Detachable Flow Meter Architecture for Viscosity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid flow meters suffer from measurement errors due to manufacturing tolerances and varying liquid viscosities, requiring multiple calibrations and inventory management for different viscosities and temperature conditions, complicating OEM production and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A detachable liquid flow meter design with separate sensing and computing portions, where sensing portion memory stores calibration information and computing portion is configurable for different applications, allowing interchangeable use across various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow meters are calibrated for specific viscosities to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple calibration versions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two separable parts: a sensing portion that remains calibrated for a standard viscosity and a computing portion that can be configured with different viscosity compensation parameters. This segmentation allows the sensing portion to maintain a single calibration while the computing portion adapts to different viscosity conditions through software configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the viscosity compensation parameter in the computing portion's memory to adapt to different liquid viscosities. Instead of recalibrating the entire flow meter for each viscosity, the system modifies the viscosity compensation parameter (e.g., from 100 cSt to 200 cSt) in the computing portion, allowing a single sensing portion to work with multiple viscosity conditions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow meter versions with different calibrations are maintained for varying temperature conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensing portion is designed to be universally compatible with multiple computing portions configured for different temperature and viscosity conditions. The sensing portion measures flow velocity, while the computing portion applies the appropriate temperature and viscosity compensation algorithms, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple sensing portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts viscosity compensation parameters in the computing portion based on the actual operating conditions (temperature and liquid type). This dynamic configuration allows the same hardware to adapt to varying temperature conditions by loading different compensation parameters into memory, rather than requiring static pre-calibration for each temperature.
3Reliability
If flow meters are designed as integrated units with calibration stored internally, then reliability is improved, but adaptability decreases for different liquid types
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is segmented into a sensing portion with internal calibration storage and a computing portion with configurable parameters. This segmentation allows the sensing portion to maintain reliable, consistent measurements while the computing portion provides adaptability through external configuration of viscosity and temperature compensation parameters for different liquid types.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing portion acts as an intermediary between the sensing portion and the varying operating conditions. It receives the raw velocity measurement from the sensing portion and applies appropriate compensation algorithms based on configured parameters for the specific liquid type, temperature, and viscosity, thereby adapting the system without modifying the sensing portion's internal calibration.
4Ease of repair
If separate sensing and computing portions are used with separate memories, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is segmented into replaceable sensing and computing portions, each with its own memory. The sensing portion contains calibration data specific to the sensor, while the computing portion contains configurable viscosity and temperature compensation parameters. This segmentation enables independent replacement of faulty components without affecting the other portion or requiring complete recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
Each portion is designed to be self-contained with its necessary calibration and configuration data stored in its own memory. The sensing portion self-calibrates based on its internal reference, and the computing portion self-configures by loading appropriate viscosity compensation parameters, reducing the need for complex external calibration procedures during repair or replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for liquid flow sensing and measurement with real-time, dynamic, fluid-configurable computing portion as a software-defined sensor system (SDSS). One embodiment detachably partitions liquid flow meter into a sensing portion and a computing portion, each of the two portions having their own memory. Information directly related to physical and operational properties of the sensing portion, i.e., calibration, is stored locally in memory of sensing portion, and accessible by the computing portion. Configuration information for computing portion in particular applications of the flow meter, e.g., fluid characteristics for viscosity calculation, is stored locally in computing portion memory. Dividing information into two memories allows sensing portion and computing portion of a flowmeter to be replaceable at their subcomponent level with a standard or single stock unit sensing portion calibrated to a standard condition and a single stock unit computing portion configurable to a plurality of fluid types and operating temperatures without additional calibration.