Flow rate adjusting device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flow meters lack the ability to adjust flow rates and distinguish between pressure-related abnormalities and device malfunctions, leading to unclear diagnostic outcomes when the flow rate measured is zero.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate adjusting device that measures the pressure of the fluid using a pressure sensor and stores this information alongside the flow rate data, allowing the control system to determine if abnormalities are pressure-related or device-related by analyzing the propagation time difference of ultrasonic waves and valve opening degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow rate adjustment function is added to ultrasonic flow meter, then flow rate control capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasonic flow metering function and flow rate adjustment function into a single integrated device. The flow rate adjusting portion is incorporated within the same housing as the ultrasonic flow metering portion, allowing both measurement and control functions to coexist in one unit rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure flow rate using ultrasonic waves, adjust flow rate using the valve mechanism, and diagnose abnormalities using pressure sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate measurement and control devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional flow rate adjusting device is connected to downstream side, then flow rate adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of connecting separate devices, the patent integrates the flow rate adjusting portion directly within the housing of the ultrasonic flow meter. The valve body and drive portion are positioned adjacent to the measurement flow channel, creating a unified compact system.
3Reliability
If pressure measurement is not implemented, then device complexity remains low, but ability to diagnose abnormalities is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary diagnostic tool that provides information about fluid pressure conditions. By measuring pressure upstream of the measurement flow channel, the system can distinguish between abnormalities caused by pressure issues versus those caused by device malfunctions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor is positioned to measure pressure before the fluid enters the measurement flow channel, allowing the system to detect pressure-related issues before they affect flow rate measurements. This preliminary measurement enables early diagnosis of potential problems.
4Reliability
If pressure sensor is added, then abnormality discrimination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated within the existing housing structure alongside the ultrasonic flow metering and flow rate adjustment components. This consolidation adds diagnostic capability without requiring a completely separate pressure monitoring system.
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 accurate flow rate adjustment and discrimination of pressure-related abnormalities, ensuring proper operation and maintenance of the ultrasonic flow metering system.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of ultrasonic wave oscillators is disposed at a predetermined interval on the outer periphery of the straight tube-shaped tubular body for measurement
Implementation Method 2
when the propagation time difference between ultrasonic waves transmitted by the pair of ultrasonic wave oscillators is measured by the ultrasonic flow metering portion to obtain the flow rate
Implementation Method 3
the pressure of the fluid flowing into the upstream side of the measurement flow channel is measured by the pressure measuring portion
Implementation Method 4
the flow rate adjusting portion includes: a valve body portion inserted into a valve hole formed in an outflow-side flow channel portion; and a drive portion configured to cause the valve body portion to advance or recede along a central axis of the valve hole
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a flow rate adjusting device including: an ultrasonic flow metering portion; a flow rate adjusting portion configured to adjust a flow rate of a fluid flowing out to an outflow port from a downstream side of a measurement flow channel; a control portion configured to control the flow rate adjusting portion so that the flow rate of the fluid measured by the ultrasonic flow metering portion matches a set value preliminarily set; a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the fluid flowing into an upstream side of the measurement flow channel from an inflow port; and a storage portion configured to store information that associates the flow rate of the fluid obtained from the propagation time difference measured by the ultrasonic flow metering portion, the set value of the target flow rate, and the pressure measured by the pressure sensor with each other when the control portion controls the flow rate adjusting portion.