Detachable Carrier Unit for Coriolis Flowmeter Tube Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis flowmeters face challenges in replacing measuring tube assemblies, which are typically welded and difficult to remove, leading to deformation of thin tubes and affecting vibration characteristics, and require complex mounting that hinders assembly and sterility in biomedical applications.
Innovation Solution
A carrier unit with a detachable connecting body and coupler arrangement for measuring tubes, allowing easy replacement and secure mounting without deformation, featuring magnets on opposite sides for coil placement and a fixing device for force-locking connection, enabling sterilizable and versatile measurement setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If measuring tube assemblies are welded to the support unit, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but replacement difficulty and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tube assembly is divided into separate components: the measuring tube itself, the coupler arrangement with coupling elements, and the connecting body. This segmentation allows the measuring tube to be easily detached and replaced by simply disconnecting the coupling elements, while each component maintains its structural integrity through proper design of connection interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If measuring tubes are made thin-walled, then measurement precision is improved, but deformation risk and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a coupler arrangement and a connecting body, which isolates the thin-walled measuring tube from direct mounting forces. The coupling elements are designed to connect to the measuring tube at specific locations that minimize stress concentration, allowing the tube to remain thin-walled for accurate vibration measurement while preventing deformation during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler arrangement acts as an intermediary between the measuring tube and the connecting body. It provides a buffer that distributes mechanical forces away from the thin-walled tube, preventing deformation during assembly and operation while maintaining the tube's vibration characteristics for precise measurement.
3Ease of operation
If mounting surfaces are provided on measuring tubes, then ease of installation is improved, but deformation of the channel and vibration characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is segmented from the measuring tube and transferred to the connecting body. The connecting body provides flat mounting surfaces for attachment to the support unit, while the measuring tube remains free from mounting forces. The coupling elements facilitate easy connection between the measuring tube and connecting body without requiring direct mounting on the tube itself.
4Ease of manufacture
If measuring tube assemblies are made as single integrated units, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability and replacement flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tube assembly is segmented into the measuring tube, coupler arrangement, and connecting body, which can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This allows different measuring tube geometries and materials to be produced using optimized manufacturing processes for each component type, while the standardized coupling interfaces provide flexibility for replacement and adaptation to different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting body and coupler arrangement serve as universal components that can accommodate different measuring tube designs. The standardized connection interfaces allow the same connecting body to work with various measuring tube geometries and materials, providing adaptability and replacement flexibility without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
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
Facilitates easy assembly and replacement of measuring tubes, maintains vibration integrity, ensures sterility, and supports various tube geometries and diameters, enhancing usability in automated industrial and laboratory systems.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier unit has at least one vibration exciter which is configured to excite the measuring tube arrangement to vibrate, wherein the at least one vibration exciter is arranged on one of the opposite side surfaces or between the tubes; and at least two vibration sensors which are configured to detect the deflection of the vibrations of the measuring tube arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring tube arrangement of a measuring device for detecting a mass throughflow, a viscosity, a density, and/or a variable derived therefrom, of a flowable medium, comprising: - two measuring tubes, which run in particular parallel to one another, for conducting the flowable medium, wherein the measuring tubes each have an inlet with an inlet direction and an outlet with an outlet direction, wherein the measuring tubes are bent at least once between inlet and outlet; - a coupler arrangement for mechanically coupling the two measuring tubes, wherein the coupler arrangement has at least two coupler elements, wherein at least one coupler element is arranged at the inlet, wherein at least one coupler element is arranged at the outlet; - two magnet arrangements which are arranged on the measuring tubes, wherein precisely one magnet arrangement is arranged on one measuring tube; wherein the magnet arrangements each have at least two magnets; and - a connecting body which is configured to mechanically detachably connect the measuring tube arrangement to a carrier unit, wherein the connecting body is connected to the inlet and to the outlet of the respective measuring tubes.