Compact Multi-Sensor Flow Meter for Thermal and Viscosity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices are not capable of determining multiple thermal-physical properties of a medium in a compact design, lacking the ability to simultaneously measure thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, viscosity, and density effectively, which limits their application in various industrial and analytical processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact measuring device with integrated sensors, including a heatable resistance temperature detector and a vibrating cantilever, which uses the Omega-3 method to determine thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, and a vibrating sensor to measure viscosity and density, allowing for the correction of thermal mass flow and analysis of multi-component media properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into a single device to measure thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, viscosity, and density, then measurement capability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single integrated device. The first sensor integrates heating element and temperature measurement to determine thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity. The second sensor combines vibration generation and detection to measure viscosity and density. This merging reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor in the device is designed with multi-functionality. The first sensor can determine multiple thermal properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity) using a single heating element and temperature measurement system. The second sensor measures both viscosity and density through vibration analysis. This universal approach allows one device to perform multiple measurements that would traditionally require separate instruments.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented with integrated sensors, then device size is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional bulk sensor designs to micro-scale implementations. The sensors are realized as microstructures (heating elements, temperature sensors, vibrating elements) with dimensions in the micrometer range. This dimensional change enables compact device size while maintaining measurement precision through the high surface-to-volume ratio and controlled thermal and mechanical properties of microstructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes measurement precision by carefully controlling key parameters including the geometry and material properties of the heating element, the dimensions and mass of the vibrating sensor, and the operating conditions (frequency, amplitude, temperature range). These parameter optimizations ensure that despite the compact size, the sensors achieve sufficient sensitivity and measurement accuracy for practical applications.
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 precise determination of thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, viscosity, and density in a compact format, facilitating accurate mass flow correction and composition analysis of multi-component media, enhancing measurement efficiency and reducing device size and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor (11, 31, 41) for determining a first thermo-physical property, selected from the thermal conductivity K, the thermal diffusivity α and/or the specific heat capacity ρc p of the measuring medium
Implementation Method 2
this sensor can incorporate a heatable resistance temperature detector (RTD) as its heating element
Implementation Method 3
a second sensor (12) for determining the viscosity μ and/or the density ρ of the measuring medium (M)
Implementation Method 4
Vibrating sensors for determining viscosity and density have already been covered in severalscientific publications
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Measuring device, wherein the measuring device has at least one first component (2, 22) in which an integral measurement channel is provided or which first component (2, 22) integrally forms a measurement channel (20) in the measuring device in conjunction with further components (3, 7), wherein the measurement channel (20) is provided for the purpose of guiding a measurement medium (M) through the measuring device, characterized in that the component (2, 22) has a first sensor (11, 31, 41) for determining a first thermal/physical property selected from the thermal conductivity (κ), the temperature conductivity (α) and/or the specific heat capacity (ρcp) of the measurement medium, and wherein the measuring device has a second sensor (12) which vibrates and is provided for the purpose of determining the viscosity (μ) and/or the density (ρ) of the measurement medium (M), wherein the measurement medium (M) is passed through the measurement channel (20) from the first sensor (11, 31, 41) to the second sensor (12).