Drive Signal Interruption for Meter Electronics Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vibratory sensors, such as Coriolis flowmeters, face issues with drive signal amplitude remaining at or near maximum, leading to increased temperature in meter electronics due to the drive signal not reaching the resonance frequency, causing undesirable results like overheating.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that provide a drive signal for a meter assembly with a resonance frequency and interrupt the signal after a predetermined time period based on the expected time to reach the resonance frequency, potentially including a quiescent portion to prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the drive signal is continuously provided without interruption, then the meter assembly can maintain vibration at desired amplitude and frequency, but the temperature in meter electronics increases due to the drive signal not reaching the resonance frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The drive signal is provided in periodic intervals rather than continuously. The meter electronics interrupt the drive signal after a predetermined time period, creating periodic on-off cycles. This periodic action allows the system to accumulate sufficient vibrational response during each drive interval while providing cooling periods that prevent excessive temperature buildup in the electronics.
2Temperature
If the drive signal amplitude is kept at maximum, then the vibration amplitude of meter assembly is maintained, but excessive temperature increase occurs in meter electronics
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing continuous maximum amplitude drive signals, the system applies partial action by interrupting the drive signal after predetermined time periods. This partial application of the drive signal is sufficient to achieve the necessary vibrational response for measurement while avoiding the harmful effects of continuous maximum power delivery that would cause excessive heating.
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 approach effectively limits the drive signal amplitude, preventing excessive temperature increases in the meter electronics and ensuring safe operation by interrupting the signal before it reaches a resonance frequency, thus maintaining the integrity of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
the drive signal reaches a resonance frequency of the meter assembly. Generally, an amplitude of the drive signal provided to the meter assembly decreases when the drive signal reaches the resonance frequency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method of limiting a drive signal is provided. The method includes providing a drive signal for a meter assembly, wherein the meter assembly has a resonance frequency. The method also includes interrupting the drive signal after a first drive time-period, wherein the first drive time-period is based on an expected time for the drive signal to reach the resonance frequency.