Flowmeter Centering Plate for Precise Pipe Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters experience degraded measurement precision due to misalignment between the center axes of flow inlets and outlets, as well as the center axes of connected pipes, leading to fluid flow disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A centering device with a plate-shaped structure featuring recessed and protruded portions that align the center axes of flow channels and connected pipes, minimizing misalignment through precise positioning of through bolts and flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If external clamps are used to support pipes and flowmeter from outside, then assembly is simplified, but misalignment between center axes occurs due to product variation in external sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is fitted inside the flowmeter's cylindrical portion, with the plate portion's opening receiving the cylindrical portion. This nested configuration allows the centering device to internally constrain the position of flanges and pipes relative to the flowmeter, achieving precise center axis alignment without relying on external clamp support that is subject to product variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering device acts as an intermediary component between the flowmeter and the flange/pipe assembly. By introducing this intermediate element with precise geometric features (opening, recessed portion, protruded portion), the system achieves accurate center axis alignment while maintaining assembly simplicity, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If centering device with internal fitting is used, then center axis alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is segmented into distinct functional features: the plate portion with opening for receiving the cylindrical portion, the recessed portion for positioning the flange, and the protruded portion for supporting the through bolt. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific alignment function independently, achieving high precision without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the centering device have specialized local qualities: the opening provides precise radial positioning, the recessed portion provides axial positioning and flange support, and the protruded portion provides bolt support. This local specialization of geometric features achieves high center axis alignment precision while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A centering device 5 includes a plate portion 51 that is plate-shaped and that has an opening 52 formed to penetrate the plate portion 51 along a first direction that is a thickness direction of the plate portion 51, the opening 52 being where a cylindrical portion that lets a fluid pass through the cylindrical portion is fitted in; a recessed portion 53 recessed toward the center of the opening 52 has been formed on a periphery of the plate portion 51; and a protruded portion 54 has been formed on a bottom surface 53a of the recessed portion 53.