Integrated Magnetic Inductive Flow Sensor Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic-inductive flow measuring devices require additional openings in the measuring tube for installing pressure transducers and temperature sensors, which are potential leak points and should be avoided.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic-inductive flow measuring probe with a housing that integrates a pressure transducer and temperature sensor, allowing these sensors to be accommodated within the probe without increasing the outer diameter, eliminating the need for further openings in the pipeline.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pressure transducers and temperature sensors are installed in the measuring tube wall, then additional process parameters can be determined, but additional openings are created which are potential leak points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidfluid-tight integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensors (pressure transducer and temperature sensor) into a single integrated sensor unit that is arranged inside the probe housing. This merging of sensors into one compact unit allows them to be housed within the existing probe structure without requiring additional openings in the measuring tube wall, thus maintaining fluid-tight integrity while enabling multi-parameter measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is nested inside the probe housing, with the pressure transducer and temperature sensor contained within the same housing space. This nesting arrangement allows the sensors to be protected and integrated within the existing probe structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting openings in the measuring tube.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If sensors are integrated into the probe housing, then no additional openings are needed in the pipeline, but the housing must accommodate multiple sensors without increasing outer diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid-tight integrityVSAvoidhousing design
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe housing serves multiple functions: it houses the magnetic field-generating device, contains the sensor unit with both pressure and temperature sensors, and provides structural support for the measuring electrodes. This multi-functionality allows the housing to accommodate multiple sensors without requiring additional openings in the pipeline.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is arranged in a compact configuration within the housing, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The pressure transducer and temperature sensor are positioned in different spatial orientations within the housing, allowing both sensors to be accommodated without increasing the outer diameter of the probe.

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

Enables the determination of additional process parameters like pressure and temperature without introducing additional openings in the pipeline, enhancing measurement capabilities while maintaining fluid-tight integrity.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic field-generating device produces a magnetic field perpendicular to the transverse axis of the measuring tube. This is typically achieved using one or more coils.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A pair of measuring electrodes attached to the outer surface of the measuring tube detects an inductively generated electrical measuring voltage, which arises when a conductive medium flows in the direction of the longitudinal axis while a magnetic field is applied. Since the measured voltage depends on the velocity of the flowing medium according to Faraday's law of induction...

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday's law of induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the sensor comprises a pressure transducer which can be exposed to the pressure acting on the front end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure transduction:

Data Source

PatentEP3899440B1Magnetic inductive flow sensor and measurement point
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • EP3899440B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3899440B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3899440B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a magnetic inductive flow sensor for determining the flow or the flow speed of a liquid medium in a measurement tube and comprises a housing, a front part which is situated in the end of the housing and has a front end which can be loaded by the medium, at least two measuring electrodes which form a galvanic contact with the medium, and a magnetic-field-generating device situated in the housing for generating a magnetic field extending through the front end. The invention is characterised in that at least one sensor for determining a process parameter of the medium is situated in the housing.