3D-Printed Transparent Flow Meter for Precise Material Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters for viscous liquids face challenges in manufacturing precision, adaptability, and require numerous variants and adapters due to their steel construction, which complicates assembly and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter constructed in one piece using additive manufacturing, particularly 3D printing, with integrated transparent areas, customizable scales, and sealing elements, allowing for flexible material selection and high-pressure resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If contactlessless measurement is implemented, then material loss is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from container walls
Solution Approach 1:
A dielectric member (intermediary element) is introduced between the measuring antenna and the material flow. This dielectric member focuses the electromagnetic field onto the material flow, eliminating interference from container walls while maintaining contactless measurement. The dielectric member acts as a mediator that directs and concentrates the measurement field precisely on the target material.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field is concentrated locally onto the material flow using the dielectric member, creating a focused measurement zone. This local concentration of field energy ensures that only the material flow is measured while excluding interference from surrounding container walls, achieving both contactless measurement and high precision.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic radiation is used for measurement, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but harmful electromagnetic interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member creates an electromagnetic field environment that is 'inert' to surrounding structures. By confining and directing the electromagnetic field through the dielectric member, the system prevents harmful electromagnetic interference from affecting container walls and other surrounding components, while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement systems are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it focuses the electromagnetic field, eliminates container wall interference, reduces electromagnetic interference with surrounding structures, and enables accurate measurement of diverse materials. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement capability while minimizing additional device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, reliable, and customizable flow measurement devices with high-pressure tolerance and temperature resistance, facilitating easy recycling and precise application of multi-color printing for different measuring ranges.
Implementation Method 1
At least one measuring antenna (131, 132, 133, 134) is arranged inside the container (10) and is configured to generate an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
at least one dielectric member (141, 142) is arranged inside the container (10) and is configured to focus the electromagnetic field generated by the measuring antenna (131, 132, 133, 134) onto the material flow (120)
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring and/or controlling properties of a material flow, in particular an aerosol flow and/or fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, more particularly an air flow, and/or a liquid flow, comprising a conduit means for the material flow having at least one conduit portion, in particular a pipe portion, through which the material flow can pass linearly and/or circumfluently, the conduit means for the material flow being constructed substantially integrally as a transparent region with a conduit portion by means of an additive manufacturing process, in particular a 3D printing process, using an at least partially transparent material.