Flow Sensor Device Intermittent Measurement Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow sensor devices face challenges in achieving high energy efficiency, particularly in battery-operated devices, as they require continuous operation of energy-intensive sensors for accurate flow measurements, leading to increased power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where a less energy-consuming second sensor monitors fluid flow changes, triggering the primary sensor only when significant changes occur, allowing the energy-intensive first sensor to operate intermittently and reducing overall energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the first flow sensor arrangement operates continuously to ensure accurate flow measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first flow sensor arrangement operates intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit triggers measurements at specific time points based on evaluations from the second sensor, allowing the energy-intensive first sensor to remain inactive during periods when accurate measurement is not critical, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor acts as an intermediary that continuously monitors flow conditions with low energy consumption and triggers the first flow sensor arrangement only when significant changes occur. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain measurement accuracy by activating the precise first sensor only when necessary, while the second sensor handles routine monitoring
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first flow sensor arrangement operates intermittently to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but measurement reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives signals from the second sensor and dynamically adjusts the operation of the first flow sensor arrangement based on detected flow changes. This feedback mechanism ensures that the first sensor is activated reliably when flow conditions change significantly, maintaining measurement reliability while allowing energy-saving intermittent operation during stable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor performs preliminary continuous monitoring of flow conditions and prepares trigger signals before the first flow sensor arrangement needs to measure. This preliminary action ensures that when the first sensor activates, it does so based on pre-processed information from the second sensor, maintaining reliability while enabling intermittent operation
Data Source
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AI summary
Flow sensor device (10) that comprises a first flow sensor arrangement (11) for intermittently measuring a flow rate (R) of a fluid (g) and a second sensor (12) for measuring a parameter (P) indicative of said flow rate (R) or of a change in said flow rate (R). The flow sensor device (10) further comprises a control unit (13) that is configured and arranged to receive at least one second measurement signal (S) from said second flow sensor (12), to generate a control signal (C) if the change in said flow rate (R) sensed by the second sensor (12) exceeds a predefined threshold value, and to trigger with said control signal (C) a measurement with said first flow sensor arrangement (11). The second sensor (12) uses less energy for the measurement than the first flow sensor arrangement (11) does.