Grid Sensor System for Fluid Flow Characterization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional grid sensors in fluid flow systems require labor-intensive and time-consuming processes for insertion and removal, leading to material stress due to high clamping pressures, making maintenance and replacement cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A grid sensor system with a flow guide and sensor insert design that allows for easy insertion and removal of the grid sensor element, minimizing material stress by using a flow guide with an insertion recess and sensor insert that can be sealed without high clamping forces, enabling straightforward integration and disintegration into the fluid flow system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pressure sensor is used to measure fluid flow, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient due to single-point measurement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid flow measurement into multiple discrete measurement points arranged in a grid pattern. Instead of using a single sensor, multiple pressure sensors are distributed across the fluid flow path, each measuring at a specific location. This segmentation allows comprehensive characterization of the fluid flow profile while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular sensor arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point spatial measurement by arranging sensors in a grid pattern across two or more dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables capture of spatial variations in fluid flow characteristics, transforming the measurement from a scalar value to a distributed field representation, thereby significantly improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure sensors are distributed throughout the fluid flow, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and difficulty of calibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal calibration approach where the grid sensor system can be calibrated using standard calibration fluids and procedures applicable to all sensor elements. The calibration process establishes reference measurements that can be used across the entire sensor array, reducing the complexity of calibrating multiple sensors compared to individual calibration of each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference measurements and calibration patterns that can be replicated across multiple sensor elements. By establishing a master calibration profile or reference measurement pattern, the system can copy this calibration data to multiple sensors, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy across the grid without requiring complex individual calibration of each sensor element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-point measurement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect flow distribution patterns and anomalies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow measurement into multiple spatial locations arranged in a grid pattern. This segmentation enables detection of spatial variations in flow characteristics, allowing identification of flow distribution patterns, hotspots, and anomalies that would be invisible to single-point measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the multi-point measurement data from the grid sensor array is processed to provide information about overall flow distribution patterns. This feedback enables detection of anomalies and characterization of flow uniformity, enhancing system adaptability for various flow conditions while the processed information helps manage the complexity of interpreting multiple sensor readings.
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
Facilitates simple and efficient insertion and removal of grid sensors, reducing material stress and allowing for maintenance without system disassembly, suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
characterizing the fluid flow by measuring a pressure differential across the filter element with a pressure sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a grid sensor system for characterizing a fluid flow, comprising a sensor insert having a grid sensor element and comprising a flow guide having an inlet line, an outlet line, and an insert holder arranged between the same to hold the sensor insert, a rectilinear flow path being formed by the flow guide, wherein the insert holder is formed in such a way that the sensor insert can be inserted into the insert holder along an insertion direction extending transversely with respect to the flow path, and wherein, when the sensor insert is held in the insert holder, none of the electrodes extends parallel to the insertion direction.