External Hall Sensor Flow Meter with Magnetic Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow measurement devices are inflexible in terms of attachment and measurement, limiting their versatility and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A device with a signal transmitter, magnetic means, position sensor using Hall sensors, conversion means, and output means, allowing for multidimensional detection of the magnetic field and detachable attachment to fluid flow lines, enabling flexible and accurate measurement of fluid flow without mechanical contact with the line interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pre-installed and programmed measuring device is integrated into the fluid flow line, then the measurement can be performed continuously, but the measuring device becomes inflexible in terms of installation and measurement technique

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement continuityVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is segmented into separate functional components: a magnetic signal generator that can be positioned independently within the fluid flow, and a separate detection device with Hall sensors that attaches to the exterior of the conduit. This segmentation allows the magnetic element to be placed at different positions in the flow while the detector remains externally mounted, providing both continuous measurement capability and installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic field serves as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the detection device. The magnetic signal generator creates a magnetic field that penetrates through the conduit wall, allowing the Hall sensors on the exterior to detect flow characteristics without direct contact with the fluid. This intermediary approach enables flexible external mounting while maintaining continuous measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the position sensor means detects only one component of the magnetic field, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor structureVSAvoidflow measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system transitions from detecting a single component of the magnetic field to detecting multiple components (at least two different components) using multiple Hall sensors positioned at different orientations. This dimensional expansion in measurement capability allows for more precise flow characterization, capturing both radial and axial flow components that a single sensor cannot detect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a simple, reliable, and flexible method for measuring fluid flow, offering accurate detection of both z and radial components of the magnetic field, with a linearized conversion characteristic and electrical signal output, enhancing measurement precision and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

the position sensor means comprises at least a Hall sensor means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3449220A1Device for measuring a fluid flow and measuring method
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 MFT MEISTER FLOW TECH HLDG GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A device for measuring a fluid flow, more particularly an air flow, and/or a liquid flow, comprising: a signal transmitter means disposed in the fluid flow so that it can be surrounded by the latter; a magnetic means, wherein a fastening system is provided for detachably fastening the device to a conduit comprising the fluid flow; a position sensor means for registering a signal of a magnetic field of the magnetic means through a conduit wall of the conduit comprising the fluid flow; a conversion means for converting a magnetic signal into an electric signal; and an output means for the electric signal. The position sensor means comprises at least one Hall sensor means and a multi-dimensional sensing of the magnetic field can be obtained.