Integrated Valve Layout for Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure independent control valves have dimensions that preclude the integration of a flow sensor inside the inlet conduit, limiting the maximum allowable flow and requiring smaller valve cores, which restricts the use of conventional flow measurement technologies.
Innovation Solution
The valve design reduces the diameter of active parts, allowing for longer inlet and outlet conduits that accommodate ultrasonic flow meters, enabling the integration of flow sensors and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the valve core dimensions are reduced to accommodate flow sensor integration, then flow measurement capability is improved, but the maximum allowable flow through the valve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the inlet conduit length in the axial direction to accommodate ultrasonic flow meters, rather than increasing radial dimensions. This dimensional approach allows flow measurement integration without compromising the valve core diameter and maximum flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic flow meters are integrated within the existing valve assembly structure, nesting the measurement device inside the inlet conduit pathway. This allows the flow sensor to occupy space within the existing valve envelope without requiring additional external space that would compromise flow capacity.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement technologies are used, then flow rate can be measured, but the valve core dimensions must be larger, preventing integration within standard valve bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow measurement technologies with ultrasonic flow meters that use acoustic waves for measurement. This substitution enables non-contact flow measurement through the conduit walls, eliminating the need for intrusive mechanical components that would increase valve core dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet conduit serves multiple functions: it guides fluid flow through the valve and simultaneously houses the ultrasonic flow meters for measurement. This multi-functionality allows the same structural component to fulfill both flow transport and measurement integration requirements without increasing overall valve size.
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
This design allows for the integration of ultrasonic flow sensors within the valve assembly, enhancing flow rate measurement capabilities and accuracy by providing additional space for the sensors, while maintaining the same valve body dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The flow meter according to WO 2014/029405A1 comprises a pair of ultrasonic transducers 6, 7. Three ultrasonic reflectors 8, 9, 10 are fitted into depressions in a guide element 52 inside a meter housing 2. The ultrasonic reflectors 8, 9, 10 provide a path for propagation of ultrasonic signals between the ultrasonic transducers 6, 7
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve comprising an inlet port (202), an outlet port (203), and a fluid conduit (204) extending between the inlet port (202) and the outlet port (203); a valve core comprising at least one active member (218) and a portion of the fluid conduit (204) enveloping the at least one active member (218); the fluid conduit (204) comprising an inlet conduit (211), the inlet conduit (211) being interposed between the inlet port (202) and the valve core; the fluid conduit (204) comprising an outlet conduit (212), the outlet conduit (212) being interposed between the valve core and the outlet port (203); wherein the length dimension of the inlet conduit (211) exceeds the length dimension of the outlet conduit (212) by at least ten percent.