Flow Meter Reinforcement Structure for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring devices, such as magnetic-inductive flowmeters, are often expensive and not suitable for use in areas where cost is a concern, and they require stable constructions to withstand mechanical and thermal loads, which can limit their application.
Innovation Solution
A flow measuring device with a reinforcement structure consisting of tubular reinforcement units and bolts, made of heavy-duty materials like metal or ceramic, is assigned to the measuring line and housing, allowing for a less stable design that can withstand mechanical and thermal loads through strategic reinforcement, enabling the use of lower-strength, cost-effective materials like plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stable construction with heavy-duty materials is used, then the device can withstand mechanical and thermal loads, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reinforcement units only at specific critical locations (connection flanges and measuring device housing) rather than making the entire measuring line from heavy-duty materials. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength and stability to withstand mechanical and thermal loads while using cost-effective plastic materials for the main body, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and manufacturing costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If cost-effective materials like plastic are used, then manufacturing costs decrease, but the device cannot withstand mechanical and thermal loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining plastic measuring line material with metal or ceramic reinforcement units. The plastic provides cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture, while the reinforcement units provide the necessary strength and stability. This composite approach allows the device to withstand mechanical and thermal loads while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If reinforcement structure is added, then the device can use lower-strength materials, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement structure is segmented into discrete reinforcement units that are positioned at specific locations along the measuring line. Each reinforcement unit is a separate component that can be independently manufactured and installed. This segmentation reduces overall structural complexity compared to a monolithic heavy-duty design while still providing the necessary strength through strategic placement of reinforcement elements.
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 reinforcement structure effectively distributes stress, allowing the flow measuring device to withstand mechanical and thermal loads, while using inexpensive materials, thus reducing manufacturing costs and expanding the device's applicability to previously cost-prohibitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
Faraday's law of induction is utilized by means of a magnetic field generation device, which usually comprises at least one magnetic field coil. This device generates a magnetic field that changes over time during the measurement process, and the magnetic field at least partially penetrates the electrically conductive medium flowing through the measuring line.
Implementation Method 2
an electric field strength is generated in a flowing, electrically conductive medium perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium and perpendicular to the magnetic field. In magnetic-inductive flowmeters, Faraday's law of induction is utilized by means of a magnetic field generation device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of a flowing medium, comprising a measuring line (1) and a measuring device housing (4). The objective of the invention is to provide a flow meter that can also be used in areas where such flow meters have not been used previously, or only to a limited extent, primarily for cost reasons. The invention is characterized in that a reinforcement structure (5) is associated with the measuring line (1) and/or the measuring device housing (4), and that the reinforcement structure (5) consists of at least one reinforcement unit (6) – preferably several reinforcement units (6).