Fluid Density Meter Auto-Start via Prime Resonance Frequency Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid density measurement methods face ambiguity in determining fluid density due to multiple resonance frequencies supported by test fixtures, leading to errors in density calculation.

Innovation Solution

A fluid density meter that generates a prime resonance frequency vibration and maintains it through a feedback loop, ensuring accurate density measurement by selectively exciting and sustaining the prime resonance frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple resonance frequencies are used for measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambiguity in frequency-density association

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoiddensity measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a unique correspondence relationship between prime resonance frequency and fluid density before measurement. The system identifies and locks onto the prime resonance frequency (lowest frequency mode) through frequency scanning, then maintains this specific mode for measurement. This preliminary selection of the prime resonance mode eliminates ambiguity in the frequency-density association, ensuring that subsequent measurements use a known, unambiguous reference point while still allowing rapid switching between multiple frequency modes for speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the resonance frequency spectrum into distinct modes, specifically isolating the prime resonance frequency (first mode) from higher-order modes. By focusing measurement on the segmented prime resonance component rather than using all resonance frequencies simultaneously, the system maintains measurement speed through selective mode excitation while eliminating the ambiguity that arises when multiple unsegmented frequency modes are used together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If frequency scanning is performed to identify prime resonance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency identification accuracyVSAvoidstartup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic frequency scanning and identification system that autonomously determines the prime resonance frequency without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically scans through the frequency spectrum, identifies the prime resonance mode through peak detection algorithms, and locks onto this frequency for measurement. This self-identifying capability eliminates the need for time-consuming manual frequency calibration while ensuring accurate prime resonance identification, thereby reducing overall measurement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action in the form of systematic frequency scanning cycles. Instead of continuous scanning, the system performs periodic frequency sweeps at predetermined intervals, efficiently locating the prime resonance frequency through structured periodic excitation and detection cycles. This periodic approach reduces the time penalty compared to continuous scanning while maintaining accurate frequency identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If feedback loop is closed to maintain resonance, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonance frequency stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent directly applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors the resonance frequency and adjusts the excitation signal to maintain stable prime resonance conditions. The feedback mechanism detects deviations from the target resonance frequency and automatically corrects them, ensuring measurement stability. While feedback does increase circuit complexity, the patent manages this through efficient feedback algorithms and integrated circuit design that minimize the complexity overhead while maximizing stability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated frequency control circuit that acts as a mediator between the signal source and the test fixture. This intermediary circuit handles the complex feedback and frequency adjustment functions, isolating the complexity from the main measurement system. The intermediary controller manages the feedback loop operations, maintaining resonance stability while keeping the overall device architecture manageable through functional decomposition.

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

This approach eliminates ambiguity in resonance frequency association with fluid density, providing accurate fluid density determination by maintaining the prime resonance frequency during measurement.

Implementation Method 1

generating a resonance frequency and a prime resonance vibration of the test fixture based on the modified plurality of vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a pickup circuit that converts the resonance frequency to an output voltage based on the resonance frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

maintaining the prime resonance vibration frequency by closing the feedback loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

maintaining the prime resonance vibration by applying a feedback voltage, based on the detected prime resonance frequency, to the test fixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback: Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10006844B2Fluid density meters auto-start by injection seed vibration using frequency scanning method
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC INC
  • US10006844B2 patent drawing
  • US10006844B2 patent drawing
  • US10006844B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of initiating a fluid density measurement includes generating a prime resonance of a test fixture by a startup circuit. The method of initiating a fluid density measurement includes closing a feedback loop in response to generating the prime resonance. The method of initiating a fluid density measurement includes maintaining the prime resonance by closing the feedback loop.