Flow Rate-Measuring Apparatus Bubble Removal Curved Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate-measuring apparatuses using sonic waves are hindered by bubbles adhering to the inner conduit walls, preventing accurate measurement of liquid flow rates due to inhibited sonic wave propagation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features diametrally expanded sections with curved surfaces that allow bubbles to adhere and be removed, ensuring unobstructed sonic wave propagation, and includes detachable detecting sections for easy maintenance and resilient materials for reliable signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bubbles are present in the liquid, then they adhere to the inner wall surface of the measuring conduit, but this inhibits propagation of sonic wave signals making it impossible to accurately measure flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring conduit is divided into a smooth section and a rough section. The rough section specifically targets the bubble accumulation problem by providing a surface texture that prevents bubbles from adhering, while the smooth section maintains good sonic wave transmission properties. This segmentation allows each section to address different aspects of the measurement problem.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the measuring conduit are given different surface qualities - the rough section has increased surface roughness to repel bubbles, while the smooth section has low roughness for optimal sonic wave propagation. This local differentiation of surface properties allows the system to simultaneously prevent bubble interference and maintain measurement accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If the measuring conduit has a simple structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but bubbles adhere to the inner wall surface inhibiting sonic wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit design incorporates a dynamic element - the rough section creates turbulent flow conditions that actively prevent bubble adhesion through increased fluid mixing and shear forces. This dynamic flow pattern ensures bubbles are continuously disrupted and prevented from forming stable attachments to the wall surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of increased surface roughness (which could scatter sonic waves) into a benefit by strategically placing the rough section in a location where it primarily interacts with bubbles rather than directly with the sonic wave path. The roughness becomes useful for bubble removal while minimizing interference with measurement signals.
3Productivity
If the measuring conduit is continuously used, then productivity is maintained, but bubbles accumulate on the inner wall surface over time
Solution Approach 1:
The rough section of the conduit provides self-cleaning functionality by using the liquid flow itself to remove bubbles from the surface. The increased surface roughness creates flow patterns that continuously scour the surface, eliminating bubble accumulation without requiring external cleaning mechanisms or interrupting the measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-bubble rough section enables continuous operation by preventing bubble accumulation that would otherwise require periodic cleaning or maintenance. The design maintains consistent signal transmission quality over extended periods by continuously preventing bubble adhesion, allowing the measurement system to operate without interruption.
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 design enables accurate and reliable measurement of liquid flow rates by preventing bubble interference and allowing for easy replacement of detecting sections, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring consistent performance.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid flow carries bubbles away from the curved surface
Implementation Method 2
curved surfaces that allow bubbles to adhere and be removed
Implementation Method 3
resilient materials for reliable signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate-measuring apparatus comprises a housing having a passage for supplying a liquid thereto, and a pair of detecting sections provided at both ends of the housing, and which contain sonic wave transmitter/receiver sections capable of transmitting and receiving sonic wave signals. Cover members are installed on each of the detecting sections, wherein the cover members face the passage in the housing. Curved surfaces, which expand toward the passage, are provided respectively on ends of the cover members.