Flow Sensor Throttle Structure for Turbulence Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow sensors face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy and avoiding sensor damage due to turbulence and foreign matter issues, particularly when dealing with high flow rates and large fluid volumes, leading to increased size and complexity, as well as difficulties in mesh maintenance and potential sensor damage.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor design featuring a main body with a flow passage that includes a throttle surface and inclined surfaces, which adjusts fluid flow and directs it away from the sensor detection section, minimizing direct collisions and allowing for easy mesh replacement, thereby improving measurement accuracy and miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If meshes are installed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mesh component entirely from the flow sensor design. Instead of using meshes to condition the flow, the invention employs a specially designed flow passage with inclined surfaces that naturally guide the fluid flow away from the sensor detection section, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy without the complexity and maintenance issues associated with meshes
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage is divided into distinct functional zones: an upstream section with inclined surfaces for flow conditioning, a middle section with the sensor detection area, and a downstream section. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for meshes while maintaining flow control
2Measurement precision
If meshes are installed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By completely eliminating the mesh component from the design, the patent removes the maintenance burden associated with mesh replacement. The flow conditioning function is transferred to the fixed flow passage structure, which requires no maintenance or replacement
3Measurement precision
If a predetermined distance is provided between mesh and sensor to converge turbulence, then measurement precision is improved, but length of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage incorporates inclined surfaces with optimized curvature that gradually guide the fluid flow from the upstream side toward the outlet, away from the sensor detection section. This curved geometry effectively conditions the turbulence and directs flow in a compact space, eliminating the need for long straight sections
4Device complexity
If circular arc-shaped surface is formed in flow passage to adjust flow rate, then device complexity is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
While the patent does use curved inclined surfaces to condition flow, these surfaces are specifically designed with optimized angles and curvatures that guide flow away from the sensor rather than toward it. This prevents the harmful effect of fluid impact on the sensor while maintaining the simplicity of the curved surface design
Solution Approach 2:
The flow passage features asymmetric inclined surfaces positioned at specific angles relative to the sensor detection section. This asymmetric geometry ensures that fluid flow is directed away from the sensor, preventing impact damage while maintaining effective flow conditioning
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 design enhances measurement accuracy, reduces sensor damage risk, and simplifies the structure by minimizing the number of meshes required, allowing for easier maintenance and installation flexibility while maintaining accurate flow rate measurements across varying flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
a first inclined surface formed continuously on an upstream side of the throttle surface, the first inclined surface being disposed such that the flow passage, which is formed between the top wall and the first inclined surface, widens toward the upstream side
Implementation Method 2
the flow passage includes a throttle surface opposed to the sensor, and a first inclined surface formed continuously on an upstream side of the throttle surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flow sensor functions as a flow meter, for measuring the flow rate of a measurement objective fluid. The flow sensor comprises a flow passage, through which the measurement objective fluid flows, a sensor arranged so as to face the flow passage from a top wall that defines the flow passage, a throttle surface opposed to the top wall where the sensor is arranged, and an inclined surface provided on an upstream side of the throttle surface. The inclined surface is disposed such that the flow passage widens toward the inlet side of the flow passage. The inclined surface has an angle such that an extension line thereof passes through a position that is offset toward the upstream side, as compared to the detecting section of the sensor.