AR Flow Meter Placement Evaluation for Installation Criteria

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for installing flow meters and level meters in systems often fail to meet all installation criteria due to constraints in existing piping, leading to suboptimal operation, and there is a need for an improved method to evaluate and optimize the installation position.

Innovation Solution

A method using augmented reality devices to create a virtual 3D/2D model of the system, assign and evaluate the measuring device based on installation criteria, and suggest optimal positions, considering criteria such as space, orientation, and compatibility with system components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a measuring device is installed in an existing system, then the installation can be completed, but the installation criteria (inlet/outlet lengths, positioning relative to bends and valves) cannot be fully met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation completionVSAvoidInstallation criteria compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of the installation position before the measuring device is actually installed. The augmented reality device displays installation criteria requirements (inlet/outlet lengths, positioning relative to bends and valves) in advance, allowing installers to assess whether the existing system can meet the criteria before committing to the installation location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the measuring device and superimposes it onto the real system through augmented reality. This virtual model allows evaluation of the installation position without physical installation, enabling assessment of whether inlet/outlet lengths and positioning relative to system components meet the required criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If all installation criteria are strictly required, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation flexibility and adaptability to existing systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMeasurement accuracyVSAvoidInstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by displaying the evaluation results of the installation position through augmented reality. The installer can see whether the chosen position meets the installation criteria and adjust the position accordingly, achieving a balance between measurement accuracy requirements and installation flexibility in existing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual evaluation of installation positions is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation flexibilityVSAvoidInstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual visual inspection and mental calculation with an automated augmented reality-based evaluation system. The processing unit automatically calculates whether inlet/outlet lengths and positioning meet the criteria, and the augmented reality device visually presents the results, dramatically improving installation efficiency while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If installation criteria are not met, then installation speed is improved, but system reliability and measurement quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation speedVSAvoidMeasurement quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of the installation position before installation is completed. By displaying the evaluation results in advance through augmented reality, installers can identify positions that meet the criteria and avoid installing devices in unsuitable locations, ensuring measurement quality without sacrificing installation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3889741B1Method for evaluating the installation position of a measuring device in an installation, augmented reality device and method for installing a measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KROHNE MESSTECHNICK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3889741B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3889741B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3889741B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Described and illustrated is a method (2) for evaluating the installation position of a measuring device (3), in particular a flow meter or a level meter, in a system (5) with an augmented reality device (1), wherein the augmented reality device (1) has at least one detection unit (4) for detection of the system (5), at least one computing unit (6) and at least one display unit (7).The task of specifying an improved method for evaluating the installation position of a measuring device is solved by the fact that the method (2) comprises the following steps: - at least partial detection (10) of the system (5) by the at least one detection unit (4), - visual representation (11) of the system (5) on the display unit (7) based on the partial detection (10) of the system (5), - assignment (12) of at least one measuring device (3) installed in the system (5) in an installation position and/or placement (15) of at least one virtual measuring device (3) in an installation position in the visual representation (11) of the system (5), - evaluation (13) of the installation position of the at least one detected and/or virtual measuring device (3) by the processing unit (6), - display (14) of the evaluation on the display unit (7).