Flowmeter Housing Graphite Surface for Antistatic Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flowmeters face challenges in preventing deviations in characteristics due to foreign matter charging, which can lead to reduced moldability and durability when antistatic agents are added to the resin to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a non-insulation portion with graphite in the housing, which can be formed by converting a surface layer of the resin member using electromagnetic waves, allowing for antistatic properties without the need for antistatic agents, thus maintaining moldability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If antistatic agents are added to resin material of the housing, then foreign matter charging is restricted, but moldability and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antistatic function from the bulk resin material and concentrates it into a specific surface layer. By forming a conductive layer only on the inner surface of the housing that contacts foreign matter, the solution eliminates the need to add antistatic agents throughout the entire resin, thereby maintaining moldability and durability while still preventing foreign matter charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies antistatic properties locally rather than uniformly throughout the housing. A conductive layer is formed only on the inner surface where foreign matter comes into contact, leaving the rest of the housing structure with its original resin properties. This localized approach preserves the overall moldability and durability of the housing while providing antistatic protection where needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antistatic agents are added to resin material of the housing, then foreign matter charging is restricted, but durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the antistatic function from the bulk resin material and concentrates it into a specific surface layer. By forming a conductive layer only on the inner surface of the housing that contacts foreign matter, the solution eliminates the need to add antistatic agents throughout the entire resin, thereby maintaining moldability and durability while still preventing foreign matter charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of the base resin material and a separate conductive layer. This composite approach allows the housing to combine the mechanical properties of the resin (durability, moldability) with the electrical properties of the conductive layer (antistatic function), achieving both goals simultaneously without compromising either.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-insulation portion with graphite is incorporated, then foreign matter adhesion is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of mixing antistatic agents into the resin with a surface treatment process. By forming a conductive layer through electromagnetic wave heating or coating methods, the solution achieves antistatic functionality through a different mechanism that doesn't require modifying the bulk resin composition, thereby avoiding the complexity associated with material formulation and mixing processes.
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 effectively prevents foreign matter from adhering to the flow rate detector, reducing deviations in characteristics while maintaining the resin's moldability and durability, and improving processability by eliminating the need for antistatic agents.
Implementation Method 1
converting a surface layer of the resin member using electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The electrical conductive portion is disposed on at least either one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the housing, contains a carbonized material to have an electric conductivity, and discharges an electric charge to a ground
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter is configured to measure a flow rate of a gas flowing through a main passage. The flowmeter includes a housing and a flow rate detector. The housing is made of a resin and includes a bypass passage branched off from the main passage. The flow rate detector is disposed in the bypass passage and transmits detection signals in accordance with the flow rate of the gas flowing through the main passage. The housing includes a non-insulation portion including graphite.