Ultrasonic Flow Meter Cable Shroud for Environmental Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters face challenges in protecting transducer cables and transducers from damage due to exposure to weather, sunlight, and potential tampering, which can lead to inaccurate measurements and increased costs from using robust cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable shroud system is designed to completely enclose the meter body, featuring a movable shroud portion that forms a closed chamber to protect cables and transducers, with a secure enclosure and anti-tamper seals to prevent unauthorized access and damage, allowing for easy maintenance and using less expensive cable options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transducer cables are left exposed on the outer surface of the spool piece, then cable accessibility for installation and maintenance is improved, but the cables become susceptible to environmental degradation, tampering, and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable access system is divided into separate movable and fixed portions. The movable portion can be detached to provide cable access, while the fixed portion remains secured to the spool piece. This segmentation allows the cable protective enclosure to transition between a closed protective state and an open accessible state, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable access system incorporates movable portions that can be detached and reattached. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between providing full protection during operation and providing easy access during installation or maintenance, eliminating the need to choose between protection and accessibility as fixed alternatives.
2Reliability
If robust and expensive cables are used to resist damage and degradation, then cable durability and protection are improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable access system introduces an intermediary protective structure (the enclosed space formed by the movable and fixed portions) that shields the cables from environmental damage, tampering, and physical harm. This intermediary protection allows the use of standard, cost-effective cables rather than requiring expensive robust cables, as the protective enclosure assumes the role of defending against external threats.
3Reliability
If internal cable passageways are formed in the meter body walls, then cable coverage and partial protection are improved, but the ends of transducers and cables remain exposed and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable access system merges the cable passageway function with an extended protective enclosure. Instead of relying solely on internal passageways, the system combines internal routing with an external enclosed space formed by the movable and fixed portions, creating continuous protection that extends to the cable ends and transducer connections, eliminating exposed vulnerable points.
4Ease of repair
If transducer assemblies are accessible without indication of tampering, then ease of service is improved, but security against unauthorized tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable access system incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that changes the apparent state of the enclosure. When the movable portion is removed or opened, the indicator reveals a visual signal (such as a colored band or标记) that indicates tampering or service access has occurred. This allows service personnel to easily access transducers while providing clear visual evidence of any unauthorized access.
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 cable shroud system effectively protects transducer cables and transducers from environmental damage and tampering, enabling reliable fluid flow measurements while reducing costs by using less robust cables and providing visual indication of tampering attempts.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of transducer assemblies is positioned such that the piezoelectric elements of the transducers are adjacent to the inner surface of the spool piece
Implementation Method 2
A cable shroud system is designed to completely enclose the meter body, featuring a movable shroud portion that forms a closed chamber to protect cables and transducers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A flow meter is disclosed having a meter body that is enveloped by a compliant shroud that protects transducers and transducer cables. The shroud forms a chamber between the shroud and meter body, and includes a releasable portion to allow access into the chamber.