Spring-Loaded Clamp-On Flowmeter Mount for Tube Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flowmeters face issues with plastic deformation and pressure loss in synthetic resin measurement tubes due to varying pressing forces during clamping, affecting measurement accuracy and tube integrity.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-on mechanism using an elastic structure, such as a spring, applies a stable pressing force to prevent plastic deformation and accommodate dimensional variations, ensuring consistent contact with the measurement tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pressing strength of the fluid measuring portion is increased to improve ultrasonic wave transmission, then the close contact between the ultrasonic transmission component and the measurement tube is enhanced, but the measurement tube may undergo plastic deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the pressing force parameter. The spring constant and pre-load force are designed to provide sufficient pressing strength for good ultrasonic contact while remaining below the plastic deformation threshold of the synthetic resin measurement tube. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between transmission efficiency and tube integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static clamping structure to a dynamic one using a spring mechanism. The spring provides elastic deformation that allows the pressing force to adapt to dimensional variations in the measurement tube while maintaining consistent contact pressure. This dynamic adjustment prevents both insufficient contact and excessive force that could cause plastic deformation.
2Measurement precision
If the pressing force is increased to compensate for dimensional variations in the measurement tube, then consistent contact is achieved, but the measurement tube is more prone to plastic deformation and pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a cushioning element that absorbs dimensional variations before they can cause inconsistent contact or excessive force. The elastic deformation of the spring compensates for tolerances in the measurement tube dimensions, providing consistent contact pressure without transmitting peak forces that could cause plastic deformation or pressure loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spring constant and pre-load force parameters to achieve the desired balance. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system maintains consistent contact across dimensional variations while keeping the maximum pressing force below the plastic deformation threshold of the synthetic resin tube.
3Device complexity
If a rigid clamping structure is used to ensure stable pressing force, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate dimensional variations and may cause plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic spring element into the clamping structure, transforming it from a rigid static system to a dynamic adaptive one. The spring provides elastic deformation that automatically accommodates dimensional variations in the measurement tube while maintaining stable pressing force. This adds minimal complexity while significantly improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load force are designed as adjustable parameters that optimize the balance between structural simplicity and adaptability. The spring mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to accommodate dimensional variations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple components.
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 mechanism maintains measurement accuracy and extends the life of the measurement tube by applying a stable pressing force, reducing plastic deformation and pressure loss, while improving ultrasonic signal transmission.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic structure, such as a spring, is used to apply pressure from above. This elastic structure accommodates variations in the dimensional accuracy of the product and applies a stable pressing force
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric vibrator generates guided waves by ultrasonic waves that propagate in the axial direction using, as a medium, a measurement tube through which a fluid flows
Implementation Method 3
a piezoelectric vibrator generates guided waves by ultrasonic waves that propagate in the axial direction
Implementation Method 4
synthetic rubber or the like is inserted as a material to fill the gap between the ultrasonic transmission component and the measurement tube to improve the transmission characteristics of ultrasonic waves to the measurement tube
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp-on mechanism is configured to apply an appropriate, stable pressing strength to a measurement tube, prevent plastic deformation of the measurement tube, and obtain highly accurate ultrasonic signals. The clamp-on mechanism includes a main body portion that transmits various data to the outside, and a lid portion that is coupled to the main body portion so as to be openable and closable. The main body portion includes base portions. The lid portion includes pressing pieces, which press the measurement tube on the base portions from above by the resilience of elastic bodies. When the lid portion is closed relative to the main body portion, the measurement tube, which is circular in cross section, is pressed in the up-down directions by the pressing pieces and the base portions. Thus, the measurement tube is expanded in the width direction and deformed into a substantially elliptical shape.