Concave Reflector Ultrasonic Flowmeter Signal Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flowmeters face signal weakening at higher flow velocities due to acoustic signals being displaced by fluid flow, leading to reduced detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a concave reflection surface in the ultrasonic flowmeter, allowing acoustic signals to be transmitted obliquely or perpendicularly to the flow direction, which compensates for signal drifting and enhances signal intensity through speed-compensated beam guidance and focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic signals are transmitted parallel to the flow direction using flat reflectors, then the signal path length is maximized for measurement, but signal intensity is reduced at higher flow velocities due to signal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved (concave) reflector surfaces instead of flat surfaces to focus and redirect acoustic signals. The curvature of the reflector compensates for signal drift caused by high flow velocities, maintaining signal intensity and improving detection reliability while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reflections are used to increase measurement accuracy, then the average flow velocity can be determined more accurately, but the signal path length increases causing greater signal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflector surfaces are specifically designed to compensate for drift accumulated over multiple reflections. Each reflection off the curved surface redirects the signal to counteract the drift effect, allowing multiple reflections to be used for improved measurement accuracy without suffering from excessive signal drift.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of signal drift into a beneficial focusing effect. By carefully designing the curvature of the reflectors, the drift that would normally degrade the signal is instead used to focus and concentrate the acoustic energy at the receiver, improving both signal intensity and measurement accuracy.
3Reliability
If acoustic signals are transmitted obliquely or perpendicular to the flow direction, then signal drift is reduced, but the signal path length through the fluid decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved reflector surfaces extend the effective signal path length by redirecting the acoustic signals through multiple reflections. Even though the transducers are positioned to transmit signals obliquely or perpendicular to the flow direction (reducing drift), the curved reflectors ensure the signals traverse sufficient fluid path length for accurate measurement by bouncing them back and forth through the measurement section.
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
This solution effectively counteracts signal weakening, enabling accurate flow rate determination even at high flow velocities by compensating for signal drift and improving signal intensity, particularly in fast-flowing gases or liquids.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective surface for reflecting the acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic signal between the first transducer and the second transducer runs along a signal path which includes a reflection at the at least one reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one first transducer for transmitting an acoustic signal, at least one second transducer for receiving the acoustic signal
Implementation Method 4
ultrasonic flowmeter operating on the transit-time difference principle
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An ultrasonic flowmeter (1) for determining the flow speed and/or the volumetric flow of a fluid during the transit-time difference method, in particular for a gas or a liquid, said flowmeter comprising a measuring tube (6, 11) having a straight measuring tube axis, at least one transmitter (2, 17) for transmitting an acoustic signal (5, 10), at least one receiver (3, 18) for receiving the acoustic signal (5, 10) and at least one reflection surface (4a, 12-16) for reflecting the acoustic signal, wherein the transmitter (2, 17) and the receiver (3, 18) are arranged on the tube wall of the measuring tube (6, 11) such that they transmit the acoustic signal (5, 10) obliquely or perpendicularly to the flow direction (A) of the fluid, wherein at least one reflection surface (4a, 12-16) has a concave shape in a preferred direction. The invention further relates to a method for determining the flow speed and/or the volumetric flow of a liquid.