Ultrasonic Flow Meter Deflection Mirror Spring Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate measuring devices for fluid media, particularly in heat meters, face inaccuracies at high flow speeds and disturbed flow profiles due to deflection mirror position deviations, which are exacerbated by detachable fastening and lack of flow rectification, failing to meet prescribed measurement tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate measuring device with a support arm and elastic spring element for secure deflection mirror fixation, combined with guide surfaces on the spring element for flow rectification, ensuring the deflection mirror remains stationary at high velocities and correcting disturbed flow profiles without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If detachable fastening of deflection mirrors is used for better repairability, then ease of repair is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to position deviations at high flow speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixation mechanism from simple detachable mounting to elastic spring element fixation, which dynamically adjusts to flow conditions while maintaining secure attachment. This parameter change in the fixation method allows the deflection mirror to remain stable at high flow speeds while still being replaceable for repair purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic fixation using elastic spring elements that can adapt to varying flow conditions. The spring element provides continuous pressure to secure the deflection mirror against flow-induced forces, while still allowing for easy replacement when needed, thus combining stability with repairability.
2Device complexity
If no fundamental deflection of flow is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to disturbed flow profiles falsifying results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow rectification function with the existing housing structure by adding guide surfaces to the spring element. This integration allows flow straightening to be achieved without separate components, maintaining structural simplicity while eliminating disturbed flow profiles that would falsify measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces on the spring element act as an intermediary between the disturbed inlet flow and the ultrasonic measurement path. These surfaces gradually straighten the flow without causing abrupt deflections, ensuring measurement accuracy while keeping the device structurally simple.
3Ease of repair
If deflection mirrors are detachably fastened, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to position deviations under flow pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or angled surfaces on the spring element that conform to the flow direction and housing geometry. This curved design allows the spring element to effectively counteract flow pressure and secure the deflection mirror reliably, while maintaining the detachable nature for repair purposes.
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 solution provides accurate flow rate measurements at high speeds and with disturbed flow profiles, maintaining measurement precision and repairability while eliminating the need for separate flow straightening components.
Implementation Method 1
the support arm has an elastic spring element for releasably fixing the support arm to the inner wall of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the spring element has guide surfaces for flow rectification
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasonic measuring device comprising at least one ultrasonic transducer for emitting ultrasonic waves into the interior
Implementation Method 4
By measuring the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves along the measuring section, the flow rate and, from this, the flow rate of the fluid can be determined
Implementation Method 5
at least one deflection mirror on the measurement section, by means of which the ultrasonic waves of the ultrasonic transducer are deflected into the measurement section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The flow meter (1), for fluids used in heating meters, has a housing (2) with an inner wall (4) defining an interior zone (3). An inner measurement tube (7) gives a stretch for flow time measurement. An ultrasonic assembly has at least one ultrasonic wave transmitter (10) and a deflection mirror (12) to deflect the waves into the measurement stretch. The mirror carrier arm (14) has an elastic spring unit (18), at the opposite end to the mounting end (17), for a release fastening at the housing inner wall. The mirror is fitted between the carrier arm ends. The spring unit has surfaces to rectify the flow.