Floating Body Sensor Integration for Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices are inflexible in terms of installation, type, and location, requiring specific additional components and viewing systems, which limits their versatility and precision.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a float with integrated sensor means that can record and store measured values directly, allowing for precise and specific measurements across various material flows, with the option to easily add or remove functional units and integrate different sensor types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional floats with separate sensor components are used, then measurement functionality is provided, but device complexity increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the float body with sensor components into an integrated unit. The float (6) incorporates sensor means (3) directly within its structure, eliminating the need for separate sensor installations and additional viewing systems. This integration reduces the number of components while maintaining measurement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The float is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various sensor types (temperature, pH, CO2, flow velocity, etc.) and serve multiple measurement functions. The standardized interface allows different sensor means to be integrated into the same float body, providing versatility without requiring custom-designed floats for each measurement type.
2Measurement precision
If specific viewing systems are installed for float observation, then measurement capability is achieved, but installation flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The float serves itself by incorporating all necessary sensor means and signal processing capabilities within its own structure. The float autonomously performs measurement functions without requiring external viewing systems or additional installation components. The integrated sensor means (3) directly monitor physical parameters within the float body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor types are integrated into the float, then measurement versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed with modular sensor integration, where different sensor types can be independently installed in standardized locations. The float body (6) provides standardized interfaces and mounting structures that allow individual sensor means (3) to be added or removed without affecting the overall float structure, simplifying manufacturing and customization.
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 device provides flexible and precise measurement capabilities across various material flows, eliminating the need for additional components and allowing for energy harvesting and data transmission to higher-level control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a floating body (6) is arranged essentially freely in the measuring line section (5) and is surrounded by the flowable medium (2) and is movable, in particular liftable
Implementation Method 2
energy supply (8), in particular via auxiliary current by means of kinetic energy, in particular an impeller and/or rotation of the floating body
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining physical measurement values which characterize a flowable medium in a measuring line section and/or in an environment, wherein the flowable medium can flow through the measuring line section, and wherein a floating body is arranged in an essentially free manner in the measuring line section, is movable, in particular liftable, and is flown around by the flowable medium, wherein at least one, in particular a plurality of, sensor means is arranged in and/or on the floating body, in particular integrated into the floating body, for outputting a sensor signal in order to determine a physical measurement value, in particular the flow velocity and/or temperature and/or pH value, and wherein a sensor signal transmitting means and/or a data memory assigned to the sensor means are provided in and/or on the floating body in order to transmit and/or at least temporarily store the sensor signal, and/or wherein in particular an energy supply means for supplying the sensor means with energy is provided.