Ultrasound Flow Meter Transducer Clamping for Stable Acoustic Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound flow meters face challenges in maintaining a stable pressing force between ultrasound transducers and the channel wall, especially under temperature fluctuations and long-term operation, which can lead to inefficiencies in flow measurement.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-releasable snap connection or clamping connection to fix the ultrasound transducer to the housing, utilizing clamping pins and spring clips to generate a stable spring force, eliminating the need for separate spring assembly and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional screw connections with separate spring assembly are used to fix ultrasound transducers, then the pressing force can be adjusted, but the assembly complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixing function and the spring force generation function into a single integrated component. The U-shaped clip serves both as the mechanical fastener (replacing screw connections) and as the spring element (replacing separate spring assembly), thereby simplifying the assembly structure and improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the necessary pressing force on the ultrasound transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped clip performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention (fixing the transducer in place), generates elastic pressing force (acoustic coupling), and enables tool-free assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing mechanisms and spring components, directly addressing the contradiction between assembly simplicity and functional requirements.
2Productivity
If screw connections are used to fix ultrasound transducers, then the connection can be adjusted, but the assembly time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped clip is pre-formed with elastic properties during manufacturing, so that when installed, it automatically generates the necessary pressing force without requiring additional adjustment steps. The integrated design allows the transducer to be quickly secured in the correct position with immediate force application, eliminating the time-consuming screw tightening and spring compression adjustments required by traditional methods.
3Reliability
If simple fixation methods are used for ultrasound transducers, then assembly is simplified, but the stability of pressing force under temperature fluctuations and long-term operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped clip utilizes elastic deformation to maintain dynamic adaptability to temperature changes and mechanical stresses. The material's elastic properties allow the clip to flex and recover, continuously maintaining optimal pressing force on the ultrasound transducer despite environmental variations and long-term operational stresses, thereby ensuring reliable acoustic coupling without complex additional mechanisms.
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 ensures a stable and reliable long-term fixation of ultrasound transducers, simplifying assembly and maintaining acoustic coupling, thereby enhancing the accuracy and durability of flow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
spring means (15) for the generation of a pressing force, wherein the spring means (15) are incorporated into the intermediate housing (11)
Implementation Method 2
at least one ultrasound transducer (10) which is arranged directly or indirectly within the housing (1) on a wall which delimits the channel (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound flow meter includes a housing (1) which includes a channel (2) for leading through a fluid, which fluid flow rate is to be measured. Two ultrasound transducers are arranged on the wall which delimits the channel (2), within the housing (1). The ultrasound transducers are fixed within the housing by a non-releasable snap connection and/or clamping connection.