Flow Meter Transducer Bumper for Coil-Magnet Collision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transducer assemblies in vibrating fluid meters, such as Coriolis flow meters, are prone to damage due to misalignment, contact between coil and magnet components, which can occur under various operational conditions, leading to non-functional flowmeters.
Innovation Solution
A transducer assembly design that constrains the coil and magnet portions in both the x and y axes, using physical stops or nested bars to prevent collision, ensuring they do not contact each other during conduit travel, and includes adjustable weights for mass balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional transducer assemblies are used in vibrating fluid meters, then the meter can measure mass flow and other properties, but the coil and magnet components are prone to collision and contact under various operational conditions, leading to damage and non-functionality
Solution Approach 1:
A bumper component is introduced as an intermediary element between the coil and magnet portions. The bumper acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact and collision between these two components while allowing the transducer assembly to function properly. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful collision effect without interfering with the normal measurement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper component provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-positioned to absorb or prevent potential collision forces between the coil and magnet portions before damage can occur. This protective measure is built into the structure in advance, ensuring that when operational forces arise, the bumper absorbs the impact and prevents harmful contact between critical components.
2Reliability
If the coil and magnet portions are constrained in both x and y axes to prevent collision, then transducer assembly damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to additional constraint mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The constraint mechanism is merged with the existing transducer assembly structure. The bumper component is integrated into the overall assembly rather than being a separate, independent mechanism. This merging approach provides the necessary x and y axis constraints while minimizing additional complexity, as the bumper serves multiple functions including collision prevention and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper component is designed as a simple, straightforward structural element that provides effective constraint without complex mechanisms. By using a basic bumper design rather than an elaborate constraint system, the solution achieves reliable protection while keeping the added complexity to a minimum. The bumper is a simple geometric shape that effectively blocks collision paths.
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
Prevents damage to the transducer assembly by ensuring the coil and magnet components do not collide, maintaining the functionality and integrity of the flowmeter under varying operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating current is passed to the drive coil for vibrating the conduit(s) at a desired flow tube amplitude and frequency
Implementation Method 2
the pick-off sensors can use the motion provided by the driver to induce a voltage. The voltage is proportional to conduit displacement
Implementation Method 3
As material begins to flow through the flow meter, Coriolis forces cause each point along the conduit(s) to have a different phase
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer assembly 200 for a vibrating meter 5 having meter electronics 20 is provided according to an embodiment. The transducer assembly 200 comprises a coil portion 204A comprising a coil bobbin 220 and a coil 222 wound around the coil bobbin 220. A magnet portion 204B comprises a magnet. The coil portion 204A and the magnet portion 204B are constrained in both the x and y axis of travel, such that the coil portion 204A is prevented from colliding with the magnet portion 204B.