Coriolis Flow Meter Transition Piece Integrating Tubes and Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Coriolis mass flow meters require multiple complex and costly holders for different measurement setups, and the fluid comes into contact with multiple materials, complicating manufacturing and potentially introducing contamination.

Innovation Solution

Designing transition pieces that differ in shape and/or size from the measuring tubes, forming an overall cross-section that acts as a flow divider, allowing for a single, unified connection of multiple measuring tubes to a pipeline without additional holders, ensuring contact with only one material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different holders are used for different measurement setups, then the connection of measuring tubes to pipeline is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different measurement setupsVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple holders
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single holder structure that can accommodate different numbers and configurations of measuring tubes through adjustable clamping elements. Instead of creating separate holders for 2-tube, 4-tube, or other configurations, one universal holder with adjustable clamps serves all measurement setups, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is segmented into modular components including multiple adjustable clamping elements that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the same holder structure to adapt to different measuring tube arrangements by adjusting individual clamp positions rather than requiring completely different holder designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different holders are used for different measurement setups, then the connection of measuring tubes to pipeline is achieved, but the manufacturing and maintenance effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different measurement setupsVSAvoidmanufacturing effort for multiple holders
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By designing one universal holder that serves all measurement configurations, the manufacturing effort is significantly reduced compared to producing multiple specialized holders. The standardized holder design can be mass-produced using the same tooling and processes, while the adjustable clamping mechanism provides the necessary flexibility for different setups

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the fluid comes into contact with multiple materials, then the connection of measuring tubes to pipeline is achieved, but the contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidcontamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holder and transition piece into a single integrated component made from one material. This eliminates the interface between different materials that the fluid would otherwise encounter, reducing contamination risk while maintaining the connection functionality between measuring tubes and pipeline

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If additional holders and transition pieces are used, then the connection of measuring tubes to pipeline is achieved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder and transition piece are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts. Instead of having separate holders and separate transition pieces, the design combines these functions into one piece, simplifying assembly and reducing the number of sealing interfaces and potential failure points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies the connection of multiple measuring tubes to a pipeline, reduces manufacturing complexity, and minimizes material contact, allowing for flexible and efficient fluid distribution without additional components or contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillation generator which sets the measuring tube in vibration, and two vibration sensors, the vibration sensors being arranged at the inlet end and at the outlet end of the measuring tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the fact that the Coriolis force acts on the fluid to be measured when it flows through a pipe set in vibration is used

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoriolis force: Coriolis Force

Data Source

PatentEP3301411B1Measuring pipe unit and coriolis mass flow meter
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 KROHNE AG
  • EP3301411B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3301411B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3301411B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5d

AI summary

A measuring tube unit (1) for use in a Coriolis mass flow meter (2) with an inlet end (3) and an outlet end (4) is described and illustrated, comprising at least two measuring tubes (5) and at least two transition pieces (6a), wherein a transition piece (6a) is arranged on each measuring tube (5) at the inlet end (3), wherein each measuring tube (5) has a measuring tube cross-section (8) and each transition piece (6a) has a transition piece cross-section (9a) at the inlet.The task of providing a measuring tube unit that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art is solved by the fact that the transition piece (6a) is integrally formed with the associated measuring tube (5) and that the cross-sectional area (9a) of the transition piece differs in shape and/or size from the cross-sectional area (8) of the associated measuring tube, wherein the measuring tubes (5) are arranged and aligned such that the cross-sectional areas (9a) of the transition pieces form a single cross-sectional area (10) and thus a flow divider. Furthermore, a Coriolis mass flow meter is described and illustrated.