Flow Rate Measurement Device Using Angle Multiplier and Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement devices are inaccurate for high, rapidly varying liquid flow rates, especially when the liquid carries solids or waste, is under an air atmosphere, or experiences turbulent flows.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a moving part rotating around a first shaft, a mass supported by an arm rotating around a second shaft, an angle multiplier to increase the angular movement, and a position sensor to measure the flow rate accurately, even in turbulent conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flow meters with parts positioned in the liquid flow are used, then good accuracy is achieved for low flow rates and uniform liquids, but accuracy deteriorates for high flow rates, rapidly variable flow rates, liquids carrying solids or waste, open pipes with air atmosphere, and turbulent flows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the liquid flow path by positioning the sensor outside the pipe, measuring the angle of the moving part that is driven by the flow without placing any sensing components directly in the liquid. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate measurement across all flow conditions without exposing sensor parts to the liquid environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a moving part (flap or vane) as an intermediary that converts liquid flow into angular displacement. This intermediary element interacts with the liquid flow to indicate flow rate through its angle of deflection, which is then measured by an external sensor. This mediator enables accurate measurement of diverse flow conditions without direct sensor contact with the liquid.
2Measurement precision
If a moving part is used to measure flow rate, then measurement capability is provided, but the moving part is sensitive to turbulence and flow variations that reduce measurement stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterweight to the moving part to balance turbulent forces and flow variations. The counterweight provides a stabilizing moment that opposes the effects of turbulence, allowing the moving part to maintain a stable equilibrium position that accurately reflects the average flow rate rather than being disrupted by transient turbulent fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a damping mechanism that acts as a cushion against turbulence and rapid flow variations. This damping element absorbs the shocks and fluctuations from turbulent flow before they can significantly affect the moving part's position, thereby cushioning the measurement system against instability and ensuring reliable measurements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mouth of the pipe is open to air, then flow measurement is possible, but the angle of inclination of the moving part is reduced, limiting the measurable flow rate amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an angle multiplier mechanism that transforms the small angular displacement of the moving part into a larger angular displacement of the indicator arm. This dimensional transformation amplifies the measurement signal, enabling accurate measurement of large flow rate amplitudes even when the moving part itself experiences limited angular deflection due to open pipe conditions.
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
The device stabilizes and accurately measures high, rapidly varying liquid flow rates by damping turbulence and increasing the angle of movement, allowing reliable measurements even in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a moving part (24) rotating around a first shaft (25) under the action of the liquid flow
Implementation Method 2
an angle multiplier configured to transform the angular movement of the moving part (24) into angular movement of the arm (29) supporting the mass (33), this arm (29) traveling an angle greater than the angle traveled by the moving part (24)
Implementation Method 3
The mass (33), its support (21, 29) and the angle multiplier act as a dampener for turbulence and flow variations
Implementation Method 4
the position sensor comprises an inclinometer
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
The device (20) for measuring the flow rate of liquid on a pipe comprises, on a support (21) attached to a perimeter of the pipe, a mobile part (24) that is able to move in rotation about a first shaft (25) under the action of the flow of liquid. The device further comprises: – a mass (33) supported by an arm (29) in rotation about a second shaft (32), – an angle multiplier (26, 27) configured to transform the angular movement of the mobile part into an angular movement of the arm supporting the mass, this arm traversing an angle greater than the angle traversed by the mobile part, and – a sensor (37) for detecting the position of the arm supporting the mass.