Flow Conduit Insert Assembly for Low-Loss Ultrasonic Metering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic flow meters and their inserts face challenges such as complicated assembly, low durability, and high pressure loss, which affect the accuracy and sensitivity of fluid flow measurements, especially in low velocity flows.

Innovation Solution

A flow conduit insert with a self-supporting design, comprising a flow controlling arrangement and a fixation arrangement, that increases fluid flow velocity and securely fixes ultrasound reflectors, allowing for simpler assembly and reduced pressure loss by forming a single, assembled element with two or more symmetric controlling arrangement parts and fixation elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional flow conduit inserts are used, then the assembly structure is established, but the assembly process becomes complicated and durability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate components (flow controlling arrangement parts and fixation arrangement parts) into a single integrated flow conduit insert. This merging eliminates the need for complex assembly processes while maintaining the functional separation of flow control and fixation features, thereby resolving the contradiction between having a structured assembly and maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single flow conduit insert performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls fluid flow through its flow controlling arrangement, fixes ultrasound reflectors via its fixation arrangement, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If flow velocity is increased to improve measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow measurement sensitivityVSAvoidpressure loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The flow controlling arrangement creates localized flow acceleration zones within the insert while maintaining broader flow path integrity. By strategically positioning flow control features to accelerate fluid only in specific regions where ultrasound measurement occurs, the design improves measurement sensitivity without causing system-wide pressure loss increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of pressure loss into a benefit by designing the flow controlling arrangement to create controlled turbulence and acceleration zones that enhance ultrasound signal modulation. The flow features that could potentially increase pressure loss are strategically designed to also improve flow velocity in the measurement zone, turning a potential negative into a positive for measurement sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple controlling arrangement parts are used to form the flow conduit insert, then manufacturing flexibility improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple controlling arrangement parts and fixation arrangement parts into a single monolithic flow conduit insert. This eliminates the assembly complexity that would arise from having multiple separate parts, while the design still allows for flexible manufacturing through standard molding techniques. The single-part construction resolves the contradiction by prioritizing assembly simplicity while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Within the single flow conduit insert, the design maintains functional segmentation between the flow controlling arrangement and fixation arrangement. This internal segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently during the design phase while being manufactured as a single integrated component, thereby achieving manufacturing flexibility without assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3172539B1Flow conduit insert for an ultrasonic flowmeter

Publication Date: 2022.08.31 APATOR MIITORS APS

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AI summary

A flow conduit insert (INS) for inserting in a flow conduit (FC) of an ultrasonic flow meter (UFM) is disclosed, said flow conduit insert (INS) being adapted for increasing the flow velocity of a fluid flowing through said flow conduit (FC), wherein said flow conduit insert (INS) comprises -a flow controlling arrangement (FCA), and -a fixation arrangement (FXA), wherein said flow controlling arrangement (FCA) defines an inner flow channel (IFC) having free passage along the longitudinal center axis (LA) of the flow conduit (FC) over the entire length of the flow conduit insert (INS), wherein said fixation arrangement (FXA) is arranged to fixate at least one ultrasound reflector (UR). Also, a further flow conduit insert (INS), an ultrasonic flow meter (UFM), a method of assembling a flow conduit insert (INS), and method of assembling an ultrasonic flow meter (UFM).