Acoustic Wave Coriolis Flow Meter for Fuel Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Coriolis mass flow meters are expensive, complex, and have limitations in geometry, moving parts, and implementation in fuel dispensing, leading to inaccuracies and restricted flow rates in fuel measurement technologies.
Innovation Solution
A flow measurement system using acoustic waves to induce Coriolis accelerations in fluids, with few or no moving parts, allowing for a smaller form factor and potentially lower costs through microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), which calculates mass flow rate by detecting changes in acoustic wave characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Coriolis flow meters are used to measure mass flow rate, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical oscillating conduit system with an acoustic wave-based measurement system. Instead of physically vibrating a flow tube and measuring deflection, the invention uses acoustic waves propagating through the flowing fluid to detect mass flow rate, thereby eliminating complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental measurement parameter from mechanical deflection to acoustic wave characteristics. By measuring changes in acoustic wave properties (such as phase, frequency, or amplitude) caused by the flowing fluid, the system achieves mass flow measurement without requiring mechanical oscillation and deflection detection
2Measurement precision
If traditional Coriolis flow meters are used, then mass flow measurement is achieved, but the form factor and size are large
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave-based system eliminates the need for large mechanical oscillating components and deflection sensors. By using sound waves that propagate through the fluid in the existing flow path, the measurement system can be miniaturized to fit within standard fuel dispenser configurations without requiring oversized housings or flow tubes
3Device complexity
If positive displacement or inferential meters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy across flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave measurement system maintains simplicity by avoiding complex mechanical mechanisms while achieving broad flow rate measurement accuracy. The acoustic method naturally adapts to varying flow conditions without requiring recalibration or having internal restrictions that limit the measurable flow range, providing both simplicity and accuracy across the operating spectrum
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
This approach provides highly accurate mass flow measurements with reduced complexity and cost, enabling wider implementation in fuel dispensing and other applications with improved reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A first exciter produces a first wave in fuel moving along the flow path
Implementation Method 2
A second exciter produces a second wave in the fuel which passes through the first wave, wherein the second wave has a higher frequency than the first wave
Implementation Method 3
Flow meters utilizing the Coriolis Effect to measure the mass flow rate of a fluid... the combination of fluid motion and conduit vibration causes inertial forces which deflect the conduits away from their normal paths of vibration proportionally related to mass flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel dispenser comprises a fuel nozzle configured to be connected to a vehicle fuel system. Fuel piping configured to transfer fuel from at least one fuel storage tank associated with the fuel dispenser through the fuel nozzle into the vehicle fuel system is also provided. A flow control valve and a flow measurement device are located along the fuel piping, the flow measurement device having a housing defining a flow path therethrough. The flow measurement device includes a first exciter for producing a first wave in fuel moving along the flow path. A second exciter produces a second wave in the fuel which passes through the first wave, wherein the second wave has a higher frequency than the first wave. At least one sensor is spaced apart from the first exciter and the second exciter, the at least one sensor being configured to detect at least one measurable characteristic of the second wave from which flow rate can be derived.