Ultrasound Flow Meter Monolithic Reflector Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound flow meters have a high number of manufacturing steps, making them inefficient for low-cost mass production.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound flow meter features a reflector arrangement with first and second locking means, allowing irreversible locking of the measuring tube element and reflector arrangement within the housing, reducing assembly steps and enabling efficient assembly, with the reflector arrangement being a monolithic polymeric unit that can be used with different measuring tube elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate reflector holders and measuring tube elements are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but the number of manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first reflector holder, second reflector holder, and intermediate member into a single monolithic polymeric reflector arrangement. This integration reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, directly addressing the contradiction by improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the functional complexity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic reflector arrangement is designed to be universal and can be used with different types of measuring tube elements. The standardized locking means allow the same reflector arrangement to interface with various measuring tubes, reducing the number of unique components needed across different product variants and improving manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If reversible locking mechanisms are used, then assembly disassembly is easy, but tampering prevention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using irreversible locking mechanisms instead of reversible ones. The locking means are designed to lock permanently after assembly, which prevents tampering and unauthorized disassembly. This inversion prioritizes security and reliability over ease of disassembly, directly addressing the contradiction by making tampering prevention the primary function.
3Productivity
If multiple separate reflector holder components are used, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate reflector holder components into a single monolithic polymeric structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of individual holders, directly improving assembly speed and productivity. The functional complexity is maintained through the integrated design that incorporates all necessary reflecting surfaces and locking features within the unified structure.
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 solution simplifies the assembly process, reduces manufacturing steps, and prevents tampering by using irreversible locking mechanisms, allowing the same reflector arrangement to be used with various measuring tubes, thus enhancing production efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective surface which reflects the ultrasound signals upon incidence
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
An ultrasound flow meter for measuring a fluid flow rate comprising a housing (200) with a fluid flow passage (202). A reflector arrangement (220) comprising one or more reflectors (224) to reflect ultrasound signals. First locking means (226, 228) including an indentation or a protrusion is arranged for mutual engagement with corresponding locking means (227) on a separate measuring tube element (222), so as to allow the measuring tube element (222) to be substantially locked in position in relation to the reflector (224) or reflector holder (223). Second locking means (225) including an indentation or a protrusion is arranged for mutual engagement with at least one corresponding locking means (210) positioned in the flow passage (202) of the housing (200), so as to allow the reflector arrangement (220) to be substantially locked in position within the flow passage (202) of the housing (200). The reflector holder(s) (223) and the first locking means (226, 228), and the second locking means (225) is preferably monolithically formed in a polymeric material and provides click lock or snapping functions with the measuring tube element (222) and with the housing (200). Hereby a flow meter is provided which requires only few manufacturing steps, since first the measuring tube element (222) is clicked onto the reflector holder (223) element, and next the reflector arrangement (220) thus provided, is clicked into the flow passage (202) of the housing (200). The flow meter advantageously forms part of a consumption or utility meter, e.g. a water meter.