Multifunctional Dust Trap for Gas Meter Noise and Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic transducers in gas meters are sensitive to dust contamination and acoustic noise, affecting measurement accuracy and leading to billing issues, with traditional solutions increasing complexity and size due to the use of multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional dust trap that combines dust filtering and acoustic noise reduction using a single chamber with deflection walls, a filter pad, and acoustic-absorbing ribs, guiding gas flow to separate dust particles and absorb noise, thereby improving measurement accuracy without increasing the gas meter's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate elements are used for filtering dust particles and for flow guiding to reduce acoustic noises, then dust filtering effectiveness and acoustic noise reduction are improved, but device complexity and gas meter size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dust filtering function and acoustic noise reduction function into a single integrated dust trap chamber. The chamber simultaneously performs dust particle separation through centrifugal force generated by deflection walls and acoustic noise absorption through strategically positioned ribs, eliminating the need for separate filtering elements and flow guiding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust trap chamber is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple tasks: dust particle separation, acoustic noise reduction, and flow guidance. The deflection walls and ribs within the chamber serve dual purposes of structural configuration for dust separation and acoustic wave reflection/absorption, making the single component universal in its functionality.
2Reliability
If separate elements are used for filtering dust particles and for flow guiding to reduce acoustic noises, then dust filtering effectiveness and acoustic noise reduction are improved, but gas meter size increases requiring additional installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic noise reduction functionality within the existing dust trap chamber volume by adding ribs that reflect and absorb acoustic waves. This integration allows the chamber to simultaneously handle dust separation and noise reduction without requiring additional external components or increasing the overall gas meter footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust trap chamber serves as a multi-functional element that accommodates both dust particle separation and acoustic noise reduction within its single structure. The deflection walls and internal ribs create a compact design that achieves dual functionality without proportionally increasing the volume required, as the same spatial volume performs multiple protective functions.
3Measurement precision
If traditional separate filtering and flow guiding elements are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but installation cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates dust filtering and acoustic noise reduction into a single dust trap chamber, reducing the total component count. This consolidation simplifies the assembly process, reduces installation time, and lowers overall installation costs while maintaining the measurement accuracy required by ultrasonic transducers through effective dust removal and noise reduction.
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
The multifunctional dust trap efficiently filters dust and reduces acoustic noise, minimizing pressure loss and saving space, leading to improved measurement accuracy and reduced installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first wall directs the flow of the gas into a cross sectional area of the chamber, which reduces a velocity of the deflected gas such that a centrifugal force guides a plurality of dust particles carried by the gas towards a base of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
to reduce an acoustic noise by a reflection at one or more inner surfaces of the chamber
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic mat and/or each of the plurality of ribs absorbs an acoustic noise
Implementation Method 4
filtering a plurality of micro-dust particles from the deflected flow of the gas in the second direction by using a filter pad
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional dust trap for reducing an acoustic noise and dust filtering comprising: an inlet connected to a gas inlet of a gas meter; a chamber, connected to the inlet, to receive a flow of a gas, comprises: a first wall to deflect the flow of the gas in a first direction, wherein the first wall directs the flow of the gas into a cross sectional area of the chamber, which reduces a velocity of the deflected gas such that a centrifugal force guides a plurality of dust particles towards a base of the chamber; and a second wall to deflect the flow of the gas in a second direction; and an outlet, attached to the chamber, to enable an exit of a clean flow of the gas away from one or more flow inlets of a flow tube installed within the gas meter.