Banded Shroud for Ultrasonic Flow Meter Cable Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in protecting transducer cables from environmental degradation, tampering, and damage due to exposure, leading to inaccurate fluid flow measurements.
Innovation Solution
A banded shroud system is implemented around the ultrasonic flow meter, comprising compliant bands, central shrouds, and end shroud assemblies that completely cover the cables and transducers, providing protection and securing them within sealed channels to prevent exposure and tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are left exposed on the outer surface of the spool piece, then ease of installation and access is improved, but the cables become susceptible to environmental degradation, tampering, and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shroud system comprising a shroud body and bands that form sealed channels around the cables. The shroud acts as a flexible protective shell that completely encloses the cables running from transducer assemblies to the electronics enclosure, protecting them from environmental degradation, tampering, and physical damage while maintaining ease of installation through modular components.
2Reliability
If robust and expensive cables are employed to resist damage and degradation, then cable durability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud system serves as an intermediary protective structure between the cables and the external environment. Rather than relying solely on expensive robust cables to withstand all external threats, the shroud acts as a mediator that absorbs protective functions, allowing the use of standard cables while achieving the same level of protection and durability.
3Reliability
If internal cable passageways are formed in the meter body walls, then cable protection is partially improved, but the ends of transducer assemblies and portions of cables remain exposed and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective system is segmented into multiple components: a shroud body that forms the main protective structure, bands that create sealed channels along the cable paths, and end shroud assemblies that cap the open ends. This segmentation allows complete coverage of all cable portions including previously exposed ends, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
4Reliability
If transducer assemblies are covered to prevent tampering, then security is improved, but access for maintenance and repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud system incorporates dynamic accessibility through removable bands and openable end shroud assemblies. During normal operation, the shroud provides continuous protective coverage preventing tampering. During maintenance, the bands can be removed and end shrouds opened to provide full access to transducer assemblies and cable connections, allowing the system to transition between protected and accessible states.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow meter is disclosed having a meter body that is enveloped by a shroud having a compliant band disposed at least partially about the meter body. The shroud protects transducers and transducer cables. The shroud forms a chamber between the shroud and meter body, and includes a releasable portion to allow access into the chamber.