Ultrasonic Flow Meter Transducer Mounting for Reduced Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic flow meters with single-piece, post-type transducer assemblies disrupt fluid flow due to their significant size, leading to inaccuracies in flow rate and volume calculations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates four separate transducer assemblies independently mounted within the flow cell, minimizing fluid flow disruption and turbulence by reducing the surface area of protuberances and the length of transducer supports, while maintaining accuracy and flexibility across various flow cell sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If single-piece, post-type transducer assemblies are used, then the transducer assembly structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the post creates substantial protuberances that disrupt fluid flow and create turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer assembly into separate components: individual transducers are mounted independently on the flow cell wall rather than using a single post structure. This segmentation eliminates the substantial protuberances that disrupt fluid flow, as each transducer has minimal footprint compared to a post extending into the flow path.
2Reliability
If transducer assemblies are mounted on opposite sides of the flow cell, then ultrasonic wave transmission path is established, but substantial protuberances are created along both sides of the internal passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transducers from the post structure and mounts them directly to the flow cell wall. This removes the harmful post structure that created turbulence while preserving the essential function of transducer placement on opposite sides for ultrasonic wave transmission.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the post length and diameter are reduced, then fluid flow disruption is minimized, but the transducer assembly may not maintain structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional post structure extending into the flow to a two-dimensional mounting arrangement where transducers are attached flush to the flow cell wall. This dimensional change eliminates flow disruption while maintaining structural stability through proper mounting integration.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of fluid flow rate and volume calculations, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for broader compatibility with different flow cell sizes, minimizing turbulence and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
the first transducer assembly transmits a sound wave through fluid within the flow tube toward the second transducer assembly
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasonic flow meter is one type of flow meter that relies upon the transmission and measurement of ultrasonic waves within the designated conduit in order to accurately calculate fluid flow rate and/or volume
Data Source
AI summary
A flow meter for calculating fluid flow rate and/or volume includes a flow cell shaped to define an internal passageway through which the fluid travels, and four separate transducer assemblies independently mounted within mounts in the flow cell in fluid communication with the internal passageway. Each transducer assembly includes a transducer, a transducer stud with a recess in its front surface that is dimensioned to receive the transducer, and a sensor plate mounted onto the stud for retaining the transducer in the recess. A bore extends vertically through the transducer stud and into communication with the recess, the bore being dimensioned to receive wiring for the transducer. The separation and independent mounting of the four transducer assemblies in the flow cell minimizes the disruption of normal fluid flow through the internal passageway, thereby enabling greater accuracy of measurements to be achieved.