Flow Rate Measurement Device Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate measurement devices are unable to accurately correct for temperature changes, leading to inaccuracies in flow rate measurements due to inherent time delays and temperature-dependent properties of ultrasonic wave transmitters/receivers.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate measurement device that includes a temperature calculation unit to determine temperature changes from frequency shifts in an oscillation circuit and a flow rate correction unit to adjust the calculated flow rate based on these temperature changes, ensuring accurate measurements regardless of temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow rate measurement devices are used, then flow rate can be measured by ultrasonic wave propagation time, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature changes affecting the oscillation circuit frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillation circuit frequency is continuously monitored and used to calculate temperature changes. This temperature information is then fed back to correct the flow rate measurement, forming a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for temperature-induced errors without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from fixed reference frequency to variable frequency that adapts to temperature changes. By monitoring frequency drift and converting it to temperature compensation data, the system dynamically adjusts the flow rate calculation parameters to maintain accuracy across varying temperature conditions.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is not implemented, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature-induced frequency drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the oscillation circuit serve multiple functions: it provides the reference frequency for time measurement and simultaneously acts as a temperature sensor. By measuring frequency drift, the same circuit indicates temperature changes, which are then used to correct flow rate measurements, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal oscillation circuit frequency variations as the source of temperature compensation data. Rather than requiring external temperature sensors or complex compensation mechanisms, the device self-diagnoses temperature effects through its inherent frequency drift and self-corrects the measurements accordingly.
3Reliability
If ultrasonic wave transmitters and receivers are used, then flow rate measurement is enabled, but reliability deteriorates due to inherent time delays and temperature-dependent properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical temperature compensation methods with an electronic/frequency-based approach. Instead of using physical reference standards or mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses oscillation frequency measurements and digital calculations to compensate for temperature effects, providing more consistent and reliable results.
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 achieves high precision flow rate measurements by correcting for temperature-induced offsets, providing accurate flow rate calculations unaffected by temperature changes.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature calculation unit for calculating a temperature from a frequency change resulting from a temperature change of the oscillation circuit
Implementation Method 2
a pair of oscillators which are provided in a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, and which transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave signal
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate measurement device of the present invention includes a flow rate signal detection unit for detecting a flow rate signal of a fluid to be measured flowing through flow path, flow rate calculation unit for calculating a flow rate from the flow rate signal detected by the flow rate signal detection unit, and oscillation circuit for generating a reference clock. Furthermore, the flow rate measurement device includes temperature calculation unit for calculating a temperature from a frequency change resulting from a temperature change of oscillation circuit, and flow rate correction unit for correcting the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculation unit by obtaining an offset flow rate at a desired temperature based on the temperature calculated by temperature calculation unit. Thus, accuracy of flow rate measurement can be improved.