used. It is a basic element. For example, a base coupler 116 is used to connect the base 106 of the fin sensor 102 to the flow. It can be connected to a position for measuring, for example, conduit 110. The base connector 116 can connect the base 106 to the conduit along the outer circumference of the base 106. The base 106 is, for example, molten By one or more of the following: bonding, brazing, adhesive bonding, or mechanical fitting, in the art The base coupler 116 may be coupled in any known manner. In one embodiment, The base 106 may be formed as an integral component with the base coupler 116.

[0159] The balance rib 118 partially restricts the deflection of the base 106 at a specific location on the base 106. It is an element that... The balance rib 118 can be an elongated member. The balance rib 118 can be made of a material that has sufficient rigidity to limit motion such as vibration and / or oscillation. The balance rib 118 is a fin on the vertical axis 151 with respect to the conduit 110 This can help eliminate the net movement of the sensor 102. The balance rib 118 may be coupled to one or more of the base 106, conduit 110, and base coupler 116. In the embodiment, the balance rib 118 is directly coupled to at least one of the fins 108a and 108b. However, in other embodiments, the balance rib 118 is not coupled to the fins 108a and 108b. This is also acceptable. In various embodiments, the balance rib 118 is positioned at several locations along the base 106, for example, a position along the base that includes at least the center of the base 106, a position along the base 106 that represents a portion of the center of the base 106 on the cross axis 131 along a portion of the flow axis 141, and so on. It may be coupled to the base 106. In this embodiment, the balance rib 118 extends over the length of the base 106. It can extend or substantially extend, and the length of base 106 may be the base The total length of the base 106 or the length of the base 106 not limited by the base coupler 116. The coupling 116 is equidistant from the portion of the fin that protrudes through the base 106 along the intersecting axis 131. It may be coupled to the base plate at the position located at [location]. In some cases, along the intersecting axis 131 By arranging the balance rib 118 between the fin protrusions at an equidistant distance from the protrusions, The balance rib 118 can force the fin to rotate along a point of rotation at the edge of the base 106 or at a point substantially near the edge of the base 106 where the base 106 is not restricted. This is because the fin does not have net vertical axis movement 151 and therefore does not move around This can be made so that the structure does not have a reactive movement.

[0160] In the embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetrical along this length around the center line 198, the balance rib 118 has a center line 198 that represents the center of the longest length of the balance rib 118. It is possible. In Figure 1, it is shown as a dashed line visible on the surface, but the center line may vary depending on the case. The center of mass in each cross-section defined by the planes of the intersecting axis 131 and the vertical axis 151 lies inside the balance rib 118. In this embodiment, the balance rib 118 is located at the center line 198 The fin sensor 102 can be coupled so as to be parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. In the embodiment, the balance rib 118 is uniformly arranged along the flow axis 141 around the centerline 198. It can have a thickness of varying thickness. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 has a thickness that varies around the center line 198 along the flow axis 141, and / or along the flow axis 141 itself within the intersecting axis 131. It can have a thickness that varies. For example, in this embodiment, the center line 198 is the center The thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 196 within the intersecting axis 131 is centered on the center line 198. The thickness may be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131. In another embodiment, at least one end of the balance rib 196 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198 The thickness is greater than the thickness of the central part of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198. It's okay if it's small.

[0161] Embodiments in which a balanced base assembly is formed are considered. The balanced base assembly may include at least a base 106 and a balance rib 118. In various embodiments, the balanced base assembly may further include fins 108a and 108b. Furthermore, the base 106 may be configured to be a variable base 306, as shown in Figure 3 and generally described herein. In embodiments, this balanced base The assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0162] Transducers 104a-c drive and / or measure the movement of fins 108a and 108b. It is an element that does this. Three transducers are shown in the figure, but any number of transducers A transducer can be used. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the upstream transducer 104a measures the upstream vibration of the relative motion between the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. It is a smart transducer. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the drive transducer 104b is a smart transducer. A projection that functions as a driver and is located in the center of the projection 114a of the first fin 108a and / or The segment of projection 114a and the projection 114b or projection 114b located in the center of the second fin 108b It is a transducer that vibrates the segment, and its central position is along the flow axis 141. This is the central position of the fin. In other embodiments, the drive transducer 104b acting as a driver can drive the base 106, or more of the fins 108a and 108b It can drive fewer or more. In another embodiment, the drive transducer 104b is located inside the base 106 and is connected to one or more of the base 106 and / or . At least one of 108a and 108b can be vibrated. The implementation shown in Figure 1. In this configuration, the downstream transducer 104c is a sensing transducer that measures the downstream vibration of the relative motion between the first fin 108a and the second fin 108b. A phase difference or time delay between the upstream and downstream vibrations can be measured to result in a mass flow rate of fluid flowing through and / or around the fins. In another embodiment, a command signal from the drive transducer 104b can be used instead of, or in addition to, the vibration response measured upstream or downstream to determine the phase difference. Transducers 104a~c are Furthermore, it can be used to drive and obtain measurements that can be used in conjunction with known techniques to determine density and / or viscosity. Combining these measurements can yield volumetric flow rates. Methods for these determinations are well known in the art.

[0163] In this embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c are coupled to fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Alternatively, the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling transducers. For example, in one embodiment, each of 114a and 114b has three segments The segments may have complementary surfaces facing each other between fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Each of the transducers 104a-c may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of fin protrusions 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other within the intersecting axis 131). In this embodiment, three transistors The transducers 104a to 108b may be aligned with each other within the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, the transducers 104a to 108b may be coupled to the fins 108a and 108b at a position located on the side of the base 106 opposite to the side of the base 106 having the immersed portions of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0164] In various embodiments, fin couplers 120a and / or 120b can couple fins 108a and / or 108b on the immersion side 342 or the outer side 344. For example, in an embodiment, the fin coupler couples fins 108a and 108b on the outside by coupleting fin protrusions 114a and 114b, for example by coupleting segments representing fin protrusions 114a and 114b. The fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are located below 155 of the area on fins 108a and / or 108b to which one or more transducers 104a-c are coupled. It may be coupled to a fin at a position 153 above. In this embodiment, the fin The coupler 120a and / or 120b is connected to the fin 108a of the transducer 104a~c. At a position closer to the base 106 than the position on 108b, the outer 344 of the base 106 They are coupled to fins. In the embodiment, the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are coupled to fins on the outside 344 of the base 106 at a position closer to the position on fins 108a and / or 108b to which transducers 104a~c are coupled than to the base 106. In the embodiment in which the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are coupled to fins 108a and / or 108b on the outside 344 of the base 106, it can be understood that the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b may be outside the fluid flow, which can reduce the possibility that the fin couplers 120a and / or 120b may affect the flow profile and / or be susceptible to erosion and / or corrosion. In embodiments in which fin couplers 120a and / or 120b are coupled to fins 108a and / or 108b outside 344 of base 106, fin couplers 120a and / or 120b can still induce mode splitting and / or can still induce more curl in OOP mode.

[0165] The meter electronic equipment 112 is a set of electronic logic circuits that determine flow characteristics from flow measurement values. Although the meter electronic equipment 112 is not shown in Figure 1, the configuration and coupling method of the meter electronic equipment are well known in the art. The meter electronic equipment 112 is a logical circuit representing a processing element. A logic circuit representing a path, memory, a logic circuit for sending and receiving data, and a communication circuit for connecting to sensors, drivers, computing devices, other meter electronic equipment 112, etc. It can have a combination. The meter electronic device 112 stores in memory by the processor. The system can execute commands to transmit drive signals, receive sensor data (for example, from sensing transducers such as the upstream transducer 104a and the downstream transducer 104c), determine flow characteristics, and / or transmit raw or determined data to an external computing device or sensor. Meter electronic equipment 112 This can be used, for example, to determine and / or transmit data representing mass flow rate, density, volumetric flow rate, etc. The meter electronic equipment 112 uses the drive transducer 104b It can be configured to drive or transmit commands to drive the fins 108a and 108b at different frequencies, phases, and / or in different modes. In an embodiment, the meter electronics 112 may be coupled to the base 106 or the fins 108a and 108b, and optionally to the outside 344 of the base 106. In another embodiment, the meter electronics 112 may be an external device to the fin sensor 102. The meter electronics 112 may be an embodiment of the computer system 400 in Figure 4.

[0166] In the embodiment, one, any combination of, or all of the electronic elements are outside the fluid flow. The electronic elements may also be located outside the base. The electronic elements may include one, any combination of, or all of the transducers 104a-104c and / or the meter electronics 112.

[0167] The flow axis 141 is the overall direction of the expected flow of the fluid within the conduit, and the flow axis 141 is perpendicular to the intersecting axis 131 and the vertical axis 151. In a straight conduit, this axis may be defined by the center inside the conduit along a line representing the fluid flow. The upstream direction 143 is defined along the flow axis 141 as the upstream direction in which the fluid flows. The downstream direction 145 is defined along the flow axis 141 as the downstream direction in which the fluid flows.

[0168] The vertical axis 151 is the internal cross-section of the base 106 and the conduit 110 when the conduits are joined (same as the entire conduit). The vertical axis 151 is a line that bisects the center point of the cross section (which has a certain inner diameter), and is perpendicular to the flow axis 141 and the cross axis 131. The upward direction 153 is along the vertical axis 151 from the center of the conduit 110 to the base 106. The downward direction 155 is defined as the direction from the base 106 to the center of the conduit 110 along the vertical axis 151.

[0169] The intersecting axis 131 is parallel or substantially parallel to the base 106 (or, if the base is curved, parallel to a line representing the average distance of the base 106 from the center of the conduit 110), is perpendicular to the fluid flow, and the intersecting axis 131 is perpendicular to the flow axis 141 and the vertical axis 151. The first direction 133 and the second direction 135 are opposite directions along the intersecting axis 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the first direction 133 is defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131 from a viewpoint facing the downstream direction 145. When viewing the cross-section of the pipe 110, the direction of the pipe 110 can be considered to be to the left. The direction and reference axis appear to be based on the fin sensor 102 and the flow through it, but the direction And when described with respect to the reference axis, the disclosed embodiments of the fin sensor meter simply describe the relative position, coupling, arrangement, and configuration of those elements of the fin sensor 102. It should be understood that, in order to show it separated from the overall flow passing through it, it can be considered as an independent element with direction and reference axis. For example, the balance rib 118 If the thickness changes along the flow axis, that change affects the balance rib 118 itself in the figure. This may only apply to the flow or the flow sensor 102, and may not generally apply to the flow or the flow sensor 102. The disclosed embodiments of the fin sensor 102 and its elements are mainly, for example, during manufacturing or The relative position, coupling, arrangement, and configuration of the fin sensor 102 when it is not subjected to flow during installation. Please understand the relationship between these criteria for achieving success.

[0170] Figures 2A to 2C show perspective views of embodiments of fin coupler assemblies 200a to 200c. Fin coupler assemblies 200a to 200c are the same as the fin coupler assemblies disclosed in the description of Figure 1. This can be an embodiment. The images shown do not need to be to scale, and it should be understood that embodiments with different relative dimensions are intended. For clarity, a reference is shown for specific viewpoints in Figures 2A to 2C, with reference directions and reference axes. Figure 2A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200a having a rod-shaped fin coupler 220a. The rod-shaped fin coupler 220a can be an embodiment of fin couplers (120a and 120b). For the purposes of this specification, a fin coupler assembly is an assembly in which at least one fin (108a and / or 108b) is coupled to at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b). The rod-shaped fin coupler 220a can be an embodiment of fin coupler 120a or 120b.

[0171] Figure 2B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200b having a strip-shaped fin coupler 220b. The strip-shaped fin coupler 220b can be an embodiment of fin couplers 120a and / or 120b. In alternative embodiments, the flat portion of the strip may be parallel to the plane defined by the intersecting axis 131 and the flow axis 141, for example, when there is no flow in the conduit, or parallel to the plane defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131, or it may have a helically twisted portion. In another embodiment, the strip-shaped fin coupler 220b may have at least one tapered end. For example, The strip-shaped fin coupler 220b has an upstream 143 end and One or more of the downstream ends of the 145 are aligned with the flow axis 141 of the strip-shaped fin coupler 220b. The cross-sectional area in the plane defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131 is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the plane defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131 at the central position. For example, the vertical axis 151 and the flow of the strip-shaped fin coupler 220b The cross-section in the plane defined by the axis 141 is defined by the upstream end 143 and the downstream end 145 of the cross-section. In one or more of the cross-sections, within the vertical axis 151, at least one central part within the cross-sectional flow axis 141 It can be even narrower than a minute.

[0172] Figure 2C shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a fin coupler assembly 200c having a brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c. The brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c can be an embodiment of fin coupler 120a or 120b. The curve 204c of the brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c may be such that the brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c is coupled between different or the same position on the corresponding faces of fins 108a and 108b. For example, the brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c may be a second fin coupler to which the same brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c can be coupled. The second fin 108b is coupled to a position on the first fin 108a located 153 above the corresponding surface position of fin 108b, and the same brace bar-shaped fin coupler 220c can be coupled to the second fin 108b. This can be one or more of the following: being coupled to a position on the first fin 108a located upstream 143 of the corresponding position on the surface.

[0173] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2A to 2C, it should be understood that, regardless of their shape or structure, either fin coupler 120a and / or 120b can be coupled to each of the fins 108a and / or 108b in any position or manner disclosed herein.

[0174] Figure 3 shows a fin sensor 302 with a variable base 306 in a balanced base assembly. This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow sensor system 300 having the following: The cross-section in the cross-sectional view is a cross-section in a plane defined by the vertical axis 151 and the intersecting axis 131. The flow sensor system 300 is The variable base 306, the first fin 308a, the second fin 308b, the immersion side 342, and the outer side 344 It may have a fin sensor 302. Flow sensor system 300, fin sensor 302, possible The variable base 306, the first fin 308a, and the second fin 308b are respectively the fin sensor system 100, fin sensor 102, base 106, first fin 108a, and second fin 108b in Figure 1. This can be an embodiment. The variable base 306 may have a first rigid portion 310, a second rigid portion 312, and a flexible portion 314. The reference direction and axis correspond to the diagram in Figure 3. The images shown do not necessarily have to be to scale, and it should be understood that embodiments with different relative dimensions are intended.

[0175] In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible portion 314 is the center of the variable base 306 (variable at the cross axis 131). The first and second rigid portions 310 and 312 of the variable base 306 are located on the sides of the variable base 306 near where the variable base 306 is connected to the conduit. In various embodiments, the transition between the flexible portion 314 and the rigid portions 310 and 312 increases the hardness from the center of the variable base 306 to the respective edges of the first and second sides of the variable base 306. The transition may be smooth in that respect, or the transition may be from the center of the variable base 306 to the variable base It will be understood that this can occur gradually with increasing hardness within the block up to the respective edges of the first and second sides. In embodiments, this can be achieved by making the flexible portion thinner and the rigid portion thicker, and possibly by cutting out a portion of the base 106. Alternatively, the difference in flexibility and hardness can be facilitated by forming the base 106 as various bases 306 of varying thicknesses. In another embodiment, flexibility and hardness can be varied by using different materials or alloys along the intersecting axis 131, with the rigid portions 310 and 312 being harder and the flexible portion 314 being softer. A balance rib 118 can be coupled to the variable base 306 at the center of the intersecting axis 131 of the variable base 306. The length is along, or substantially along, the flow axis 141 (it is not visible in this figure within the planes representing the intersecting axis 131 and the vertical axis 151).

[0176] As shown in the figure, with the balance rib 118 connected to the variable base 306, the flexible portion 314 This can represent the area around the balance rib 118. If there are no balance ribs 118, 314 As shown in the figure, it will be understood that this does not necessarily represent separate flexible parts (the balance rib 118 can add rigidity when coupled to the sensor 302). In the embodiment, the portion of the variable base 306 between the two fins 108a and 108b (along the intersecting axis 131) is The portion of the variable base 306 between each of the fins 108a and 108b (on the cross axis 131) and the edge of the variable base 306 may be softer than the portion of the variable base 306 between each of them. In the embodiment, the flexible portion 314 and the rigid portions 310 and 312 are made closer to the cross axis 131, with at least one of the fins 108a and 108b being In this configuration, it can be formed by coupling the balance rib 118 to the edge of the variable base 306.

[0177] Embodiments in which the variable base 306 does not have balance ribs 118, and in which the fin sensor 102 is variable Embodiments are intended to have balance ribs 118 without a base 306. For example, embodiments have consistent thickness and material (plates resulting from bonding with the environment such as conduits 110) It is possible to have a base 106 that has uniform characteristics on its own (with fluctuations), and still The balance rib 118 can be included. In this embodiment, the base 106 may be a uniform thin plate.

[0178] In the embodiment, the base 106 is a substantially flat member having a thin edge with respect to the surface regions of two opposing surfaces. One of the two surfaces may be characterized as the immersion side 342 surface, and the side opposite the immersion side 342 surface may be called the outer surface 344. The immersion side 342 is The fins 108a and 108b and / or the base 106 are exposed to the fluid being measured. This represents the side of the base 106. The outer side 344 represents the surface of the base 106 on which the fin protrusions 114a and 114b are located and which can be coupled to a transducer if necessary.

[0179] In the embodiment, the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments, which may optionally protrude through openings in the base 106 when the fin sensor 302 is assembled. In the embodiment, transducers 104a-c have fin protrusions 114a and may be coupled to 114b. The fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling transducers. For example, in the embodiment, each of 114a and 114b may have three segments, and the segments may optionally be fin The transducers 104a to 104b have complementary surfaces that face each other between projections 114a and 114b. Each may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments of the fin protrusions 114a and 114b (the corresponding segments may face each other within the intersecting axis 131). In this configuration, the three transducers 104a to c may be aligned with each other within the flow axis 141. (At least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, transform Deuces 104a-c are located at the outer 344 of the base 106, with fins 108a and 108b It may be combined with

[0180] Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of the computer system 400. In this embodiment, the computer system 400 may be meter electronics, for example, meter electronics 112. In various embodiments, the computer system 400 may be an application-specific integrated circuit or It may be configured as follows, or it may have separate processor and memory elements, the processor element processing commands from the memory element and storing data in the memory element. The computer system 400 may be a separate physical system, a virtual machine, and Alternatively, it may be established in a cloud computing environment.

[0181] The computer system includes a processor 410, memory 420, input / output 430, and communication connections. It may have a combiner 440. The memory 420 may include, for example, a drive module 422, a signal module The system may have an integrated circuit that stores and / or represents the line 424 and the processing module 426. In various embodiments, the computer system 400 is integrated with the elements described. or it may have other computer elements that communicate with or in addition to the computer elements described, such as a bus, other communication protocols, etc.

[0182] The processor 410 is a data processing element. The processor 410 can be any element used for processing, such as a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit, another integrated circuit, an analog controller, a graphics processing unit, a field-programmable gate array, or any combination of these or other common processing elements. The processor 410 processes data. It can have a cache memory for storage. The processor 410 can benefit from the methods herein because the methods can improve the computational resolution and reduce the errors of those computations using the structures of the present invention presented. The reason is that the method can improve the computational resolution and reduce the errors of those computations using the presented structure of the present invention.

[0183] The memory 420 is an electronic storage device. The memory 420 may be any non - transient storage medium, such as a hard drive, solid - state drive, volatile memory, integrated circuit, field - programmable gate array, random - access memory, read - only memory, dynamic random - access memory, erasable programmable read - only memory, electrically erasable programmable read - only memory, cache memory, etc., one, several or all of them may be included. The processor 410 can execute commands from the memory 420 and utilize the data stored in the memory.

[0184] The computer system 400 can be configured to store any data used by the drive module 422, signal module 424, and / or processing module 426, and can store historical data of any amount of time representing any parameters received or used by the drive module 422, signal module 424, and / or processing module 426 in the memory 420. The computer system 400 can also store in the memory 420 any data representing any intermediate decisions, optionally with a timestamp indicating when the data was acquired or determined. The drive module 422, signal module 424, and processing module 426 are shown as three separate individual modules It can store historical data of any amount of time representing any parameters received or used by the drive module 422, signal module 424, and / or processing module 426 in the memory 420. The computer system 400 can also store in the memory 420 any data representing any intermediate decisions, optionally with a timestamp indicating when the data was acquired or determined. The drive module 422, signal module 424, and processing module 426 are shown as three separate individual modules However, this specification envisions any number (which may be one or three as specified) and various modules working in coordination to achieve the methods expressed herein.

[0185] The drive module 422 sends a driver signal to vibrate the elements of the sensor assembly. This is a module that transmits to the lanced transducer (for example, the drive transducer 104b in Figure 1). The drive module 422 contains data representing commands for driving in various different modes. It can be configured to transmit. For example, the drive module 422 can transmit in IP mode. Configured to send data representing commands for calling and / or driving in OOP mode. It is possible to do so.

[0186] The signal module 424 receives sensor data, such as phase difference, time delay, and / or frequency. This is a module that receives data representing the wavenumber response. In the fin sensor 102, the signal module Joule 424 is connected to the upstream transducer 104a and the downstream transducer 104c. Wavenumber data can be received. The phase difference or time delay between frequencies is determined by the frequency data of the upstream transducer 104a and the downstream transducer 104c.

[0187] The processing module 426 is a module that determines the behavior of the fin sensor 102 and / or outputs data related to the fin sensor 102. The processing module 426 can determine the flow characteristics from the data received by the signal module 424. For example, the processing module Joule 426 uses methods known in the art to determine the phase difference or time The mass flow rate of the fluid can be calculated using the delayed data. In the embodiment, the processing module 426 uses time delay or phase (when compared to another transducer signal). The drive signal from drive module 422 can be used as the signal from which the difference is derived. The processing module 426 can also derive the fluid density from the frequency data received by the signal module 424. The processing module 426 can also derive the fluid viscosity from the frequency and / or phase data received by the signal module 424.

[0188] The processing module 426 may be further configured to determine the mode and / or frequency to drive the driver by driving a closed or open feedback loop to achieve one or more of the desired frequencies or phase differences. Once a data command representing the drive mode to be driven is determined, the processing module 426 performs this A command is sent to the drive module 422 to drive, for example, the drive transducer 104b. It can send commands to drive the driver circuit, among other things.

[0189] The capabilities of the drive module 422, the signal module 424, and the processing module 426 are presented. This reflects the methods intended for and performed in the flowcharts described herein. All methods herein are intended for each flowchart and the description of the flowchart, and all methods of the drive module 422, signal module 424, and processing module 426. The capabilities are intended for the purposes of any method claim following this description, in the order of the presented steps and any other order which will be meaningful to those skilled in the art in the context of this specification.

[0190] The input / output 430 is a device used to connect the computer system 400 to an external element in a communicative manner. The input / output 430 can connect to, for example, a universal serial bus, ProLink, etc. The computer system 400 can be connected to external elements using known technologies such as real communication and serial advanced technology attachments. The input / output 430 connects to the communication coupler 440. It can have. The communication coupler 440 connects the computer system 400 to external components of the computer system 400, such as external computing devices, sensors, transducers (for example). Used to couple with transducers 104a~c), other sensor assemblies, etc. .

[0191] [flowchart] Figures 5 to 9 show flowcharts illustrating embodiments of methods for manufacturing and using embodiments of fin coupler assemblies, balanced base assemblies, and combinations of fin coupler and balanced base assemblies. The methods disclosed in the flowcharts are not exhaustive and merely illustrate potential embodiments of steps and sequences. The method includes, for example, a base 106 (e.g., variable base 306), fins 108a and 108b, balance rib 118, and fin couplers 120a and 120b, as disclosed in the description of Figures 1 to 4. It must be interpreted in the context of the entire specification, including the elements.

[0192] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of method 500 for using the fin coupling assembly of the fin sensor 102. The flowchart of the state is shown. The method steps of method 500 are elements presented in other figures. Embodiments are presented, including references to the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, structures, relative combinations, and arrangements of these elements disclosed in the other figures and their descriptions are conspiracy for the purpose of performing these steps.

[0193] Step 502 is for the processing module 426 to determine data representing a first vibration to be driven by the drive transducer 104b. In an embodiment, the drive transformer The first drive unit driven by the transducer 104b can be one or both of the IP mode and the OOP mode. In an embodiment, the out-of-phase mode is a mode in which the frequencies of the vibrations of the fins 108a and 108b are 180° apart. The processing module 426 itself may transmit data representing the first vibration to a driver (for example, the drive transducer 104b), or the transmission may be performed via the drive module 422.

[0194] Step 504 is for the drive transducer 104b to vibrate based on data representing the first vibration to be driven.

[0195] Step 506 is for at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b that couples the first fin 108a to the second fin 108b to at least partially restrict the movement of the first fin 108a relative to the second fin 108b. In an embodiment, at least partially restricting can be restricting the movement of the free edge 199 of the first fin 108a relative to the movement of the free edge 199 of the second fin 108b. In an embodiment, at least partially restricting can be at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b restricting the movement of the first fin 108a at any site where the fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is coupled to the first fin relative to the movement of the second fin 108b. In an embodiment is that at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b does not directly restrict the movement of any element of the base 106, and at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is not coupled to an element of the base 106. In an embodiment, at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b does not directly restrict the movement of any element of the transducers 104a - c, and at least At least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b is not coupled to an element of transducer 104a-c. All coupling methods, structures, and alternative arrangements of fins 108a and 108b and fin couplers 120a and 120b are contemplated for this step.

[0196] Step 508 optionally involves signal module 424 or processing module 426 The goal is to receive data representing at least one sensor signal. The signal module 424 has a small number of options. In an embodiment where data representing a single sensor signal is received, the signal module 424 takes this information, or data representing at least one signal from the signal module, and derives the result from this information. The processing output can be transmitted to the processing module 426.

[0197] Step 510 is optionally to determine flow fluid characteristics, such as mass flow rate and / or density, by the processing module 426.

[0198] In the embodiment, each step of the method shown in Figure 5 is a separate step. Another embodiment Although shown as separate steps in Figure 5, steps 502 to 512 are separate steps It does not have to be a step. In other embodiments, the method shown in Figure 5 is all of the above steps. It does not have to have, and / or it may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method shown in Figure 5 may be performed in a different order. Good. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown in Figure 5 are those It can be used to form its own method. The steps of method 500 are, for example, The process can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, such as by continuously looping to maintain monitoring.

[0199] Figure 6 shows the practical application of Method 600 for using the balanced base assembly of the fin sensor 102. A flowchart of the implementation method is shown. The method steps of Method 600 are presented in other figures. Embodiments are presented, including references to the elements and other figures. All capabilities, structures, relative combinations, and arrangements of these elements disclosed in the other figures and their descriptions are conspiracy for the purpose of performing these steps.

[0200] Step 602 controls the movement of fins 108a and 108b by the drive transducer 104b. It is about driving.

[0201] Step 604 restricts the movement of the base 106 in response to the drive by the balance rib 118. In this embodiment, the balance rib 118 can restrict the movement of the base 106 along the center or substantially central portion of the base 106, the center being defined as the center of the cross axis 131. Step 604 is to ensure that the movement of fins 108a and 108b is controlled from the center of the conduit to the sensor assembly. The fin sensor 102 does not generate net movement in the direction passing through the center of the yellowtail, providing balance. This can result in the sensor assembly not moving relative to the connected support structure. In the embodiment, this may be defined along the center of the conduit, which may be along the vertical axis 151. Fins 108a and / or 108b and / or fins extending from the center of base 106 It is not necessary to provide the net motion of the sensor 102. In some embodiments, the Finsensor The fins 108a and 108b of sa 102 rotate around the respective center points of fins 108a and 108b. It will be understood that it can rotate. In the embodiment, the balance rib 118 at least partially restricts the movement of the base 106 along the vertical axis 151 along the central portion of the base 106, the central portion being the portion defined by the center of the cross axis 131. In the embodiment, the balance ri B 118 is the part on the cross axis 131 to which the first fin 108a is attached or will be attached. The balance rib 118 at least partially restricts the movement of the base 106 at positions between the position on the base 106 and different positions on the base 106 to which the second fin 108b is or will be coupled. In the embodiment, the balance rib 118 at least partially restricts the movement of the base 106 at positions equidistant from the position of the first fin 108a and different positions of the second fin 108b on the cross axis 131. This may also be done. In this embodiment, the balance rib 118 is less than the base 106 parallel to the flow axis 141. In both cases, the movement of the base 106 along the straight section can be restricted at least partially. In this configuration, the balance rib 118 is located at the downstream 145 end of the base 106 and the upstream 143 end of the base 106. The movement of one or more of the parts is restricted to a size smaller than the center of the base 106. The movement can be restricted at least partially, and the center of the base 106 is the center of the base 106 within the flow axis 141. Alternatively, the balance rib 118 is the downstream end 145 of the base 106 and the base The movement of the base 106 can be restricted at least partially such that the movement of one or more of the upstream ends 143 of the base 106 is more restricted than the movement of the center of the base 106, where the center of the base 106 is the center of the base 106 within the flow axis 141.

[0202] In the embodiment, each step of the method shown in Figure 6 is a separate step. Another embodiment Although shown as separate steps in Figure 6, steps 602-604 are separate steps It does not have to be a step. In other embodiments, the method shown in Figure 6 is all of the above steps. It does not have to have, and / or it may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method shown in Figure 6 may be performed in a different order. Good. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown in Figure 6 are those It can be used to form its own method. The steps of method 600 are, for example, The process can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, such as by continuously looping to maintain monitoring.

[0203] Figure 7 shows an embodiment of method 700 for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly for a fin sensor 102. A low chart is shown. The method steps of Method 700 are the elements and presented in other figures. Embodiments are presented, including references to the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, structures, relative couplings, and arrangements of these elements disclosed in the other figures and their descriptions are intended for the purpose of performing these steps. In the embodiments, the fin coupling assembly is combined with a base 106 (e.g., variable base 306) and / or balance rib 118. This allows for the formation of a combined, balanced base and fin coupler assembly. In this embodiment, the fin coupler assembly is a component of the fin sensor 102. That's fine.

[0204] Step 702 is optionally to form first and second fins 108a and 108b. The manufacturing methods used to form these components may be any suitable manufacturing techniques known in the art, such as molding, extrusion, and other methods, and / or any combination thereof. The fin couplers may be formed from, for example, metal or composite material, and may be formed by, for example, additive (3D printing) manufacturing, machining from solid blocks, machining of parts, and assembly using any or any combination of fasteners, adhesives, welding, brazing, etc.

[0205] Step 704 is to form at least one fin coupler (e.g., first and second fin couplers 120a and / or 120b). Methods for manufacturing elements such as fin couplers are well known in the art, such as molding, extrusion, and other methods. Fin couplers can be formed from, for example, metal, plastic, or other composite materials. At least one fin coupler may be, for example, a rod, a strip, or The balance bar may be formed in various shapes. In the embodiment, at least one The fin coupler can be formed as a single piece by fins 108a and 108b, and / or by separate steps of forming fins 108a and 108b (as in step 702), and / or Alternatively, a separate step of coupling at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b Eliminates the need. In the embodiment, at least one fin coupler connects fins 108a and 108b, for example, one of the at least one fin coupler or One or more configured to bind more easily and / or more effectively at both ends They may be formed by coupling elements. In another embodiment, one or more of the fins 108a and 108b may be formed by coupling elements such that at least one fin coupler is more easily and / or more effectively coupled to the fins 108a and 108b. In yet another embodiment, at least one fin coupler and both of the fins 108a and 108b may be formed by coupling elements. At the very least, in order to connect one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b, corresponding to each It may have or complementary bonding elements. In the embodiment, at least one Fi The fin coupler can be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or any other number of fin couplers. Good. In the embodiment, at least one fin 108a and / or 108b and at least One or more of the other fin couplers 120a and / or 120b, at least one fin 108a and / or 108b and at least one fin coupler 120a and / or 120b They may be formed by connecting elements configured to facilitate joining between them.

[0206] Step 706 is to connect at least one fin coupler to the first and second fins 108a and 108b. In embodiments in which one or more of the fins 108a and 108b and at least one fin coupler have a coupling element, at least one fin coupler and fin Fins 108a and 108b may be joined in and / or by the joining element. Any joining method is considered, such as welding, brazing, 3D printing, soldering, adhesive bonding, plastic molding or melting, complementary physical or mechanical connectors (e.g., screws), mating into recesses, etc. In the embodiment, the fin coupler 120a is joined to the base 106. Alternatively, a position closer to the free edge 199 of fin 108a than the edge of fin 108a to be joined. In this embodiment, the fins are coupled to the fin 108a. It is coupled to fins 108a and 108b. In this embodiment, the first fin coupler 120a may be coupled to at least one different point along the flow axis 141 where the second fin coupler 120b can be coupled.

[0207] Step 708 optionally involves the drive module 422, the signal module 424, and / or processing module. The meter electronics 112 is configured to store and / or execute one or more of the logic modules 426.

[0208] Step 710 is optionally to connect the fins 108a and 108b to the base 106. In this embodiment, the fins 108a and 108b protrude through an opening in the base 106 such that they have immersion portions configured to be submerged in a fluid flow, and fin projections 114a and 114b that protrude from the sides of the base 106 opposite the immersion portions.

[0209] In the embodiment, each step of the method shown in Figure 7 is a separate step. Another embodiment Although shown as separate steps in Figure 7, steps 702-710 are separate steps It does not have to be a step. In other embodiments, the method shown in Figure 7 is all of the above steps. It does not have to have, and / or it may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method shown in Figure 7 may be performed in a different order. Good. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown in Figure 7 are those It can be used to form its own method. The steps of method 700 are, for example, The process can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, such as by continuously looping to maintain monitoring.

[0210] Figure 8 shows an embodiment of method 800 for manufacturing a balanced base assembly of a fin sensor 102. The flowchart is shown. The steps of Method 800 are the elements presented in other diagrams. Embodiments are presented, including references to the descriptions of other figures. All capabilities, structures, relative couplings, and arrangements of these elements disclosed in the other figures and their descriptions are conspiracy for the purpose of performing these steps. In embodiments, a balanced base assembly may be manufactured using one or more fin couplers 120a and / or 120b to produce a combined balanced base and fin coupler assembly. In this configuration, the balanced base assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0211] Step 802 optionally includes transducers 104a-c, first and second fins 108a and 108b, meter electronics 112, balance rib 118, base coupler 116, and first and second The objective is to form the fin couplers 120a and 120b. The manufacturing methods used are established in the relevant technical field and include, for example, 3D printing, molding, and joining of individually formed components.

[0212] Step 804 is to form at least one base 106. The base 106 may be a flat or substantially flat member with little or no thickness over its larger surface area. In embodiments, the base 106 may be formed thinly and / or various Alternatively, it may be formed with uniform hardness. For example, the base 106 may be such that the center of the variable base 306 (which is the center of the intersecting axis 131) is not harder than the edges (of the variable base 306 at the intersecting axis 131). In other embodiments, it can be formed as a variable base 306. This variability can be achieved by forming the base 106 by molding to produce a variable base 306 having a center (along the intersecting axis 131) that is thinner (less material) than the edges (of the variable base 306 at the intersecting axis 131). In another embodiment, the variability is achieved by removing a portion of the base 106, and optionally When cut, the center (along the horizontal axis 131) is thinner than the edge (of the variable base 306 within the cross axis 131). This can be achieved by using a variable base (with less material) as base 106. In another embodiment, the base 106 is such that the center of the variable base 306 (along the intersecting axis 131) is (intersecting axis 131) Different materials along the cross axis 131 so as to be softer than the edges of the variable base 306 within the differential axis 131. It is composed of materials, and the base may be a variable base 306.

[0213] Step 806 is to form the balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 is an elongated part It can be made from any material known in the art that is sufficient to restrict the movement of the base 106, at least to some extent, using any standard manufacturing method. This can be done. In the embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetrical along this length on at least one axis, for example, if it is symmetrical on the intersecting axis 131 with respect to the center line 198, the balance rib 118 is such that the center line 198 represents the center of the longest length of the balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 may have the length of the center line 198 and around the center line 198. It can have various thicknesses. For example, in this embodiment, the intersection centered on the center line 198 The thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the difference axis 131 is centered on the center line 198. The thickness may be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131. In another embodiment, the thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198. The thickness is less than the thickness of the central part of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198. You can sear it.

[0214] Step 808 is to connect the balance rib 118 to the base 106. The balance rib 118 may be connected to the base at the central position of the base on the intersecting axis 131, and in some cases In this embodiment, the elongated portion may be coupled along or substantially along the flow axis 141. In an embodiment in which the base 106 has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, or has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, the balance rib 118 is coupled The base 106 may be coupled between the fins 108a and 108b, and in some cases, it may be coupled between the fins 108a and 108b along the cross axis 131, and in some cases, the position for coupling or being coupled to the first fin 108a and the position for coupling the second fin 108b along the cross axis 131 They may be coupled at different positions equidistant from each other for joining or connecting. The assembly formed when the balance rib 118 is coupled to the base 106 (or variable base 306) is This can be considered as a balanced base assembly for the fin sensor 102. In this embodiment, The balance rib 118 is positioned such that the center line 198 is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. It can be coupled to the fin sensor 102. In one embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a uniform thickness around the center line 198 along the flow axis 141. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a thickness that varies along the flow axis 141 around the center line 198 of the intersecting axis 131. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 in the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198 is such that the balance rib 118 has a uniform thickness around the center line 198. It may be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the rib 197. For example, in this embodiment, the center line 198 The thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198 may be less than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198.

[0215] Step 810 optionally involves balancing the base assembly, with fins 108a and 108b (field In some embodiments, the fin sensor 102 is formed by coupling transducers 104a-c, meter electronics 112, base coupler 116, and / or first and second fin couplers 120a and 120b (in some embodiments, having balance ribs 118 between fins 108a and 108b on the base 106). In embodiments, the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments, which may optionally be present when the fin sensor 302 is assembled. They each protrude through the opening of the 106. In the embodiment, transducers 104a to 104c may be coupled to fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling transducers. For example, in the embodiment, each of the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have three segments, and segment The to have complementary surfaces facing each other between the fin protrusions 114a and 114b, in some cases. Each of the transducers 104a to c has corresponding segments of the fin protrusions 114a and 114b. (The corresponding segments may face each other within the cross axis 131) They may be coupled. In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to c are located within the flow axis 141. They may be aligned with each other (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, transducers 104a to 108b are the immersed portions of fins 108a and 108b. The fins 108a and 108b may be coupled to the base 106 at a position located on the side of the base 106 opposite to the side of the base 106 having the fins 108a and 108b. The meter electronic equipment 112 may be coupled to the base 106 or to the fins 108a and 108b, and optionally to the outside 344 of the base 106.

[0216] In the embodiment, each step of the method shown in Figure 8 is a separate step. Another embodiment Although shown as separate steps in Figure 8, steps 802-810 are separate steps It does not have to be a step. In other embodiments, the method shown in Figure 8 is all of the above steps. It does not have to have, and / or it may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method shown in Figure 8 may be performed in a different order. Good. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown in Figure 8 are those It can be used to form its own method. The steps of method 800 are, for example, The process can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, such as by continuously looping to maintain monitoring.

[0217] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of method 900 for manufacturing a balanced base and fin coupler assembly for a fin sensor 102. The method steps of method 900 are presented by embodiments including elements presented in other figures and references to the descriptions of those figures. All capabilities, structures, relative couplings, and arrangements of these elements disclosed in the other figures and their descriptions are conspiracy for the purpose of performing these steps. In embodiments, the balanced base assembly may be a component of the fin sensor 102.

[0218] Step 902 is optionally to form transducers 104a-c, first and second fins 108a and 108b, meter electronics 112, base coupler 116, and first and second fin couplers 120a and 120b. Manufacturing methods used to form these components are established in the art and include, for example, 3D printing, molding, and joining of individually formed components.

[0219] Step 904 is to form at least one base 106. The base 106 may be a flat or substantially flat member with little or no thickness over its larger surface area. In embodiments, the base 106 may be formed thinly and / or various Alternatively, it may be formed with uniform hardness. For example, the base 106 is the center (intersection) of the variable base 306. The center of the differential axis 131 is not harder than the edge (of the variable base 306 on the cross axis 131). In other embodiments, it can be formed as a variable base 306. This variability can be achieved by forming the base 106 by molding to produce a variable base 306 having a center (along the intersecting axis 131) that is thinner (less material) than the edges (of the variable base 306 at the intersecting axis 131). In another embodiment, the variability is achieved by removing a portion of the base 106, and optionally When cut, the center (along the horizontal axis 131) is thinner than the edge (of the variable base 306 within the cross axis 131). This can be achieved by using a variable base (with less material) as base 106. In another embodiment, the base 106 is such that the center of the variable base 306 (along the intersecting axis 131) is (intersecting axis 131) Different materials along the cross axis 131 so as to be softer than the edges of the variable base 306 within the differential axis 131. It is composed of materials, and the base may be a variable base 306.

[0220] Step 906 is to form the balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 is an elongated part It can be made from any material known in the art that is sufficient to restrict the movement of the base 106, at least to some extent, using any standard manufacturing method. This can be done. In the embodiment, if the balance rib 118 is symmetrical along this length on at least one axis, for example, if it is symmetrical on the intersecting axis 131 with respect to the center line 198, the balance rib 118 is such that the center line 198 represents the center of the longest length of the balance rib 118. The balance rib 118 may have the length of the center line 198 and around the center line 198. It can have various thicknesses. For example, in this embodiment, the intersection centered on the center line 198 The thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the difference axis 131 is centered on the center line 198. The thickness may be greater than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131. In another embodiment, the thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198. The thickness is less than the thickness of the central part of the balance rib 197 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198. You can sear it.

[0221] Step 908 is to connect the balance rib 118 to the base 106. The balance rib 118 may be connected to the base at the central position of the base on the intersecting axis 131, and in some cases In this embodiment, the elongated portion may be coupled along or substantially along the flow axis 141. In an embodiment in which the base 106 has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, or has fins 108a and 108b coupled to the base 106, the balance rib 118 is coupled The base 106 may be coupled between the fins 108a and 108b, and in some cases, it may be coupled between the fins 108a and 108b along the cross axis 131, and in some cases, the position for coupling or being coupled to the first fin 108a and the position for coupling the second fin 108b along the cross axis 131 They may be coupled at different positions equidistant from each other for joining or connecting. The assembly formed when the balance rib 118 is coupled to the base 106 (or variable base 306) is This can be considered as a balanced base assembly for the fin sensor 102. In this embodiment, The balance rib 118 is positioned such that the center line 198 is parallel or substantially parallel to the flow axis 141. It can be coupled to the fin sensor 102. In one embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a uniform thickness around the centerline 198 along the flow axis 141. In another embodiment, the balance rib 118 may have a thickness that varies along the flow axis 141 around the centerline 198 of the intersecting axis 131. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the intersecting axis 131 at at least one end of the balance rib 118 centered on the centerline 198 is the same as the thickness of the balance rib 197 centered on the centerline 198. The thickness may be greater than the thickness of the central intersecting axis 131. For example, in this embodiment, the thickness of at least one end of the balance rib 118 within the intersecting axis 131 centered on the center line 198 is greater than the thickness of the center line 198. It may be smaller than the thickness of the central portion of the balance rib 197 within the central cross axis 131.

[0222] Step 910 is to form at least one fin coupler (e.g., first and second fin couplers 120a and / or 120b). Methods for manufacturing elements such as fin couplers are well known in the art, such as molding, extrusion, and other methods. Fin couplers can be formed from, for example, metal or other composite materials. At the very least, one fin connector can be used as, for example, a rod, strip, or brace bar. They may be formed in various shapes. In one embodiment, at least one fin coupler is Fins 108a and 108b can be formed as a single part, (step 702) A separate step of forming fins 108a and 108b, and / or at least 1 This eliminates the need for a separate step of connecting the fin couplers to fins 108a and 108b. In the embodiment, at least one fin coupler connects fins 108a and 108b, for example, by one or both ends of the at least one fin coupler. By one or more binding elements configured to connect easily and / or more effectively They may be formed as follows. In another embodiment, one or more of the fins 108a and 108b are less Even without one fin coupler, fins 108a and 108b can make it easier and / or more effective. They may be formed by coupling elements to bond effectively. In yet another embodiment, at least one fin coupler and both fins 108a and 108b may each have corresponding or complementary coupling elements to bond at least one fin coupler to fins 108a and 108b. In an embodiment, at least one fin coupler may be two, three, four, five, six, or any other number of fin couplers.

[0223] Step 912 is to connect at least one fin coupler to the first and second fins 108a, 108b. In embodiments in which one or more of the fins 108a and 108b and at least one fin coupler have a coupling element, at least one fin coupler and fin 108a and 108b may be joined in and / or by the joining element. Any joining method, such as welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, plastic molding or melting, complementary physical or mechanical connectors, etc., may be considered.

[0224] Step 914 is to join the fins 108a and 108b to the base 106. The fins 108a and 108b may be joined to the base 106 in any way, for example, by molding. They are formed and may be joined by bonding, welding or brazing and other known methods in the art. In one embodiment, the base 106 has fin protrusions 114a and 114b protruding from it. It has an opening that can be extended and a bond established by standard bonding methods such as adhesive bonding, welding, and brazing.

[0225] Step 916 optionally involves balancing the base assembly, with fins 108a and 108b (field Depending on the configuration, it may have a balance rib 118 between fins 108a and 108b on the base 106, transducers 104a~c, meter electronics 112, and / or be coupled to the base coupler 116. The fin sensor 102 is formed by doing so. In the embodiment, the fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have segments, and the segments may optionally be fin When the sensors 302 are assembled, they each protrude through the openings in the base 106. In the embodiment, transducers 104a-c may be coupled to fin protrusions 114a and 114b. The fin protrusions 114a and 114b may have different segments for coupling transducers. For example, in one embodiment, each of the fin protrusions 114a and 114b has three It may have segments, and the segments may have complementary surfaces facing each other between fin protrusions 114a and 114b. Each of the transducers 104a to c is a fin The projections 114a and 114b may be coupled to one of the corresponding segments (the corresponding segments may face each other in the intersecting axis 131). In this embodiment, the three transducers 104a to c may be aligned with each other in the flow axis 141 (at least when the fin sensor 102 is not operating). In this embodiment, the transducers 104a to c may be coupled to the fins 108a and 108b at a position located on the side of the base 106 facing the side of the base 106 having the immersed portions of the fins 108a and 108b.

[0226] This specification intends to include alternative sequences of these steps, including all reasonable sequences that take into account the required order of specific steps. For example, if fin couplers 120a and 120b are fin The fins 108a and 108b are coupled to the base 106. These processes may be carried out in any order relative to each other. Furthermore, the balanced base assembly may be formed before, during, or after the fin coupler assembly is formed.

[0227] In the embodiment, each step of the method shown in Figure 9 is a separate step. Another embodiment Although shown as separate steps in Figure 9, steps 902 to 916 are separate steps It does not have to be a step. In other embodiments, the method shown in Figure 9 is all of the above steps. It does not have to have, and / or it may have other steps in addition to or instead of those listed above. The steps of the method shown in Figure 9 may be performed in a different order. Good. A subset of the steps listed above as part of the method shown in Figure 9 are those It can be used to form its own method. The steps of method 900 are, for example, The process can be repeated any number of times in any combination and order, such as by continuously looping to maintain monitoring.

[0228] [Comparison] Figures 10-11 illustrate a comparison illustrating the specific effects of embodiments of the applicant's features presented herein.

[0229] Figure 10 shows a fin coupler 120a driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode. A comparison of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without 120b is shown. There are. Fin sensors 102a and 102b are embodiments of fin sensor 102 that do not have fin couplers 120a and 120b, and that do have fin couplers 120a and 120b, respectively. Comparison 1000 is the first row 1042 and the second It has row 1044, a first image 1052, a second image 1054, a third image 1056, and a fourth image 1058.

[0230] The first row 1042 is an image representing a fin sensor 102a without fin couplers 120a and 120b. The row is such that the first row 1042 has the first image 1052 and the second image 1054. The first image 1052 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102a without fin couplers 120a and 120b, where the fin sensor 102a is driven in in-phase mode. The second image 1054 shows an embodiment driven in out-of-phase mode. An embodiment of the fin sensor 102a is shown. At point 1055, it can be seen that the out-of-phase mode fins show almost no curl and remain essentially flat. It will be understood that there is little frequency separation between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes, both are driven by the same force, and their response frequencies approach substantially the same value. This lack of separation between vibration modes can lead to coupling between the driving mode and the innate mode, potentially impairing the excitation shape intended to introduce calibration and measurement errors.

[0231] The second row 1044 is an image representing a fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b. The second row 1044 has the third image 1056 and the fourth image 1058. The third image 1056 shows an embodiment of a fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b, the fin sensor 102b being driven in in-phase mode. The second image 1054 shows a fin sensor driven in out-of-phase mode. An embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b is shown. At point 1059, it can be seen that the heterophase mode exhibits considerable curl, producing greater amplitude, frequency, and phase resolution. This is because, since both are driven with the same force, it creates considerable frequency separation between the in-phase and heterophase modes, and the heterophase mode fin sensor 102b produces a frequency 20% higher than the frequency produced by the in-phase mode in this embodiment. This frequency separation between the in-phase and heterophase modes can limit the coupling between the in-phase and heterophase modes to at least, allowing for potentially better measurement and calibration. The increased curl may, in some cases, allow the fin sensor 102b to couple the fins well to the fluid medium and induce a Coriolis response, similar to a typical Coriolis mass flow meter.

[0232] Figure 11 shows the case with and without the balance rib 118 in the non-deformed and deformed positions. A comparison 1100 of embodiments of the fin sensor 102 is shown. Fin sensors 102c and 102d are embodiments of the fin sensor 102 with and without balance ribs 118, respectively. Comparison 1100 has a first row 1142, a second row 1144, a first image 1152, a second image 1154, a third image 1156, and a fourth image 1158.

[0233] The first row 1142 is a row of images representing a fin sensor 102c without balance ribs 118, and the first row 1142 includes the first image 1152 and the second image 1154. The first image 1152 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102c without balance ribs 118, and the fin sensor 102c is non-deformable. It is in the position. The second image 1154 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102c without the balance rib 118 in the deformed position. At points 1155a and 1155b, it can be seen that the axis of rotation of the fins 108a and 108b is at the edge of the base 106. The motion resulting from the sensor assembly This generates net motion in the direction of the vertical axis 151 via the sensor assembly, pulling the unbalanced It will be understood that this involves raising the sensor assembly relative to the support structure to which the fin sensor 102c is coupled.

[0234] The second row 1144 is a row of images representing a fin sensor 102d having a balance rib 118, and the second row 1144 has a third image 1156 and a fourth image 1158. The third image 1156 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102d having a balance rib 118, and the fin sensor 102d is in a non-deformable position It is located there. The fourth image 1154 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102d having a balance rib 118, where the fin sensor 102d is in a deformed position. At points 1159a and 1159b, it can be seen that the axis of rotation of the fins 108a and 108b is at the joint of the fins 108a and 108b with respect to the base 106. The resulting movement of fins 108a and 108b does not generate net motion on the vertical axis 151 passing through the center of the sensor assembly, providing balance, and the fin sensor 102d is coupled to it. It will be understood that the sensor assembly is not moved relative to the support structure. In some embodiments, this may not provide net movement of the fin (or fork) in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, it will be understood that the fins 108a and 108b of the fin sensor 102d can rotate around their respective center points (at 1159a and 1159b, respectively).

[0235] Figure 12 shows the outside 344 of the base 106 driven in in-phase (IP) mode and out-of-phase (OOP) mode. Implementations of the fin sensor 102 with and without fin couplers 120a and 120b Comparison 1200 shows the configuration. Fin sensors 102e and 102f are embodiments of fin sensor 102 that do not have fin couplers 120a and 120b, respectively. Comparison 1200 shows, The first row 1242, the second row 1244, the first image 1252, the second image 1254, and the third image 1256. , and has a fourth image 1258.

[0236] The first row 1242 is an image representing a fin sensor 102e without fin couplers 120a and 120b. The row is such that the first row 1242 has the first image 1252 and the second image 1254. The first image 1252 shows an embodiment of the fin sensor 102a without fin couplers 120a and 120b, where the fin sensor 102a is driven in in-phase mode. The second image 1254 shows an embodiment driven in out-of-phase mode. An embodiment of the fin sensor 102a is shown. At point 1255, it can be seen that the out-of-phase mode fins show almost no curl and remain essentially flat. It will be understood that there is little frequency separation between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes, both are driven by the same force, and their response frequencies approach substantially the same value. This lack of separation between vibration modes can lead to coupling between the driving mode and the innate mode, potentially impairing the excitation shape intended to introduce calibration and measurement errors.

[0237] The second row 1244 is an image representing a fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b. The second row 1244 has the third image 1256 and the fourth image 1258. The third image 1256 shows an embodiment of a fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b, the fin sensor 102b being driven in in-phase mode. The second image 1254 shows a fin sensor driven in out-of-phase mode. An embodiment of the fin sensor 102b having fin couplers 120a and 120b is shown. This generates considerable frequency separation between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes because both are driven with the same force, and the fin sensor 102b in the out-of-phase mode generates a frequency 20% higher than the frequency generated by the in-phase mode in this embodiment. This frequency separation between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes can limit the coupling between the in-phase and out-of-phase modes at least, potentially allowing for better measurement and calibration. The increased curl may, in some cases, allow the fin sensor 102b to couple the fins well to the fluid medium and induce a Coriolis response, similar to a typical Coriolis mass flow meter.

[0238] The detailed description of the embodiments described above is not an exhaustive description of all embodiments to which the present invention is assumed to fall within the scope of this description. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the embodiments described above can be combined or excluded in various ways to form further embodiments, and that such further embodiments fall within the scope of this description and teachings. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described above can be combined in whole or in part to form additional embodiments within the scope of this description and teachings. Where the phrase "and / or" is used, embodiments to which one or more of "and" and "or" apply are entirely construed and disclosed for the purposes of this specification. It should be interpreted as such.

[0239] Accordingly, while certain embodiments are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of this description, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. The teachings provided herein can be applied not only to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, but also to other methods and apparatus for determining the vibration response parameters of vibration elements. Accordingly, the scope of the embodiments described above should be determined from the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a fin coupler assembly having fins (108a and 108b) and at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), Forming a base (106) and connecting the base (106) to the fins (108a and 108b), The fins (108a and 108b) are coupled to the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to form a fin coupler assembly, and the transducers (104a and 104b) are coupled to the fins (108a and 108b). Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fin coupling assembly is formed by molding such that the at least one fin coupling (120a and / or 120b) is already coupled to at least one of the fins (108a and 108b).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein forming the fin coupler assembly includes forming a fin coupler (120a), the fin coupler (120a) being different from the base (106) and the transducers (104a-c).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein coupling the fin coupler (120a) to the fins (108a and 108b) is performed by coupling the fin coupler (120a) to the fins (108a) at a position closer to the free edge (199) of the fins (108a) than the position of the fins (108a) that will be coupled to or attached to the base (106).

5. The method described above is The first fin coupler (120a) of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to both of the fins (108a and 108b), The method further includes coupling the second fin coupler (120b) of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) to both of the fins (108a and 108b), The method according to claim 1, wherein the first fin coupler (120a) is coupled to at least one position that is or will be at a different point along the flow axis (141) to which the second fin coupler (120b) is coupled.

6. Forming the fin coupling assembly The method according to claim 1, comprising forming one or more of the fins (108a and 108b) and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) using coupling elements configured to facilitate coupling between one or more of the fins (108a and 108b) and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fins (108a and 108b) are coupled to the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) in a portion of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) that is present or will be present on the immersion side (342) of the base (106).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the fins (108a and 108b) is coupled to the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) in a portion of the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) that is located outside (344) of the base (106).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising forming a balance rib (118) and coupling the balance rib (118) to one or both of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having various hardnesses.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a rod-shaped fin coupler (220a).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a brace bar (220c).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is formed as a strip-shaped fin coupler (220b).

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fins (108a and 108b) are formed having fin projections (114a and 114b) that protrude through an opening in the base (106), and the transducer (104a and / or 104b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at the fin projections (114a and 114b).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the fin protrusions (114a and 114b) are formed by corresponding segments, the corresponding segments being at least partially aligned with the cross axis (131), and the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) in the corresponding segments.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the base (106) is formed as a variable base (306) having various hardnesses.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the variable base (306) is formed to be softer in the central portion of the variable base (306) than at the edge of the variable base (306) on the intersecting axis (131).

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising coupling the balance rib (118) to one or both of the base (106) and the base coupler (116).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is coupled to the fins (108a and 108b) at at least one position in a first direction (133) from the balance rib (118) and at least one position in a second direction (135) from the balance rib (118).

20. Forming a meter electronic device (112) and communicatively coupling the meter electronic device (112) to transducers (104a and / or 104b and / or 104c), wherein the meter electronic device (112) has a processor and memory, the memory being configured to store commands and data for the processor to perform operations, The meter electronic equipment (112) is configured to operate in both in-phase and out-of-phase modes, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising:

21. A fin sensor (102) having a base (106) and configured to measure at least one of Coriolis force, viscosity, density, flow rate, frequency response, phase difference and time delay, wherein the base is coupled to a first fin (108a) and a second fin (108b), and the fin sensor (102) further comprises at least two transducers (104a and 104b) coupled to the fins (108a and 108b), wherein the first fin (108a) is coupled to the second fin (108b) by at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b), A fin sensor (102) in which at least one fin coupler (120a and / or 120b) is not coupled to the base (106) or to any of the at least two transducers (104a-c).

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