Flow Sensor Layout for Fluid-Property-Independent Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow sensors face complexity in structure and require complex processing due to separate fluid and physical property flow paths, and dependence of flow rate detection on fluid properties is not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor design with a first heater and multiple temperature sensors aligned orthogonally, allowing for simultaneous fluid property and flow rate detection, reducing dependence on fluid properties by correcting flow rate detection values using temperature differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate fluid flow path is provided for detecting physical property values, then the flow rate detection can be restricted to a measurable range, but the overall structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid flow path for flow rate detection with the path for physical property value detection into a single integrated flow path. This eliminates the need for separate flow paths while still enabling both detection functions, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If correction of flow velocity dependence is performed using a lookup table, then the detection accuracy can be improved, but the processing becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional lookup table method with a mathematical model-based correction approach. By using equations that describe the relationship between detection values, fluid properties, and flow velocity, the system achieves accurate correction through computational calculation rather than storing and searching large tables of pre-computed values, thereby reducing processing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are aligned orthogonally to the heater, then the fluid property detection accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple temperature sensors in an orthogonal direction relative to the heater's longitudinal axis, creating a two-dimensional detection plane. This spatial arrangement enables accurate measurement of temperature gradients perpendicular to the flow direction, improving fluid property detection accuracy while maintaining a relatively simple linear sensor configuration along one axis.
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 sensor achieves accurate flow rate detection with reduced dependence on fluid properties, simplifying the structure and processing, and enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first heater (11) elongated longitudinally in a flow direction (323) of a fluid
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of temperature sensors (12) aligned at respective positions with respect to the first heater (11) in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the first heater (11)
Data Source
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AI summary
A physical property value sensor capable of easily reducing dependence of a flow rate detection value on fluid properties is provided. A physical property value sensor (1) includes a first heater (11) elongated longitudinally in a flow direction (323) of a fluid, and a plurality of temperature sensors (12) aligned at respective positions with respect to the first heater (11) in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the first heater (11).