Flow Meter Reference Voltage Auto-Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow meter devices face challenges in quickly and accurately setting a reference voltage, maintaining it optimally, and reducing electric power consumption, especially when dealing with different gas kinds, due to manual adjustments and frequent recalibrations which lead to increased battery consumption and inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter device that uses a reference voltage setting mechanism to change the voltage from a minimum to a maximum range, recognizing peak voltages and setting the reference voltage based on a specified ratio between them, allowing for automatic and efficient adjustment without human intervention, and updating the reference voltage when necessary to maintain optimal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and frequent recalibration of reference voltage are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter device performs automatic reference voltage setting and recalibration without requiring manual intervention. The control unit automatically adjusts the reference voltage based on detected signal characteristics, enabling the device to maintain measurement accuracy while reducing power consumption by eliminating the need for frequent manual recalibration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the reference voltage parameter based on detected signal characteristics. By automatically adjusting the reference voltage to match optimal values for different measurement conditions, the system maintains high measurement accuracy while avoiding the energy waste associated with frequent manual recalibration
2Measurement precision
If reference voltage is frequently recalibrated, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic reference voltage setting during initial operation and at predetermined intervals, preparing the measurement system in advance. This preliminary automatic calibration eliminates the need for time-consuming manual recalibration operations while maintaining measurement accuracy throughout the device's operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic recalibration system performs reference voltage adjustments without requiring manual intervention or stopping the measurement process. The control unit seamlessly integrates recalibration into normal operation, maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing interruption to the measurement process
3Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of reference voltage is performed, then setting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically performs reference voltage setting and adjustment based on detected signal characteristics, eliminating the need for manual adjustment mechanisms. This automation maintains high setting accuracy while reducing device complexity by replacing complex manual adjustment interfaces with simpler automatic control circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electronic automatic control. The control unit uses electronic signal processing and digital control to automatically set and adjust the reference voltage, achieving high accuracy while reducing mechanical complexity and improving reliability
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
Enables quick and accurate setting of the reference voltage, reducing the need for frequent adjustments and minimizing electric power consumption, while maintaining steady measurements across different gas types.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic transducer (2) and a second ultrasonic transducer (3) which are provided in a fluid pipe (1) and transmit and receive an ultrasonic signal
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flow meter device of a fluid includes a time difference measuring means (13) which measures time for a received wave to reach a zero cross point after the received wave exceeds a reference voltage, after transmission of a signal, and a reference voltage setting means (14) which changes the reference voltage from a minimum value to a maximum value, recognizes peak voltages of waves of the received wave based on a plurality of inflection points at which a time difference measured by the time difference measuring means (13) when the reference voltage is changed from the minimum voltage to the maximum voltage, is significantly changed, and automatically sets the reference voltage to a point between peak voltages of particular two waves based on a ratio between the peak voltages, and the reference voltage is changed from a voltage which is close to the peak voltages of the two waves and the peak voltages are newly recognized, when the reference voltage is newly set.