Integrated Sensor Assembly for Single-Port Flow and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters require separate ports for temperature and flow measurements, leading to potential leakage risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a piezoelectric transducer and a temperature sensor within a single housing, utilizing a membrane and housing materials with high heat conductivity, and employing a wrap-around electrode to minimize interference with ultrasonic transmission, along with a flexible cable to absorb vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ports are used for temperature and flow measurements, then each measurement can be performed independently, but leakage risks increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor and piezoelectric transducer into a single integrated housing with a single port. The temperature sensor is positioned within the housing that also contains the flow measurement transducer, allowing both measurements to be made through one unified interface, thereby reducing leakage risks and simplifying the device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single port and housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides access for both temperature measurement and flow measurement, acts as a protective enclosure for the piezoelectric transducer, and enables ultrasonic signal transmission. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate ports while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Reliability
If a membrane is used to couple the piezoelectric transducer to the fluid, then the transducer is protected from direct fluid contact, but ultrasonic transmission may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin membrane as a flexible barrier between the piezoelectric transducer and the fluid. This thin film allows ultrasonic waves to pass through while protecting the transducer from direct fluid contact, maintaining both protection and measurement precision through the membrane's acoustic transparency.
3Temperature
If the temperature sensor is mounted close to the piezoelectric transducer, then thermal coupling is improved, but interference with ultrasonic transmission may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the temperature sensor in close proximity to the piezoelectric transducer to maximize thermal coupling, while the membrane and housing structure are designed to minimize interference with ultrasonic waves. The local arrangement optimizes thermal contact without compromising acoustic transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary element that facilitates thermal coupling between the temperature sensor and piezoelectric transducer while maintaining acoustic transparency for ultrasonic signal transmission. This mediator allows both thermal and acoustic interactions to occur simultaneously without interference.
4Measurement precision
If the housing material has high heat conductivity, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the complexity of selecting and manufacturing the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the housing material should have high heat conductivity to ensure accurate temperature measurements. This parameter requirement guides the material selection process, allowing manufacturers to choose from standard high-conductivity materials like metals or ceramic composites, thereby balancing measurement precision with manufacturing feasibility.
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
Reduces leakage risks and enhances measurement efficiency by allowing a single port for both temperature and flow measurements while maintaining robustness and ultrasonic coupling.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric transducer and a second transducer... The first transducer (11) is mounted downstream (15) of the second transducer (12)
Implementation Method 2
A membrane (4) at one end of the housing couples the piezoelectric transducer (6) to any fluid in the fluid path
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a membrane and housing materials with high heat conductivity
Implementation Method 4
employing a flexible cable to absorb vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly is provided including a housing including a tubular portion, a membrane, a cable, an ultrasonic sensor, and a further sensor. The tubular portion includes a first end. The tubular portion connects to the membrane at the first end of the tubular portion. The ultrasonic sensor includes a piezoelectric transducer and a wrap-around electrode. The piezoelectric transducer includes a first side and a second side, the second side of the piezoelectric transducer being disposed opposite the first side of the piezoelectric transducer. The first side of the piezoelectric transducer is mounted to the membrane. The wrap-around electrode includes a first side and a second side, the second portion of the wrap-around electrode being disposed opposite the first portion of the wrap-around electrode.