Dual-Duct Flow Meter With Elastic Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters struggle to accurately measure flow rates across a wide range, from low to high, without increasing complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements, often necessitating multiple instruments or systems to achieve this capability.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design with dual ducts and an elastic element that switches between low and high flow paths, combined with an electromechanical pump for high flow rate estimation, allowing seamless measurement across the entire range with minimal additional instrumentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single flow meter is used to measure both low and high flow rates, then the measurement range is extended, but the measurement precision deteriorates at one of the extremes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement system is segmented into two distinct measurement paths: a first duct with a first flow meter optimized for low flow rates, and a second duct with a second flow meter optimized for high flow rates. This segmentation allows each flow meter to operate within its optimal measurement range, thereby maintaining high measurement precision across the entire flow spectrum without requiring a single complex instrument.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow meters are used to cover both low and high flow rates, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A closing element acts as an intermediary component that automatically directs fluid flow to the appropriate duct based on flow rate conditions. At low flow rates, the closing element directs flow through the first duct to the first flow meter; at high flow rates, it redirects flow through the second duct to the second flow meter. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to operate multiple flow meters without requiring complex manual switching or control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow meters and additional systems are used to extend measurement range, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element serves as a cost-effective intermediary that enables a single flow measurement system to handle both low and high flow rate measurements. By automatically directing flow to the appropriate measurement path based on flow rate conditions, the system eliminates the need for expensive complex multi-range flow meters or additional electronic control systems, thereby extending measurement range while keeping manufacturing costs low.
4Measurement precision
If multiple instruments are used to measure flow rates, then the measurement precision is improved, but the maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element automatically manages the operation of multiple flow meters by directing flow to the appropriate instrument based on flow rate conditions. This reduces maintenance requirements by ensuring each flow meter operates within its optimal range, preventing degradation from inappropriate usage, and allowing systematic maintenance scheduling based on actual operational patterns rather than continuous high-stress operation.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a flow meter is designed to measure both low and high flow rates, then the adaptability is improved, but the pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement system is divided into two separate ducts, each optimized for specific flow rate ranges. The first duct with its flow meter is optimized for low flow rates with minimal pressure loss at those conditions, while the second duct with its flow meter is optimized for high flow rates. By segmenting the measurement paths, each duct-flow meter combination can be designed with appropriate dimensions and characteristics to minimize pressure losses within its operational range, rather than compromising one path to accommodate the other.
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 solution enables precise flow rate measurement at both low and high rates with reduced complexity, cost, and maintenance, extending the measurement range and improving accuracy while minimizing pressure losses and noise.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (4), connected to the closing element (3) and capable of bringing it back into position after it has been subjected to a high flow rate flow
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
A flow meter (100) for measuring the flow rate of a fluid characterized by comprising a casing (1) having a first end (101) into which the fluid enters and a second end (102) from which the fluid exits, and within which a first duct (11) for receiving the fluid is present when it is at low flow rates; a measuring element (2) arranged internally to the first duct (11) for measuring the flow within the first duct (11); said flow meter (100) being characterized by also comprising: a second duct (12), placed inside the casing (1), for receiving the fluid at high flow rates a closing element (3) which, when the flow rate exceeds an opening threshold, allows the fluid to flow into the second duct (12) an elastic element (4), connected to the closing element (3), for moving the closing element (3) from a closing configuration, in which the flow rate does not exceed the opening threshold, not overcoming the resistance of the elastic element (4) and the closing element (3) closes the second duct (12), to an opening configuration in which the flow rate exceeds the opening threshold, overcoming the resistance of the elastic element (4), and the closing element (3) opens the second duct (12).