Flow Rate Detection Stabilization During Heating State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The measurement accuracy of existing flow rate detecting devices drops after switching between heating and heating suppression states due to temperature fluctuations, affecting the reliability of fluid flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A physical quantity detecting device with a flow rate detecting unit, a heating element control unit for switching between heating and heating suppression states, and a signal processing unit that processes an estimated value based on pre-switching measurements to stabilize the output during state changes, using a microcomputer to manage the heating element control and filter the flow rate signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element control unit switches between heating state and heating suppression state, then power consumption is optimized and heating efficiency is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature fluctuations during state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing unit prepares estimated values based on pre-switching measured values before the heating state actually transitions. This preliminary preparation ensures that the output signal remains stable and accurate during the transition period, preventing measurement accuracy degradation while still allowing the heating element to switch states for power optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing unit acts as an intermediary between the heating element control unit and the output signal. It processes the measured values and generates estimated values that smooth out the temperature fluctuations caused by heating state switches, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while the heating element operates with optimized power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If the heating element is continuously operated in heating state, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element control unit switches between heating state and heating suppression state in a periodic manner. The signal processing unit compensates for the temporary accuracy drop during transitions by using estimated values, allowing the system to achieve long-term power optimization while maintaining acceptable measurement accuracy through periodic heating cycles.
3Loss of time
If the measurement is taken immediately after heating state switching, then response time is reduced, but measurement accuracy drops due to thermal transient effects
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing unit uses feedback from the measured values before switching to generate estimated values during the transition period. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate output signals immediately after heating state switching without waiting for thermal stabilization, thereby reducing response time while preserving measurement accuracy.
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 reduces measurement accuracy degradation after state switching, ensures accurate flow rate detection by stabilizing the output, and optimizes power usage by adjusting the heating element control based on operational demands.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to measure a flow rate of a fluid to be measured
Data Source
AI summary
A decrease in the accuracy after switching of the heating state can be reduced. The physical quantity detecting device includes: a flow rate detecting unit configured to include a heating element to measure a flow rate of a fluid to be measured; a heating element control unit configured to switch a control state of the heating element to any one of a heating state and a heating suppression state; and a signal processing unit configured to process a measured value of the flow rate detecting unit. When the heating element control unit switches the control state, the signal processing unit processes an estimated value determined based on a measured value of the flow rate detecting unit before the switching for a predetermined period immediately after the switching.