Dual Flow Detection for Temperature-Adjusting Fluid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting fluid flow rates due to increased viscosity at lower temperatures, leading to potential freezing issues in pipes when using conventional flow rate sensors.
Innovation Solution
A dual detection system is implemented, using a first flow rate detection means (e.g., flow sensor) for precise flow rate measurement at higher temperatures and a second flow rate detection means (e.g., flow switch) for coarser detection with reduced viscosity impact, with a temperature detection means to switch between controls based on fluid temperature, ensuring appropriate pump control to prevent freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a normal flow rate sensor is used to detect fluid flow rate, then flow rate detection precision is improved at higher temperatures, but detection accuracy deteriorates when fluid temperature decreases and viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow rate detection function into two separate detection means: a first flow rate detection means (normal flow sensor) for high-temperature conditions, and a second flow rate detection means (flow switch) for low-temperature conditions. The control part selects which detection means to use based on the detected fluid temperature, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision at high temperature and reliability at low temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter approach by switching between two different detection methods based on temperature. The first flow rate detection means provides precise continuous measurement at high temperatures, while the second flow rate detection means provides robust binary detection at low temperatures where viscosity affects normal sensors. This parameter-based switching resolves the accuracy-reliability contradiction.
2Productivity
If pump control is based on flow rate detection at low temperatures, then flow rate control is maintained, but the fluid may freeze in pipes due to inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the second flow rate detection means (flow switch) at low temperatures to detect flow presence before freezing can occur. The flow switch provides reliable binary detection that triggers pump control adjustments in advance, preventing the fluid from remaining stationary and freezing in the pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the control part continuously monitors fluid temperature and flow rate detection results, and adjusts pump operation accordingly. When the fluid temperature is low and the second detection means indicates insufficient flow, the control part increases pump operation to ensure adequate circulation, preventing freezing through continuous feedback adjustment.
3Device complexity
If a single flow rate detection means is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy varies significantly with temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic detection system where the control part selects between two flow rate detection means based on real-time fluid temperature conditions. This dynamic switching allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying temperatures while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through intelligent control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal flow rate detection system that can handle both high-temperature and low-temperature conditions using two detection means with different characteristics. The first detection means excels at high temperatures, while the second detection means performs reliably at low temperatures, making the combined system universally applicable across the full operating temperature range.
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 allows for precise flow rate control at varying temperatures, preventing fluid freezing in pipes and optimizing operation by switching between detection methods based on temperature, ensuring efficient circulation and preventing fluid loss.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (20), which transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to a fluid for temperature adjustment
Implementation Method 2
The pump (50) is arranged in the supply tube (32) or the return tube (42). The pump (50) is flow rate adjustable
Implementation Method 3
The fluid used in the temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus generally increases in viscosity due to decreases in temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Provided is a temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus that causes a fluid for temperature adjustment to be circulated between a heat exchanger that transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to the fluid, and an object to be adjusted for temperature that uses the heat of the fluid, the temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus being able to prevent the fluid from freezing. A temperature-adjusting fluid supply apparatus (100) is provided with a heat exchanger (20) that transfers heat supplied from a refrigerant to a fluid for temperature adjustment, a supply tube (32) through which the fluid flows from the heat exchanger toward an object to be adjusted for temperature, a return tube (42) through which the fluid returning from the object to be adjusted for temperature flows, a flow rate adjustable pump (50), a flow sensor (60), a flow switch (70), a temperature sensor (80), and a control part (90). The flow switch, in comparison with the flow sensor, is able to detect flow rate changes with coarser precision, and is less affected in detection accuracy by viscosity changes in the fluid. On the basis of the temperature of the fluid detected by the temperature sensor, the control part switches between pump control based on the detection results of the flow sensor and pump control based on the detection results of the flow switch.