In-Line Sound Velocity Sensor with Axial Displacement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound velocity sensors are not space-saving and typically located outside fluid lines, making them inconvenient for process monitoring and integration into fluid lines.

Innovation Solution

A sound velocity sensor with a measuring chamber integrated directly into a fluid line, featuring axially displaceable and rotationally fixed arrangement, allowing for space-saving design and reliable measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sound velocity sensors are arranged outside fluid lines, then measurement reliability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates and integration into fluid lines becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sound velocity sensor with the fluid line by integrating the measuring chamber directly into the fluid line structure. The sensor housing is merged with the fluid line, allowing the sensor to occupy the same space as the fluid flow path, thus achieving both compact space utilization and reliable in-line measurements without requiring separate external mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If sound velocity sensors are arranged in fluid lines, then space-saving design is achieved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace-saving designVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid line structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the fluid transport conduit and the housing for the sound velocity sensor. The sensor housing is integrated into the fluid line, allowing the same structural element to perform both fluid containment and sensor mounting functions, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the in-line arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If measuring chamber is axially displaceable, then opening and closing of inlet/outlet openings is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening and closing functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring chamber is designed with axial displacement capability, transitioning from a static to a dynamic structure. This allows the inlet and outlet openings to be opened or closed by moving the measuring chamber axially relative to the sensor housing, enabling operational control without requiring separate valve mechanisms or complex opening/closing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a compact and reliable sound velocity measurement system that can be seamlessly integrated into fluid lines, minimizing flow resistance and allowing for accurate determination of fluid properties like density and heat capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element arrangement that generates the sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The sound transducer detects the respective reflected wave and transmits a corresponding electrical signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic-to-electrical conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4563951A1Sound velocity sensor
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 TECH UNIVERSITÄT CHEMNITZ KÖRPERSCHAFT DES ÖFFENTLICHEN RECHTS
  • EP4563951A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563951A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4563951A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sound velocity sensor (10) for a fluid (FL), comprising at least one measuring chamber (11) in which at least one sound transducer (14, 15) is arranged, wherein at least one inlet opening (12) and at least one outlet opening (13) lead to the measuring chamber (11), and the measuring chamber (11) can be filled/flowed through by the fluid (FL) to carry out a measurement, wherein the sound velocity sensor (10) is arranged in a fluid line (1) through which the fluid (FL) flows and around which the fluid (FL) flows. (Figure 1)