Autonomous Opto-isolation Circuit for Coriolis Flow Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-isolation circuits for Coriolis mass flow meters require separate control signals, which are costly and consume excessive electrical power due to the use of multiple optocouplers, making them inefficient and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An opto-isolation circuit that autonomously generates a control signal from the raw output signal if it exceeds a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for a separate control signal and using a single optocoupler to transfer the raw output signal, thereby reducing power consumption and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control signals are used with multiple optocouplers, then reliable signal control is achieved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control signal generation and signal transfer functions into a single optocoupler by deriving the control signal from the raw output signal itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate control and data optocouplers, reducing component count while maintaining reliable control through autonomous signal derivation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optocoupler in the invention performs multiple functions: it transfers the raw output signal and simultaneously provides the control signal for the conversion circuit. This multi-functionality is achieved by deriving the control signal from the same raw output signal that passes through the optocoupler, making one component serve dual purposes.
2Reliability
If multiple optocouplers are used for signal isolation and control, then electrical isolation is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal path and data signal path into a single optocoupler system. By deriving the control signal from the raw output signal after it passes through the optocoupler, the system maintains electrical isolation while eliminating the need for a second optocoupler, thereby reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal is generated autonomously from the raw output signal itself, without requiring an external control signal source. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional powered components while maintaining the electrical isolation provided by the optocoupler.
3Loss of energy
If a single optocoupler is used, then power consumption and costs are reduced, but control signal generation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the raw output signal as an intermediary to generate the control signal. The raw output signal, after passing through the optocoupler, serves as the basis for deriving the control signal that activates the conversion circuit. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by using existing signal energy rather than requiring complex external control circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The control signal generation is achieved through self-service by deriving the control signal from the raw output signal itself. The system uses its own output signal to control its own conversion function, eliminating the need for external control sources and reducing overall system complexity despite the single optocoupler constraint.
4Device complexity
If autonomous control signal generation is implemented, then component count is reduced, but signal threshold detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by deriving the control signal from the raw output signal after it has already passed through the optocoupler. The system is pre-configured with threshold detection circuitry that automatically activates the conversion circuit when the raw output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making circuitry.
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 autonomous control signal allows for efficient conversion of the raw output signal into a predetermined format without external control, reducing component costs and power consumption, while maintaining electrical isolation for safe operation in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
an optocoupler having an input port and an output port and configured to optically transfer a raw output signal
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-isolation circuit (300) is provided, including an optocoupler (303) configured to optically transfer a raw output signal, a conversion circuit (317) coupled to an optocoupler output and configured to convert the raw output signal into a predetermined converted signal, and a control circuit (306) coupled to the optocoupler output. The control circuit (306) is configured to generate an autonomous control signal from the raw output signal after the raw output signal passes through the optocoupler (303), wherein the autonomous control signal is generated only if the raw output signal exceeds a predetermined conversion threshold, and control the conversion circuit (317) and convert the raw output signal into the predetermined converted signal if the autonomous control signal is generated by the control circuit (306) and output the raw output signal to an output port if the autonomous control signal is not generated by the control circuit (306).