Flow Meter Coupling Piece Flush Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow meters with ultrasonic transducers often suffer from measurement errors due to protrusions into the flow, causing turbulence and eddies, which affect accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design featuring a measuring channel with a coupling piece inserted flush into the peripheral wall, using ultrasonic transducers with coupling wedges angled to the channel axis, and a measuring housing that includes control electronics and sensors, ensuring even flow and optimal signal coupling without protrusions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducers are mounted on the measuring channel wall, then the flow rate can be measured, but protrusions into the flow cause turbulence and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling piece acts as an intermediary element between the ultrasonic transducer and the measuring channel wall. The coupling piece is inserted flush into the wall, providing a mounting surface for the transducer while maintaining a smooth outer surface that does not protrude into the flow, thereby eliminating turbulence caused by direct wall mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling piece is nested into the measuring channel wall, with the ultrasonic transducer housed within the coupling piece structure. This nested arrangement allows the transducer to be positioned correctly for measurement while the outer surface remains flush with the wall, preventing flow disruption
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducers are immersed in the flow, then signal coupling is improved, but protrusions cause turbulence and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling piece serves as an intermediary that enables optimal ultrasonic signal coupling into the fluid through its angled coupling wedge, while its flush insertion into the wall prevents any protrusion into the flow that would cause turbulence
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling piece has different surface characteristics at different locations: the inner surface has an angled coupling wedge for optimal ultrasonic signal coupling into the fluid, while the outer surface is flush with the wall to prevent flow disruption, thus applying local quality differentiation
3Reliability
If a measuring insert with cup-shaped housing is used, then transducers are protected, but housing components protrude into the flow causing turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling piece acts as an intermediary structure that provides protection for the ultrasonic transducer while maintaining a flush outer surface. The transducer is housed within the coupling piece structure, which is inserted into the wall, eliminating the need for protruding cup-shaped housings that would disrupt the flow
4Object-affected harmful factors
If transducers are recessed relative to the measuring channel, then flow is not disrupted, but signal coupling requires membrane-like partitions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling piece serves as an intermediary structure that eliminates the need for membrane-like partitions. It provides a solid mounting surface for the transducer with angled coupling wedges that directly couple ultrasonic signals into the fluid, simplifying the structure while maintaining effective signal coupling and preventing flow disruption
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 measuring accuracy by minimizing turbulence and flow disruptions, leading to improved signal quality and reduced measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
two ultrasonic transducers that are attached to a section of pipe at a distance from each other as a so-called 'clip-on' solution, with both transducers acting as transmitters and receivers
Implementation Method 2
The flow rate can then be determined from the transit time of the measurement signals from the transmitter to the receiver
Implementation Method 3
The coupling of the measuring signals into and out of the fluid is effected via a common measuring bar or a coupling piece that accommodates the measuring sensors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
A flow meter with at least two spaced-apart ultrasonic sensors is disclosed, wherein the coupling of the measurement signals into and out of a fluid is carried out via a measuring bar or a coupling piece which is inserted flush into a circumferential wall of a measuring channel.