Ultrasonic Flow Meter Port Cover Assembly Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic flow meters face challenges such as interruptions in fluid flow during maintenance, susceptibility to corrosive fluids damaging transformer components, and reduced longevity due to wear and tear, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A port cover assembly with a tubular member and spring mechanism that maintains electrical coupling between the transformer and piezoelectric element, while also forming fluid barriers to protect internal components from external corrosive fluids, allowing for easier maintenance and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire transducer assembly is removed for maintenance of the piezoelectric element or transformer, then the components can be replaced, but fluid flow through the spool piece is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly is divided into separable components: the piezoelectric element can be accessed and replaced independently by removing only the transducer holder, while the transformer remains in place within the end connector. This segmentation allows partial maintenance without complete assembly removal, reducing fluid flow interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element is extracted from the transducer holder as a separate replaceable component. The holder itself can be removed and replaced without removing the transformer or end connector, allowing maintenance of the piezoelectric element while maintaining the structural integrity and fluid sealing of the overall assembly.
2Device complexity
If the transformer is positioned within the transducer assembly exposed to fluid conditions, then the assembly is compact, but the transformer and electrical connections are susceptible to corrosive fluid damage
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed barrier or sealing mechanism is introduced between the transformer/electrical connections and the corrosive fluid environment. This intermediary protective barrier allows the transformer to be positioned within the transducer assembly while preventing direct exposure to corrosive fluids, thus maintaining both compactness and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the piezoelectric element is coupled directly to the transformer within the same housing, then electrical coupling is maintained, but both components are exposed to the same harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element and transformer are separated into different environmental zones. The piezoelectric element is housed in the transducer holder that can be removed and replaced, while the transformer is positioned within the end connector in a protected zone. Electrical coupling is maintained through sealed connections that allow signal transmission while preventing fluid ingress to the transformer.
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 reduces maintenance time, enhances measurement accuracy, and extends the longevity of ultrasonic flow meter components by maintaining electrical coupling and protecting against corrosive fluids, thus improving overall performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring compressed between the cover cap and the stop ring; wherein the spring biases the tubular member and the transformer toward the piezoelectric element to maintain electrical coupling
Implementation Method 2
Each transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric element. When an alternating current is applied to the piezoelectric element of the first transducer assembly, the piezoelectric element responds by radiating an ultrasonic wave in the fluid
Implementation Method 3
When the wave is incident upon the piezoelectric element of the second transducer assembly, the second transducer assembly responds by generating an electric signal
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow meter for measuring the flow of a fluid through a pipeline. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic flow meter includes a spool piece, a transducer assembly, and a port cover assembly. The spool piece has a throughbore and a transducer port extending between the throughbore and an outer surface of the spool piece. The transducer assembly is disposed within the transducer port and includes a transformer, a piezoelectric element, and an electrical coupling therebetween. The port cover assembly is coupled to the transducer assembly. The port cover assembly receives a cable coupled to the transducer assembly and is spring-loaded to bias the port cover assembly toward the transducer assembly to resist the cable from being electrically uncoupled from the transducer assembly.