Fluid Measurement Sensor Attachment Structure for Branch Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid measurement sensor attachment structures at T-joints suffer from inaccurate measurements and reduced fluid transport capacity due to turbulent flow and pressure loss when sensors are positioned away from the flow path, and simply placing sensors near the flow path does not solve the capacity issue.
Innovation Solution
A fluid measurement sensor attachment structure where a sleeve with a circumferential wall and protective wall is inserted into a branch pipe, featuring a seal lip and various sealing portions to prevent fluid accumulation and pressure loss, with a cap member and spacer to secure the sensor and maintain precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned away from the flow path to avoid turbulent flow, then the fluid transport capacity is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The branch pipe is segmented into two functional zones: a sensor accommodation zone where the sensor is positioned away from the flow path to avoid turbulence, and a flow path zone where fluid flows freely. The sleeve structure creates this segmentation, allowing the sensor to be isolated from turbulent flow while still enabling accurate measurement of fluid properties in the main flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor and the flow path. It allows the sensor to be positioned in a low-turbulence zone while still enabling measurement of fluid properties flowing through the branch pipe. The seal lip and sealing portions in the sleeve create a barrier that prevents fluid from entering the sensor zone, effectively mediating between the sensor accommodation requirement and the flow path requirement.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned near the flow path to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but turbulent flow and pressure loss occur, reducing fluid transport capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The branch pipe interior is divided into a sensor zone and a flow path zone by the sleeve structure. The sensor zone, located within the sleeve, is separated from the main flow path by the seal lip and sealing portions. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned near the flow path for accurate measurement without directly interfering with the fluid flow, thereby reducing pressure loss and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve with its seal lip and sealing portions serves as an intermediary barrier between the sensor and the flow path. It enables the sensor to be positioned close to the flow path for accurate measurement while preventing direct contact between the sensor and the fluid, thus avoiding turbulence and pressure loss that would occur if the sensor were directly in the flow path.
3Measurement precision
If a simple sensor attachment structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance and measurement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the sleeve structure: it provides sensor accommodation, creates sealing surfaces with the seal lip, forms sealing portions to prevent fluid ingress, and positions the sensor relative to the flow path. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate parts for each function, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining high sealing performance and measurement accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fluid measurement sensor attachment structure in which a fluid measurement sensor is attached to a branch pipe among three or more branch pipes branched from a pipe, thereby measuring properties of a fluid flowing through a flow path that is formed by remaining branch pipes, comprising a sleeve that can accommodate the fluid measurement sensor, wherein the sleeve is a member in a shape of a tumbler including a circumferential wall that is substantially cylindrical and a protective wall that is disposed at one end of the circumferential wall and that does not disturb a function of the sensor, a seal lip is disposed on the circumferential wall near the protective wall, and the sleeve is inserted into the branch pipe such that the protective wall is positioned near a base end of the branch pipes.