Ultrasonic Flowmeter Diffraction Assembly for Parasitic Wave Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic flowmeters suffer from parasitic ultrasonic waves that cause acoustic noise, leading to erroneous measurements due to frequencies corresponding to the working wavelength of the ultrasonic sensors, and existing attenuation methods, such as absorption or reflection, are insufficient.

Innovation Solution

An assembly with a primary diffraction structure and secondary diffraction structure, comprising needle-shaped elements, is used to diffract and dissipate parasitic ultrasonic waves, reducing sound pressure and improving measurement accuracy without requiring absorption materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If absorption materials are inserted in the pipeline to attenuate parasitic ultrasonic waves, then attenuation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattenuation effectivenessVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces absorption materials with a diffraction-based acoustic filter structure. The filter comprises a housing with diffraction elements (protrusions or grooves) that passively attenuate parasitic ultrasonic waves through diffraction and destructive interference, eliminating the need for inserted absorption materials and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the attenuation function from separate absorption materials and integrates it into the pipeline structure itself through diffraction elements. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining attenuation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If simple barrier structures are used to attenuate parasitic waves, then device complexity is reduced, but attenuation effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidattenuation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing specific diffraction elements with dimensions (height, width, spacing) optimized for particular frequency ranges. The filter can be configured with different protrusion or groove geometries tailored to attenuate specific parasitic frequencies while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the attenuation function into multiple diffraction elements arranged in series within the pipeline. Each element targets specific frequency components, and the cumulative effect provides broad-spectrum attenuation while keeping individual elements simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If parasitic ultrasonic waves are not attenuated, then device complexity remains low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to acoustic noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidflow measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acoustic filter as an intermediary component between the pressure controller (noise source) and the ultrasonic flow measurement section. This filter mediates by attenuating parasitic ultrasonic waves before they reach the sensors, improving measurement precision while adding minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 assembly effectively attenuates parasitic ultrasonic waves, significantly reducing noise and enhancing the precision of ultrasonic flowmeters by more than doubling the signal attenuation.

Implementation Method 1

the structure for attenuation of parasitic ultrasonic waves includes at least one diffraction structure having dimensions comparable to the wavelength of the parasitic ultrasonic waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

the diffraction structure includes a plurality of needle-shaped elements arranged on a common base

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260049851A1Assembly for attenuation of parasitic ultrasonic waves propagating in fluid and ultrasonic flowmeter

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 OIL & GAS METERING EQUIPMENT SRO

AI summary

An assembly for attenuation of parasitic ultrasonic waves propagating in the fluid includes a body and a structure for attenuation of the parasitic ultrasonic waves arranged in the body, wherein the body defines space for fluid flow, and the structure for attenuation of parasitic ultrasonic waves includes at least one primary diffraction structure having dimensions comparable to the wavelength of the parasitic ultrasonic waves. A secondary diffraction structure is arranged on at least one primary diffraction structure having dimensions comparable to the wavelength of the parasitic ultrasonic waves. An ultrasonic flowmeter comprising the assembly is also provided.