Electromagnetic Flow Sensor Substrate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic detection and control devices for liquid-conducting appliances face issues with imprecision due to impurities and mechanical moving parts, which lead to wear and are unsuitable for detecting small flows.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic-induction flow sensor with a substrate-based detection arrangement, featuring electrodes or conductive tracks on a printed-circuit board, simplifies production and assembly while enhancing reliability and fluid tightness through sealing means and a positioning arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an impeller-based mechanical flow sensor is used, then the device can measure liquid flow, but the mechanical moving parts are subject to wear and impurity deposition causing imprecision and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical impeller-based flow sensor with an electromagnetic-induction flow sensor. The electromagnetic sensor uses a magnetic field and electrodes to detect flow through Faraday's law, eliminating mechanical moving parts that are subject to wear and impurity deposition. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining flow measurement capability while eliminating the reliability and precision issues associated with mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If an impeller flow sensor is used, then flow measurement is possible, but the sensor cannot detect very small flows of liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic-induction flow sensor replaces the mechanical impeller sensor, enabling detection of very small flows. The electromagnetic field and electrode configuration can detect minute potential differences induced by slow-moving conductive liquids, providing both high precision for small flows and adaptability across a wide range of flow rates.
3Reliability
If electromagnetic-induction flow sensor with through openings and drive-fitted electrodes is used, then flow measurement is achieved, but production is complicated and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode mounting structure with the hydraulic body by integrating the electrodes directly into the hydraulic body's wall structure. This eliminates the need for separate through openings and drive-fitting operations, simplifying production while maintaining fluid tightness through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the liquid passage and simultaneously integrates the electrode mounting function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrode mounting structures and sealing arrangements, simplifying both production and assembly while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If sealant material is applied at electrode openings to prevent seepage, then fluid tightness is improved, but the device complexity and production steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid tightness function directly into the hydraulic body structure through integrated electrode mounting. The electrodes are formed as part of the hydraulic body or mounted in a way that the hydraulic body structure itself provides the sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealant material application steps and reducing assembly complexity.
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 provides a reliable and cost-effective flow measurement capable of detecting small flow rates without mechanical moving parts, improving precision and durability compared to traditional impeller sensors.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic arrangement, configured for generating an electromagnetic field through the duct, in a direction transverse to the flow of the liquid, a detection arrangement, which comprises at least two electrodes for detecting a potential difference induced by the flow of the liquid through the electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic measuring device includes a hydraulic body defining a duct for a flow of a liquid, and a flow sensor on the hydraulic body that includes an electromagnetic arrangement for generating an electromagnetic field through the duct in a direction transverse to the flow of the liquid, and detection arrangement including two electrical detection elements for detecting a potential difference induced by the flow of the liquid through the electromagnetic field. The detection elements are associated to one and the same face of a substrate, which extends on the outside of the duct in a position corresponding to a first side of the duct. The first side of the duct has two through openings, each of which is in a position corresponding to a respective electrical detection element.