Flow Sensor With Flexible Link and Vibration Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for monitoring fluid flow in water bodies are either prone to damage from particles or require complex installations, and they struggle to accurately determine flow speed and turbulence over a range of conditions, especially transitioning from laminar to turbulent flow.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an oblong cylindrical element with a flexible link and a vibration sensor, such as an accelerometer, which measures the frequency response curve of oscillations to determine flow parameters like speed, direction, and Reynolds number, allowing for the differentiation between laminar and turbulent flows by analyzing the resonance frequency and inclination relative to the gravitational vector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are used to estimate flow speed, then flow speed can be measured, but the sensors are easily soiled and damaged upon contact with particles in water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary object (the oblong element) that interacts with the fluid flow instead of placing the sensor directly in the flow. The element is suspended by a flexible link, allowing it to respond to flow conditions without the sensor itself being exposed to particles. This mediator approach protects the sensor while still enabling flow measurement through the element's oscillation response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact sensing with a vibration-based measurement system. Instead of using pressure sensors that physically contact the flow, the system uses a vibration sensor to detect oscillations of an oblong element caused by flow-induced forces. This substitution eliminates direct sensor exposure to particles while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If floats or electromagnetic measuring equipment are used for flow speed measurement, then flow parameters can be determined, but the installation requires floats and fixing devices to the bed of water bodies, making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic suspension system where the oblong element is connected to the base unit by a flexible link rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic connection allows the element to move and oscillate in response to flow conditions while being anchored to the bottom, eliminating the need for complex fixing devices and simplifying installation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used to measure flow parameters, then measurements can be taken, but they struggle to accurately determine flow speed and turbulence over a range of conditions, especially transitioning from laminar to turbulent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vibration and oscillation of the oblong element as the core measurement mechanism. The element's natural oscillation frequency and amplitude respond differently to laminar versus turbulent flow conditions, enabling the system to detect flow regime transitions. The vibration sensor captures these oscillations, providing accurate differentiation between flow types across a wide speed range without requiring multiple specialized sensors.
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 solution provides accurate and durable measurements of fluid flow parameters, including flow speed and turbulence, across a range of conditions, with the ability to differentiate between laminar and turbulent flows effectively, and can be installed in various orientations, offering improved sensitivity and reduced installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
determine the frequency response curve of oscillation in the cylindrical element caused by fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the resonance frequency and inclination relative to the gravitational vector
Implementation Method 3
the accelerometer measures the tilting angle of the float... inclination relative to the gravitational vector
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor device and method for determining the parameters of fluid flow with a sensor, including an oblong element, extending into fluid flow, fixed mechanically to the body of the sensor device with a flexible link in one end, and a mechanically connected vibration sensor and a data acquisition module connected electrically to the vibration sensor and positioned in the body, which is set to determine the frequency response curve of oscillation caused by liquid flow in the cylindrical element, and to derive the speed and type of fluid flow from the measured frequency response curve.