Ultrasonic Flow Meter Constriction Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flowmeters face challenges in handling, operational safety, and measuring accuracy, with a need for improved solutions to enhance their performance.
Innovation Solution
The flow meter design includes a housing and an exchangeable measuring insert with a constriction point between the measuring channel wall and the housing wall, which minimizes passive flow and prevents stagnant medium formation, using a projection to narrow the passage and ensure that only a negligible portion of the medium bypasses the measuring section, thus improving accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a measuring insert is inserted into the housing, then the flow meter allows for easy maintenance and recalibration, but passive flow through the intermediate region between the measuring channel wall and housing wall causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic intermediate region by introducing a constriction point that effectively removes the passive flow path from the measurement system. The constriction point narrows the intermediate region between the measuring channel wall and housing wall to such an extent that passive flow becomes metrologically negligible, thereby eliminating the source of measurement error while preserving the exchangeable measuring insert design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the intermediate region by introducing a constriction point with specific dimensions. The constriction point has a defined cross-sectional area that is sufficiently small to reduce passive flow to negligible levels. This parameter change transforms the intermediate region from a potential source of measurement error into an insignificant flow path.
2Measurement precision
If the intermediate region is completely closed, then passive flow is eliminated, but stagnant medium forms in front of the constriction point leading to bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by not completely closing the intermediate region. Instead of eliminating the passage entirely, the constriction point reduces it to a minimal opening that allows sufficient passive flow to prevent stagnant medium formation. This partial action is excessive in the sense that it goes beyond complete closure but stops short of full opening, achieving an optimal balance between eliminating measurement errors and preventing bacterial growth.
3Ease of repair
If the measuring insert is made exchangeable, then maintenance and recalibration are facilitated, but handling and operational safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow meter into two main parts: a stationary housing and an exchangeable measuring insert. The measuring insert contains the measuring channel and can be removed and replaced without affecting the housing. This segmentation facilitates maintenance and recalibration while the housing provides a stable, safe operating environment. The constriction point is integrated into the housing, ensuring that critical flow control features remain fixed and reliable.
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 design enhances the measuring accuracy by reducing measurement errors from passive flow and prevents bacterial growth by avoiding stagnant medium, while also improving operational safety through the use of a protective transducer cover and a sealed construction.
Implementation Method 1
Pulse-shaped (ultra) sound signals are generated by means of (ultra) sound transducers and sent through the medium in the direction of flow and against the direction of flow. The difference in the propagation times of the sound signals in both directions is evaluated to determine the flow rate of the medium.
Implementation Method 2
Flowmeters of this type based on (ultra)sonic measurement technology are known. Pulse-shaped (ultra) sound signals are generated by means of (ultra) sound transducers and sent through the medium
Implementation Method 3
The sound signal emitted by the sound transducer follows the helical path through the medium by means of reflections on the walls of the measuring channel enclosing the measuring section.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The flow meter has sound transducer (14) which receives sound signal (15) passed through measuring path (8), when measuring insert portion (5) is inserted in casing (2). Measuring path has an actual measuring channel (7) with measuring channel wall which surrounds the measuring path. Casing has a constriction portion provided in intermediate region between measuring channel wall and casing wall, when measuring insert portion is inserted. A remaining opening is provided between measuring channel wall and casing wall in the region of constriction portion.