Electromagnetic Flowmeter Joint with Elastic Connecting Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic flowmeters require multiple components and complex assembly processes for electrical continuity, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic flowmeter incorporates a printed circuit board, a housing, and a joint made of electrically conductive material with a connecting component that elastically deforms to establish electrical connection between the joint and the circuit board, simplifying the structure for electrical continuity and reducing the number of required components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional components (pin-shaped terminal, connector, lead wire, seal component) are used for electrical continuity with the joint, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (terminal, connector, lead wire, seal component) into a single integrated joint structure. The joint directly provides electrical connection points that contact with the measuring tube and housing, eliminating the need for separate connecting components and reducing assembly steps while maintaining reliable electrical continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the measuring tube, ensures fluid sealing, and establishes electrical continuity. This multi-functional design replaces several specialized components with a single versatile joint structure, reducing overall device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If pin-shaped terminal extending through housing is used, then electrical connection is established, but seal component is required and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection function is merged into the joint structure itself, which is already present in the device. The joint's contact surfaces directly establish electrical continuity without requiring separate terminals or connectors, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of parts that need to be installed.
3Reliability
If screw terminal is used for electrical connection, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but machining work is required and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure integrates both mechanical connection and electrical connection functions. The same joint that mechanically supports the measuring tube also provides electrical contact surfaces, eliminating the need for separate screw terminals and associated machining operations. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
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
This solution simplifies the electrical connection process, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the reliability of electrical continuity, while maintaining the flowmeter's functionality and noise resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting component is configured to elastically deform to reduce a distance between the one end and the other end by a predetermined amount
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a measuring tube, first and second printed circuit boards fixed to the measuring tube, a housing accommodating the measuring tube and the first and second printed circuit boards and supporting the first and second printed circuit boards, joints made of an electrically conductive material and fixed to the housing, each joint having a cylindrical portion that forms a fluid passage in cooperation with the measuring tube, and connecting components each sandwiched by a corresponding one of the first and second printed circuit boards and a corresponding one of the cylindrical portions. Each connecting component is configured to elastically deform to reduce a distance between one end and the other end of the connecting component. Each connecting component electrically connects a corresponding one of the cylindrical portions to a shield pattern (electrically conductive portion) of a corresponding one of the first and second printed circuit boards.