Flowmeter PCB Integration to Reduce Assembly Cost and Friction Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for beverage preparation machines are costly due to the need for diamond point bearings and complex assembly processes, and they often suffer from accuracy issues due to friction and orientation-dependent performance.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter design featuring a casing with a measuring chamber and a generator for signal generation, directly fastened to a printed circuit board (PCB) using a connection arrangement that eliminates the need for cables and reduces mechanical stress on the sensor, allowing for automatic assembly and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If diamond point bearings are used in the flowmeter, then the flowmeter can be disassembled for cleaning, but the cost and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bearing function from separate diamond point bearings and integrates it directly into the housing structure. The housing now includes integrated bearing surfaces that support the rotating element without requiring separate bearing components, thereby eliminating assembly complexity while maintaining cleanability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the housing and bearing functions into a single integrated structure. The housing contains built-in bearing surfaces that support the rotating element, combining what were previously separate components (housing + diamond point bearings) into one unified piece, reducing both cost and assembly steps.
2Reliability
If multiple bayonet assembly hooks are used to ensure pressure resistance, then the connection is more secure, but the number of assembly positions increases leading to assembly mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the bayonet assembly hooks, where hooks are located at different positions around the periphery rather than symmetrically distributed. This asymmetric arrangement creates a unique assembly orientation, allowing the flowmeter to be connected in only one correct position, thereby preventing assembly mistakes while maintaining pressure resistance through adequate hook positioning.
3Device complexity
If a fixed shaft with large friction surface is used in the flowmeter, then the structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy decreases due to friction and orientation dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional fixed shaft mechanical support system with a bearing-based rotational support system. Instead of a fixed shaft with large friction surfaces, the rotating element is supported by integrated bearing surfaces that minimize friction and allow free rotation, thereby improving flow measurement accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity through integration.
4Extent of automation
If the flowmeter is rigidly fixed to the PCB, then automatic assembly is facilitated, but mechanical stress is applied to the sensor affecting its performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection system into two distinct functions: a rigid mechanical connection for structural support and automatic assembly, and a separate sensor connection for signal detection. The PCB includes both mechanical fixing elements for rigid attachment and a sensor area positioned to detect signals from the rotating element without experiencing mechanical stress from the rigid connection.
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 design simplifies manufacturing and assembly, reduces costs, and enhances accuracy by eliminating cable connections and mechanical stress on the sensor, while ensuring proper orientation and reducing friction-related errors.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (51) located at the outermost face and configured to sense said signal from the generator upon connection
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A flowmeter (1) comprises: an outermost casing (2,4) containing a measuring chamber (10); an outermost face (20) on the casing; a generator (3,36) for generating at the outermost face a signal representative of a flow through the measuring chamber; and a connection arrangement (28) for fastening the outermost casing against a PCB (50) which extends over and beyond the outermost casing and contains a sensor (51) that is located at the outermost face and that is configured to sense the signal from the generator upon connection. The connection arrangement is configured for connection against the PCB, which connection between the PCB and the casing is distinct from the sensor.