Flow Sensor Bypass Guide for Laminar Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flow sensor arrangements that branch off a portion of fluid from the main path for measurement purposes often introduce turbulence, affecting the accuracy of the measurement in the bypass.

Innovation Solution

A flow sensor arrangement with guides integrated into the main path to smooth the flow, reducing turbulence by introducing additional friction forces, and optionally using a flow resistance or varying guide heights and widths to direct fluid flow into the bypass, resulting in a more laminar flow and improved measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a bypass is introduced to branch off fluid for measurement, then measurement resolution is improved, but turbulence is generated in the bypass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement resolutionVSAvoidturbulence
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is positioned upstream of the bypass opening in the main path, performing the action of smoothing flow before the fluid enters the bypass. This preliminary action converts turbulent flow into laminar flow prior to the branching point, preventing turbulence from affecting the measurement while maintaining the bypass structure for improved measurement resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide acts as an intermediary element between the main path and the bypass. It is arranged in the main path at a position upstream of the bypass opening, serving as a mediator that modifies the flow characteristics before the fluid enters the bypass, thereby reducing turbulence without eliminating the bypass structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces turbulence in the bypass, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and improving the accuracy of flow measurements by converting turbulent flow into laminar flow, thereby improving measurement results.

Implementation Method 1

walls of the guide may evoke additional friction forces acting on the fluid. This contributes to converting the turbulence flow into a more laminar flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2527799B1Flow sensor arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 SENSIRION AG
  • EP2527799B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2527799B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2527799B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In a flow sensor arrangement, a bypass (2) is provided for bypassing a main path (1) for a fluid to pass through. An inlet (21) or an outlet (23) of the bypass (2) comprises at least one opening (211) arranged in a wall of the main path (1). A flow sensor (3) is provided for measuring a flow in the bypass (2). A guide (11) extends in the main path (1) in flow direction. The main path (1) comprises a first section (S1) followed by a second section (S2) in flow direction (F). At least a portion of the guide (11) is arranged in the first section (S1) of the main path (1), and the at least one opening (211) is arranged in the second section (S2) of the main path (1). Such flow sensor arrangement allows for a more laminar flow in the bypass (2).