Flow Rate Calculation Device Using Segmented Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate measurement methods, such as the RoR method, require larger containers as the flow rate increases, leading to an increase in the overall device size.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate calculation device and method that divert a fluid into both a specific and a bypass flow path, using fluid resistance elements to calculate the flow rate through the main path by measuring pressure changes in a container, allowing for accurate measurement without enlarging the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the RoR method is used to measure high flow rates, then the flow rate measurement capability is improved, but the container size and overall device size must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow is segmented into two separate paths: a specific flow path that directs a predetermined portion of the fluid to the container for measurement, and a bypass flow path that allows the remaining fluid to bypass the container. This segmentation enables the container to remain small while still being able to measure high flow rates by measuring only a portion of the total flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid resistance elements are introduced as intermediaries to control and regulate the flow distribution between the specific flow path and the bypass flow path. These resistance elements enable precise control over the proportion of fluid directed to the container, allowing accurate flow rate measurement without requiring the container to handle the full flow rate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger container is used to measure high flow rates, then the flow rate measurement range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measurement system is segmented into controlled flow paths with resistance elements, allowing the use of a small container while maintaining the ability to measure a wide range of flow rates through proportional measurement and calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical approach of using a physically large container to handle high flow rates with a computational approach. By measuring a portion of the flow and using calculated relationships based on known resistance ratios, the system determines the total flow rate without requiring the container to be mechanically sized for the full flow.
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 calculation at high flow rates without increasing the device size by using diversion ratios and pressure sensors to determine the flow rate through the main path, maintaining a compact device configuration.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor that detects a pressure in the container
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid resistance element that is provided in the specific flow path; a second fluid resistance element that is provided in the bypass flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate calculation device includes: a specific flow path and a bypass flow path which are provided to branch from a main flow path; a first fluid resistance element which is provided in the specific flow path; a second fluid resistance element which is provided in the bypass flow path; a container which is arranged in the specific flow path; a pressure sensor which detects a pressure in the container; and a flow rate calculation unit. The flow rate calculation unit calculates the flow rate of a first branch fluid diverted to the specific flow path based on a change in the pressure in the container, and calculates the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the main flow path based on the calculated flow rate of the first branch fluid and a diversion ratio determined according to the first fluid resistance element and the second fluid resistance element.