Measurement device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing airflow volume and ventilation resistance measurement devices lack versatility and accuracy, particularly when measuring airflow volumes and resistances in various ranges, such as in servers, information base stations, and other wind-blowing apparatuses, due to limitations in nozzle design and chamber size, leading to inaccuracies and the need for multiple nozzles with different opening areas.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device with a modular design featuring a foldable air duct, replaceable opening plates, and differential pressure sensors that can adjust to various airflow ranges, allowing for precise measurement of airflow volume and ventilation resistance by calculating based on differential pressures and airflow characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed nozzle design with specific opening area is used, then measurement precision is improved for a specific airflow range, but adaptability deteriorates when measuring different airflow ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow volume measurement precisionVSAvoidadaptability to various airflow ranges
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements replaceable opening plates with different opening areas that can be dynamically switched based on the airflow range to be measured. This allows the measurement device to adapt its characteristics to match the specific measurement requirements, thereby maintaining high precision across different airflow ranges without being limited to a fixed design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the opening area by providing multiple opening plates with different opening areas. By selecting and installing the appropriate opening plate according to the expected airflow range, the device optimizes its measurement precision for that specific range while maintaining versatility across different applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple nozzles with different opening areas are provided to measure various airflow ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility in measuring various airflow rangesVSAvoidcomplexity of having multiple nozzles
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the nozzle function into multiple independent opening plates that can be separately manufactured and then installed in the measurement device. Each opening plate is a simple, standalone component with a specific opening area, making the overall system easier to manufacture, maintain, and replace compared to a complex integrated multi-range nozzle design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal measurement device platform that can handle multiple airflow ranges by simply changing the opening plate. The basic device structure remains the same and serves multiple functions across different measurement ranges, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid air duct structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when needing to transport or reposition the device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair duct structural precisionVSAvoidease of transport and repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible air duct structure that can be folded or collapsed for compact storage and easy transport, yet maintains sufficient structural precision during operation to ensure accurate airflow measurement. This flexible design allows the device to be repositioned and transported without compromising measurement quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The device achieves high versatility and accuracy in measuring airflow volumes and ventilation resistances across different ranges by allowing for customizable opening plates and pressure measurements, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving measurement precision.

Implementation Method 1

pressure sensors that measure a first pressure, a second pressure, and a third pressure, the first pressure being air pressure from the air inlet to the straightening grid, the second pressure being air pressure in the first chamber, the third pressure being air pressure in the second chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3141764B1Measurement device
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 SANYO DENKI CO LTD
  • EP3141764B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141764B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141764B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A measurement device includes: a casing that includes a first air duct with an air inlet; a straightening grid; a first chamber; an opening plate including an opening; a second chamber; pressure sensors configured to measure a first pressure, a second pressure, and a third pressure, the first pressure being air pressure from the air inlet to the straightening grid, the second pressure being air pressure in the first chamber, the third pressure being air pressure in the second chamber; a specific opening configured to allow the opening plate to be replaceable; an open/close portion configured to open and close the specific opening; and a duct forming a second air duct between the measurement device and a measurement target.