Flow Rate Meter with Constant-Volume Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate measurement systems create back pressure at the point of discharge, leading to inaccurate measurements and are time-consuming, especially when measuring multiple nozzles in agricultural sprayers.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate meter with a constant-volume container and electronic circuit that measures the elapsed time for liquid to rise between electrodes, calculating and displaying the flow rate without applying back pressure, using a diffuser pad to manage flow turbulence and allowing for rapid filling and emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow rate measurement systems are used, then flow rate can be measured, but back pressure is created at the point of discharge which adversely affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary container that receives liquid discharge from the nozzle and then transfers it to a measurement device. This intermediary approach allows the liquid to be collected without creating back pressure at the discharge point, while still enabling accurate flow rate measurement through the container's volume and fill time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is segmented into separate functional components: a collection container for receiving liquid, a measurement device for determining flow rate, and a timer for measuring fill time. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without interfering with the discharge flow, eliminating back pressure effects.
2Measurement precision
If conventional volumetric container method is used, then flow rate can be measured, but measurement process is time-consuming requiring stopwatch and manual reading
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device automatically performs the measurement process without requiring manual intervention. The electronic circuit automatically starts the timer when liquid enters the container, continuously monitors the fill process, and calculates the flow rate automatically based on the known container volume and measured time, eliminating the need for stopwatches and manual readings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods (stopwatch timing, manual volume reading) with an electronic measurement system that uses electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and automated calculations to determine flow rate, significantly reducing measurement time and improving efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional manual measurement method is used, then flow rate can be determined, but requires two hands and is complex to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be operated with one hand or even automatically. The container is simply placed under the nozzle discharge, and the electronic system automatically performs all measurements and calculations, eliminating the need for manual stopwatch operation and volume reading that required two hands.
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 and quick measurement of flow rates without back pressure, reducing measurement time from minutes to seconds per nozzle, allowing for efficient assessment of multiple nozzles on a spray boom.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring apparatus having a first electrode configured to be inserted through a wall of the container such that the first electrode is suspended inside the container at a first distance from the closed end. This embodiment further includes a second electrode configured to be inserted through the wall of the container such that the second electrode is suspended inside the container at a second distance from the closed end, the second distance being greater than the first distance. Further, the measuring apparatus is configured to determine a flow rate based on the amount of time needed for a liquid level to rise from the first electrode to the second electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow rate meter that includes a container of known and fixed volume. Electrodes, or sensors, are placed inside the container at several different heights. An electronic circuit uses the electrodes, or sensors, to measure the time it takes this container of known and fixed volume to fill a certain distance with water or water-based solution. The electronic circuit calculates the flow rate in engineering units from this elapsed time by knowing the volume of the container between the fixed electrodes.