Ultrasonic Flow Meter Perpendicular Measuring Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow meters face issues with undefined angular positions of the measuring channel relative to the connector, leading to measurement inaccuracies due to uncontrolled ultrasonic signal reflections and propagation, and require a design that decouples the flow conditions from the angular position of the measuring capsule.
Innovation Solution
The flow meter is designed with a rotationally symmetrical measuring capsule and a measuring channel oriented perpendicular to the fluid flow, featuring a coaxial arrangement of ultrasonic transducers and a plastic measuring chamber insert to minimize signal reflections, ensuring consistent measurement results regardless of angular alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the measuring channel is arranged horizontally or parallel to the axis of the tubular connector, then the ultrasonic transducers can be easily positioned at the beginning and end of the measuring channel, but the angular position of the measuring capsule relative to the connector significantly influences the measurement result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the spatial orientation of the measuring channel from horizontal/parallel to vertical/perpendicular relative to the connector axis. This asymmetric repositioning eliminates the angular position dependency while maintaining transducer positioning feasibility through the vertical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the measuring channel from a horizontal arrangement (parallel to connector axis) to a vertical arrangement (perpendicular to connector axis). This dimensional change in orientation space resolves the angular position sensitivity issue while preserving the functional relationship between transducers and measuring channel.
2Measurement precision
If a plastic measuring chamber insert is used to minimize ultrasonic reflections, then unwanted reflections from metal housing are reduced, but sealing the radial openings of the measuring chamber insert against the surrounding housing becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the radial openings configuration and relocates it to the peripheral region of the measuring chamber insert. This separation allows the insert to maintain its ultrasound-absorbing plastic material for signal quality while the sealing element handles the sealing task independently, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealing element as an intermediary component between the measuring chamber insert and the housing. This mediator provides the sealing function without requiring complex integration into the radial openings, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining both signal quality and sealing effectiveness.
3Productivity
If the measuring channel inlet and outlet are positioned at the beginning and end of the measuring channel, then the fluid flow path is straightforward, but the undefined angular position relative to the tubular connector significantly influences the measurement result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates equipotentiality in the angular dimension by positioning the measuring channel vertically such that all angular positions around the connector axis become equivalent. The inlet and outlet remain at the beginning and end of the channel for efficient flow, while the vertical orientation ensures measurement consistency independent of rotational position.
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 achieves precise and consistent heat consumption measurements by eliminating the influence of angular misalignment, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing unwanted ultrasonic reflections.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic measuring section running through the measuring channel with at least two ultrasonic transducers, which transmit and/or receive ultrasonic signals into the ultrasonic measuring section
Implementation Method 2
the actual measuring channel is often formed in a measuring chamber insert, which is inserted into the measuring capsule housing and is made of ultrasound-absorbing plastic
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A flow meter for determining the amount of liquid flowing through a line comprises a tubular connector 10 with an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13, which can be connected to the line. A measuring capsule 20 is placed on the connector 10, which has a measuring capsule housing 30 and a measuring channel 42. The inlet of the measuring channel 42 is connected to the inlet port 12, and the outlet of the measuring channel 42 is connected to the outlet port 13 of the connector 10, so that the liquid volume to be measured flows completely through the measuring channel 42. An ultrasonic measuring section 60 runs through the measuring channel 42, with a first ultrasonic transducer 50 at the top and a second ultrasonic transducer 51 at an axial distance at the bottom. The measuring channel 42 is arranged perpendicular to the flow direction of the liquid stream through the connector 10.This makes the measurement result independent of the angular position of the measuring capsule 20 in relation to the connecting piece 10.