Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flowmeter Adjustment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters face challenges in aligning ultrasonic transducers effectively due to insufficient adjustability, particularly when measuring media with high temperature and corrosive properties, leading to suboptimal signal alignment and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter with an adjustment device providing at least two independent degrees of freedom to adjust the signal path angle and length, featuring a deformable element and actuator device for precise alignment, allowing for optimal acoustic coupling and robust signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tilting device is used to tilt the beam path of ultrasonic signals in a plane encompassing the axis of the measuring tube, then the alignment of ultrasonic transducers can be adjusted, but the alignment remains inadequate and signal energy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second degree of freedom by allowing tilting in a plane perpendicular to the first tilting plane. This dimensional extension enables complete alignment adjustment in three-dimensional space, resolving the inadequate alignment problem and preventing signal energy loss by ensuring optimal acoustic coupling in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device provides dynamic alignment capability through multiple degrees of freedom, allowing real-time optimization of transducer alignment. The deformable element and actuator enable continuous adjustment during operation, maintaining optimal signal paths and minimizing energy loss under varying measurement conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ultrasonic transducers are fixed without adjustment capability, then the device structure is simple, but the optimal alignment depending on acoustic properties cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed transducer configuration into a dynamic, adjustable system while maintaining structural simplicity. The adjustment device with at least two degrees of freedom allows post-manufacturing optimization of alignment, accommodating different acoustic properties of measuring tubes and media without complicating the basic device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment device enables changing geometric parameters (angles and positions) of the ultrasonic transducers relative to the measuring tube. By allowing variation in orientation and location parameters, the system can be optimized for specific acoustic conditions while maintaining a simple overall structure that does not require complex manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If only one degree of freedom is provided for adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment cannot be fully optimized for different acoustic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second independent degree of freedom adjustment capability, extending alignment control from one dimension to two dimensions. This enables optimization of ultrasonic transducer alignment for different acoustic properties by adjusting angles in perpendicular planes, significantly improving measurement precision without excessive complexity increase.
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 enables improved alignment of ultrasonic transducers, enhancing signal processing and flow measurement accuracy by minimizing signal energy loss and distortion, thus providing more reliable and robust flow measurement values.
Implementation Method 1
each ultrasonic transducer has at least one transducer element, in particular a piezoelectric element for generating and detecting ultrasonic signals
Implementation Method 2
the coupling element is configured to be acoustically coupled to the measuring tube via a second side of the coupling element facing the measuring tube and to transmit ultrasonic signals between the transducer element and the measuring tube
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter (1) comprising: a measuring tube (40) for guiding a medium; a pair of ultrasonic contact transducers (10); an electronic measuring/operating circuit (30) for operating the ultrasonic contact transducers, wherein each ultrasonic contact transducer comprises at least one transducer element (11) for generating and detecting ultrasonic signals and a coupling element (12), wherein the transducer element is located on a first side of the coupling element (12.1), said side facing away from the measuring tube, and wherein the coupling element is designed to be acoustically coupled to the measuring tube via a second side of the coupling element (12.2), said second side facing the measuring tube, and to transmit ultrasonic signals between the transducer element and measuring tube and vice versa, wherein the ultrasonic flowmeter comprises an adjusting device (20) for at least one first ultrasonic contact transducer (10.1) of the pair for adjusting the ultrasonic contact transducer, wherein the adjusting device (20) is arranged between the transducer element and the first side of the coupling element or between the measuring tube and the second side of the coupling element and comprises a coupling face directed towards the measuring tube, characterized in that the adjusting device is configured to modify at least one angle of the signal path with respect to the coupling face and/or a signal path length, wherein the adjusting device has at least two degrees of freedom.