Buoyant Body Density Measurement Using Spring Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the density of liquefied gases, such as LPG, face challenges due to high pressure and low density, requiring a buoyant body that is both pressure-resistant and sensitive, which is difficult to achieve with conventional designs.
Innovation Solution
A method using a buoyant body prestressed by a spring force to compensate for its weight, allowing it to float and move freely, with the deformation of a magnetostrictive measuring spring detecting changes in density, utilizing a spiral leaf spring for reliable radial guidance and high sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a buoyant body with low density (less than 0.4 kg/l) is used to measure liquid gas density, then the measurement sensitivity is improved, but the pressure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a spring element that exerts an upward force to compensate for the weight of the buoyant body. This allows the use of low-density buoyant bodies (with density less than 0.4 kg/l) that would otherwise be too light to provide sufficient measurement sensitivity, while the spring provides the necessary mechanical support to withstand high pressure environments (up to 16 bar) without requiring the buoyant body itself to be pressure-resistant.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element acts as an intermediary between the buoyant body and the measurement system. It transmits the buoyancy force while providing mechanical strength and stability, allowing the buoyant body to remain lightweight and sensitive while the spring handles the pressure resistance requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a chain is used to replace the elastic element for density measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to entanglement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic chain element from the system and replaces it with a spring element. The chain, while providing high measurement precision through large displacement paths, causes entanglement and blocks measurement during lateral flow. The spring element eliminates this reliability issue while maintaining measurement capability through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element serves as a simple, reliable replacement that doesn't suffer from the entanglement problems of chains. It provides sufficient measurement precision through its elastic properties without the complexity and reliability issues of chain-based systems.
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
Enables accurate density measurement of liquefied gases under high pressure conditions, providing a compact and sensitive device that minimizes measurement errors and prevents entanglement, suitable for use in storage tanks and filling stations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet set up to detect the elastic deformation of the measuring spring by means of a magnetostrictive position measuring system
Implementation Method 2
Depending on the density of the liquid, the buoyancy force on the buoyancy body varies
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
A device for determining the density of a liquid comprises a buoyancy body (20), at least one measuring spring (30, 40) acting on the buoyancy body (20), the elastic deformation of which is a measure of the buoyancy force of the buoyancy body (20), and a magnet (28) configured for detecting the elastic deformation of the measuring spring (30, 40) by means of a magnetostrictive position measuring system. The ratio of mass to volume of the buoyancy body (20) is greater than the density to be determined, as is the case when used with liquid gases. The buoyancy body (20) is biased by spring force in the direction of the buoyancy force into a working range of the measuring spring (30, 40).