Coriolis Flow Meter Clamping for Stable Zero Point Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Coriolis flow meters for single-use applications are sensitive to mechanical disturbances, leading to inconsistent zero point calibration due to variations in securement and microfriction between the measuring tube arrangement and the support apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A Coriolis flow meter design featuring a measuring tube arrangement with a fixing body that is elastically bent and mechanically clamped, reducing microfriction and ensuring consistent zero point calibration through a force-interlocked connection with the support apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the measuring tube arrangement is secured in the support apparatus using conventional fixing methods, then the measuring tube arrangement is held in place, but microfriction and mechanical disturbances occur leading to inconsistent zero point calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezero point calibration consistencyVSAvoidmicrofriction and mechanical disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measuring tube arrangement from direct contact with the support apparatus body by introducing a floating connection mechanism. The measuring tube arrangement is held by fixing elements that allow it to float or move slightly, separating it from the rigid support apparatus structure. This extraction eliminates the source of microfriction and mechanical disturbances between the measuring tube arrangement and the support apparatus, thereby resolving the contradiction between holding the measuring tube in place and avoiding microfriction-induced calibration errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the measuring tube arrangement is firmly clamped to reduce movement, then positioning stability is improved, but mechanical disturbances and microfriction increase affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmass flow measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static, rigid clamping system to a dynamic floating connection system. The fixing elements are designed to allow the measuring tube arrangement to float or move slightly in response to flow-induced vibrations and pressure changes. This dynamic approach maintains positioning stability while avoiding the transmission of mechanical disturbances and microfriction forces that would otherwise degrade measurement precision, thus resolving the contradiction between firm clamping and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If different operators perform the securement operation, then the measuring tube arrangement can be installed, but variations in securement degree occur leading to zero point deviations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidzero point calibration reproducibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through the floating connection mechanism that automatically adjusts to accommodate the measuring tube arrangement without requiring precise manual adjustment by operators. The fixing elements are designed to engage with the measuring tube arrangement in a self-aligning manner, eliminating the need for operators to apply specific tightening forces or positions. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures consistent positioning and zero point calibration regardless of which operator performs the installation, thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and calibration reproducibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 design provides a reliable and reproducible zero point calibration, minimizing mechanical influences and ensuring accurate mass flow measurement in single-use applications.

Implementation Method 1

the at least two oscillation exciter components comprise at least one exciter magnet and/or exciter coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the at least two oscillation sensor components comprise at least one sensor magnet and/or sensor coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the at least one fixing element is adapted in the case of connecting the measuring tube arrangement with the support apparatus body to exert a bending force on the fixing body arrangement for elastically bending the fixing body arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12480795B2Coriolis flow meter
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • US12480795B2 patent drawing
  • US12480795B2 patent drawing
  • US12480795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A Coriolis flow meter, includes: a measuring tube arrangement with at least one measuring tube and a fixing body arrangement; at least one oscillation exciter and at least one oscillation sensor; a support apparatus with seat and fixing apparatus, wherein the fixing apparatus has at least one swingable fixing element, wherein the fixing apparatus is adapted to connect the measuring tube arrangement, for example, the at least one measuring tube, via the fixing body arrangement mechanically releasably with the support apparatus body, wherein the at least one fixing element is adapted in the case of connecting the measuring tube arrangement with the support apparatus body to exert a bending force on the fixing body arrangement for elastically bending the fixing body arrangement.