Ultrasonic Flow Meter Transducer Assembly Curved Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic flow meter solutions for larger dimension meters with metal flow pipes face increased complexity and cost due to the need for custom molds and machining to create plane mounting-seats for transducer assemblies, which can lead to misalignment and deformation issues.
Innovation Solution
A transducer assembly with a housing that protrudes into the flow pipe, featuring a membrane for acoustic impedance matching and sealing, and a locking mechanism for secure mounting on the curved surface of the flow pipe, eliminating the need for plane mounting-seats and reducing production complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a plane mounting-seat is created by cutting out a section of the flow pipe wall and welding in a new section, then the transducer assembly can be mounted with proper alignment, but the production cost increases and the pipe may deform causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed with a curved outer surface that matches the curvature of the prefabricated flow pipe. This allows direct mounting on the curved pipe surface without requiring plane mounting-seats, eliminating cutting and welding operations while maintaining proper transducer alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard prefabricated pipes instead of custom-made pipes with integrated mounting-seats. The curved surface mounting approach is a simpler, more economical solution that avoids expensive custom molding and machining operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If a plane mounting-seat is created by cutting out a section of the flow pipe wall and welding in a new section, then the transducer assembly can be mounted with proper alignment, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed with a curved outer surface that matches the curvature of the prefabricated flow pipe. This allows direct mounting on the curved pipe surface without requiring plane mounting-seats, eliminating cutting and welding operations while maintaining proper transducer alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard prefabricated pipes instead of custom-made pipes with integrated mounting-seats. The curved surface mounting approach is a simpler, more economical solution that avoids expensive custom molding and machining operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flow pipe is made from a prefabricated pipe, then the production cost decreases and production is simplified, but plane mounting-seats require additional cutting and welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed with a curved outer surface that matches the curvature of the prefabricated flow pipe. This allows direct mounting on the curved pipe surface without requiring plane mounting-seats, eliminating cutting and welding operations while maintaining proper transducer alignment.
4Ease of manufacture
If the flow pipe is made from a prefabricated pipe, then the production cost decreases and production is simplified, but plane mounting-seats require additional cutting and welding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer housing is designed with a curved outer surface that matches the curvature of the prefabricated flow pipe. This allows direct mounting on the curved pipe surface without requiring plane mounting-seats, eliminating cutting and welding operations while maintaining proper transducer alignment.
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 allows for cost-effective and simplified production of ultrasonic flow meters by using standard prefabricated pipes, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the risk of misalignment, while maintaining optimal ultrasonic wave transmission and fluid sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane arranged to close off one end of the transducer-housing and shield the transducer from the cavity of the flow pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention discloses embodiments of an ultrasound transducer assembly for an ultrasonic flow meter. The transducer assembly is arranged for being mounted in a through-going hole in the wall of the flow pipe of an ultrasonic flowmeter. The transducer assembly is protruding into the cavity of the flow tube and has a direct contact to the fluid flowing in the flow pipe. The transducer assembly comprises an ultrasound transducer shielded from the cavity of the flow pipe by a membrane. The transducer assembly is arranged to be mounted directly on the curved inner surface of the flow pipe without the need for any preparation of a receiving surface on the inner surface of the flow tube.