Ultrasonic Flowmeter Bionic Reflector for Deposition Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters face signal quality deterioration due to particle and sediment deposits on reflectors, leading to reduced measuring accuracy, especially at low flow velocities.
Innovation Solution
A bionic surface structure for the reflector, such as the sharkskin, lotus, or rice leaf effect, is applied to prevent dirt deposition and ensure high signal quality by reducing turbulence and stalls, with the reflector positioned to avoid gravitational deposition and optionally swiveled to maintain optimal flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a smooth reflector surface is used, then ultrasonic signal reflection is effective, but particle and sediment deposits form on the reflector surface, deteriorating signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector surface is given different local properties: a bionic microstructure (such as shark skin, lotus leaf, or rice leaf patterns) is applied to the surface that interacts with the fluid flow to prevent deposition, while maintaining sufficient smoothness in the ultrasonic reflection direction to ensure effective signal reflection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between preventing deposition and maintaining reflection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is constructed as a composite structure combining a base material (such as plastic or metal) with a bionic surface coating or treatment. The base material provides structural integrity and ultrasonic reflection properties, while the bionic surface layer (made from materials like Teflon, silicone rubber, or specially treated coatings) provides deposition resistance. This composite approach allows both functions to coexist.
2Productivity
If the reflector is positioned to face the flow direction, then measurement is possible, but turbulence and stalls occur causing dirt deposit
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is rotated by 90 degrees around the flow direction axis, changing its orientation from facing the flow directly to being positioned perpendicular to the flow direction. This dimensional change in orientation eliminates the turbulence and stalls that would occur with direct facing, while the reflector still effectively intercepts and reflects ultrasonic signals for measurement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the measuring channel is swiveled to counteract deposition, then deposition is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of swiveling the entire measuring channel, the invention changes the parameter of the reflector's orientation angle relative to the flow direction. By rotating the reflector 90 degrees around the flow axis, the system achieves deposition resistance through a simple parameter change (orientation angle) rather than complex structural modifications or channel swiveling, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a flow meter comprising at least two measuring sensors spaced apart from each other, preferably ultrasonic sensors, whose measuring signals are reflected by a deposition-resistant reflector.