Dual-Duct Flow Meter With Elastic Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters struggle to accurately measure fluid flow rates across a wide range, from low to high, without requiring multiple instruments, leading to increased complexity, cost, and maintenance, and often result in pressure losses and measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design with a dual duct system, incorporating an electromechanical pump, that switches between measuring low flow rates through a bypass duct and high flow rates through a main duct, using elastic elements and closing mechanisms to direct fluid flow, allowing seamless measurement across the entire range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow meters or additional systems are used to measure both low and high flow rates, then measurement range is extended, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two separate ducts: a first duct for low flow rate measurement and a second duct for high flow rate measurement. This segmentation allows each duct to be optimized for its specific flow range, enabling the system to measure both low and high flow rates without requiring multiple complete flow meter instruments, thus reducing overall device complexity while extending measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow meter device performs multiple functions by incorporating both low flow rate measurement (through the first duct with appropriate measuring elements) and high flow rate measurement (through the second duct). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments for different flow ranges, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining extended measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow meters are used to cover entire flow range, then measurement accuracy is improved, but maintenance requirements and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two separate ducts: a first duct for low flow rate measurement and a second duct for high flow rate measurement. This segmentation allows each duct to be optimized for its specific flow range, enabling the system to measure both low and high flow rates without requiring multiple complete flow meter instruments, thus reducing overall device complexity while extending measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow meter device performs multiple functions by incorporating both low flow rate measurement (through the first duct with appropriate measuring elements) and high flow rate measurement (through the second duct). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate instruments for different flow ranges, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining extended measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flow meter for low flow rates is inserted into a duct for high flow rates, then measurement capability is extended, but pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter is divided into two separate ducts: a first duct for low flow rate measurement and a second duct for high flow rate measurement. This segmentation allows each duct to be optimized for its specific flow range, enabling the system to measure both low and high flow rates without requiring multiple complete flow meter instruments, thus reducing overall device complexity while extending measurement range.
Solution Approach 2:
A dynamic closing element is introduced that can switch between closing the first duct and closing the second duct based on the flow rate being measured. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt the active duct to the measurement requirements, ensuring optimal performance for both low and high flow rates while minimizing pressure losses by directing flow through the appropriate duct for each condition.
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 enables accurate measurement of fluid flow rates from 0 to 300 l/min with minimal complexity, reduced maintenance, and minimal pressure loss, eliminating the need for additional instruments and maintaining a low price point.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (4), connected to the closing element (3) and capable of moving the same closing element (3) when the flow rate varies
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter (100) for measuring the flow rate of a fluid characterized by comprisinga 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 ratesa 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).