Differential Pressure Flowmeter Compact Control Board Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The parallel arrangement of many differential-pressure flow meters requires significant installation space and complex wiring due to the need for multiple controllers and pressure sensors, leading to a demand for a more compact and minimally wired solution.
Innovation Solution
A compact differential-pressure flow meter design integrates the controller function into a main control board, reducing the number of discrete components and using multiple small wiring conduits to minimize space and wiring complexity, while maintaining a liquid-tight structure to prevent fluid intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple discrete controllers and pressure sensors are used for each differential-pressure flow meter, then measurement and control functions are achieved, but installation space increases and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete controllers and pressure sensors into an integrated control board that is installed within the flow meter housing. This merging of components reduces the number of separate devices needed, thereby decreasing installation space while maintaining measurement and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls both pressure sensors, processes signals from both sensors, and performs flow rate calculations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controllers for each sensor, reducing overall device count and installation space.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete controllers and pressure sensors are used for each differential-pressure flow meter, then measurement and control functions are achieved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions onto a single control board, which consolidates all wiring connections. Instead of having separate controllers each requiring independent wiring, all sensors connect to one integrated board, significantly reducing wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board acts as an intermediary device that centralizes signal processing and control functions. By routing all sensor signals through this single intermediary, the system eliminates the need for complex point-to-point wiring between multiple discrete controllers and sensors.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact design with integrated control board is used, then installation space is reduced and wiring is simplified, but the controller function must be integrated into the flow meter housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the control board is installed within the existing flow meter housing. The control board fits into a designated space inside the housing, similar to a nested doll, allowing compact integration without requiring a completely new device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control board is positioned in a vertical arrangement within the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension for component placement. This dimensional arrangement optimizes space utilization and simplifies the integration process by organizing components in a compact vertical stack rather than requiring horizontal expansion.
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 reduces the overall size of the flow meter, simplifies installation, and decreases the number of wiring steps, allowing for more flexible layout and efficient operation in industrial applications like semiconductor manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors configured to measure variations in the strain of diaphragms with pressure and to feed the resulting electrical signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A compact differential-pressure flow meter with reduced wiring is provided. The differential-pressure flow meter has first and second pressure sensors 12A and 12B fixed to a base member 14 on upstream and downstream sides of an orifice member 11 along a flow channel to determine a flow rate based on a pressure difference measured between the two sides of the orifice member 11 by the pressure sensors. The differential-pressure flow meter includes specific control boards disposed near pressure-sensing parts installed in the respective pressure-sensing device and a main control board disposed in a board installation space formed inside the base member. The specific control boards are connected to the main control board with wires passing through a plurality of wiring conduits provided in housings of the pressure-sensing device, and external wiring are connected to one of the specific control boards or to the main control board.