Ionized Gas Flowmeter for Aerospace Mass Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters are inadequate for measuring the mass flow of gaseous fluids, particularly in aerospace applications where fuels like hydrogen are used, due to the compressibility of gases, which complicates traditional measurement methods.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter system utilizing an ionizer to charge gaseous fluids, an electromagnetic sensor to measure the generated magnetic field, and a measuring circuit to convert the signal into mass flow, with optional components like a flow divider and combiner to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters are used for gaseous fluids, then measurement of liquid flow rates is achieved, but measurement precision for gaseous fluids deteriorates due to compressibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the gaseous fluid into a different physical state (ionized plasma) by changing its electrical parameters, enabling it to be measured by electromagnetic sensors designed for conductive fluids. The ionizer converts neutral gas molecules into charged particles, fundamentally changing the fluid's electrical properties to make it compatible with electromagnetic flow measurement techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ionizer as an intermediary device that converts gaseous fluid into ionized form, and a conductor as another intermediary that contains and directs the ionized flow. These intermediaries enable the measurement of gases using electromagnetic principles typically applicable only to liquid conductors.
2Reliability
If dynamic components are used in flowmeters, then mechanical measurement is achieved, but reliability in harsh aerospace conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/dynamic measurement components with stationary electromagnetic sensors. Instead of using moving parts to measure flow, the system uses an ionizer to create charged particles and electromagnetic sensors to detect the flow-induced magnetic field changes, eliminating mechanical components that would fail in harsh aerospace environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the magnetic field generated by ionized gas flow, measures flow rate, and can operate across various gas types and flow conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized mechanical components for different measurement scenarios.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaseous fuel is used in aircraft engines, then alternative fuel capability is improved, but measurement capability for mass flow deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the electrical parameters of gaseous fuel by ionizing it, transforming neutral gas molecules into charged particles. This parameter change enables the fuel to interact with electromagnetic fields, allowing precise mass flow measurement of alternative gaseous fuels that traditional flowmeters cannot measure accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionizer acts as an intermediary that prepares gaseous fuel for measurement by creating ionized flow, and the electromagnetic sensor acts as another intermediary that translates the physical flow into measurable electrical signals. This intermediary approach enables accurate measurement of various gaseous fuels including hydrogen.
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 accurate measurement of gaseous fluid flow rates without dynamic components susceptible to aerospace conditions, ensuring precise control and response times, even in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizer to charge gaseous fluids
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic sensor to measure the generated magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
A flowmeter (200) for gaseous fluid includes a conduit (204) composed of non-electrically conductive material for passage of an ionized flow of the gaseous fluid therethrough. The flowmeter (200) further includes an electromagnetic sensor (206) arranged to measure a magnetic field generated about the conduit (204) by the passage of the ionized flow and generate a signal proportional to the magnetic field.