Flowmeter Reinforcement Structure for Cost Reduction

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic-inductive flowmeters are costly and primarily designed for industrial use, limiting their application in fields where a lower-cost solution is needed, and they require a sturdy construction to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcement structure is assigned to the measuring tube and/or measuring device housing, comprising multiple reinforcement units made of heavy-duty materials like metal, ceramic, or plastic, which can be designed to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses, allowing for a less sturdy construction of the flowmeter components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sturdy construction is used for the measuring tube and measuring device housing to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses, then the reliability and stress resistance are improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter is divided into two functional parts: a process-intensive part (measuring tube with electrodes and magnetic field generator) that can be made of inexpensive plastic, and a reinforcement structure (frame or lattice) made of sturdy material that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flowmeter combines materials with different properties: plastic for the process-intensive components and sturdy materials (metal, ceramic, or heavy-duty plastic) for the reinforcement structure. This composite approach allows the inexpensive plastic to be used where mechanical strength is less critical while maintaining overall structural integrity through the reinforcement framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If expensive materials and sturdy construction are used for the flowmeter components, then the mechanical and thermal stress resistance is improved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter is divided into two functional parts: a process-intensive part (measuring tube with electrodes and magnetic field generator) that can be made of inexpensive plastic, and a reinforcement structure (frame or lattice) made of sturdy material that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the entire flowmeter housing from expensive sturdy material, the reinforcement structure is strategically placed only where mechanical strength is needed to support the measuring tube and withstand external forces, while the process-intensive parts use inexpensive plastic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the flowmeter is designed for industrial use with sturdy construction, then the stress resistance is improved, but the applicability to non-industrial fields is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flowmeter is divided into two functional parts: a process-intensive part (measuring tube with electrodes and magnetic field generator) that can be made of inexpensive plastic, and a reinforcement structure (frame or lattice) made of sturdy material that provides mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for parameter changes in material selection and reinforcement structure configuration, enabling the flowmeter to be adapted for different application scenarios from industrial to non-industrial fields while maintaining necessary stress resistance where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the use of less expensive materials for the flowmeter components while maintaining stability through the reinforcement structure, reducing production costs and extending the flowmeter's application to non-industrial fields without compromising mechanical and thermal stress resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field at least partially interfusing the measuring tube, at least one measuring electrode for tapping a measuring voltage induced in the flowing medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9625301B2Flowmeter

Publication Date: 2017.04.18 KROHNE AG

AI summary

A flowmeter for flow measurement of a flowing medium having a measuring tube and a measuring device housing that can be also used in fields in which magnetic-inductive flowmeters have not previously been used or used only on a small scale—primarily due to costs is achieved by the provision a reinforcement structure is assigned to the measuring tube and/or the measuring device housing, wherein the reinforcement structure is formed of at least one reinforcement unit—preferably of several reinforcement units. The reinforcement units are preferably bolt and tube arrangements received in through-passages or external recesses formed in the housing.