Linear Variable Differential Pitot Tube for High-Temperature Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring localized fluid flow velocity in advanced nuclear reactors and solar industries face challenges at high temperatures due to limitations in ultrasonic Doppler sensors, which experience reduced signal-to-noise ratios when operating above 600°C, requiring the use of waveguides that complicate filtering.

Innovation Solution

A linear variable differential pitot tube system comprising a primary solenoid, two identical secondary solenoids, and a high permeability magnetic core, excited by an alternating current to induce voltages in the secondary solenoids, allowing for direct measurement of localized flow velocity at high temperatures without compromising signal quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic doppler sensors are used to measure localized flow velocity, then measurement capability is provided, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates at high temperatures (600°C or above)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized flow velocity measurementVSAvoidsignal-to-noise ratio

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the ultrasonic Doppler sensing mechanism with a magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. The sensor uses a magnet mounted on a movable element that interacts with a stationary coil assembly, substituting acoustic wave detection with electromagnetic field detection to achieve high-temperature operation without signal degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by designing the sensor to operate in the magnetic field regime rather than acoustic regime. The movable element's displacement under high-temperature flow conditions is detected through changes in magnetic flux linkage with the coil assembly, maintaining measurement capability where ultrasonic methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If a wave guide is added to enable ultrasonic sensor operation at high temperature, then high temperature operation is enabled, but device complexity increases and signal-to-noise ratio decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational temperatureVSAvoidwave guide structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for wave guides by substituting ultrasonic transmission with direct magnetic field sensing. The magnet-coil interaction occurs directly within the sensor housing, removing the complex wave guide structure that would be required to transmit acoustic waves through high-temperature environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the wave guide component from the system entirely. By using a magnetic field-based measurement approach, the sensor can operate directly in high-temperature flows without requiring any intermediary transmission medium or wave guide structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If a wave guide is added to enable ultrasonic sensor operation at high temperature, then high temperature operation is enabled, but filtering difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational temperatureVSAvoidsignal filtering

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ultrasonic signal detection with electromagnetic signal detection. The output is a direct electrical voltage signal from the coil assembly that responds to magnetic field changes, eliminating the need for complex acoustic signal filtering that would be required when using wave guides with ultrasonic sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and reliable measurement of localized fluid flow velocity at high temperatures by maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio, effectively overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a primary solenoid, a first secondary solenoid, a second secondary solenoid... excited by an alternating current to induce voltages in the secondary solenoids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a high permeability magnetic core, the high permeability magnetic core being structured to move relative to the primary solenoid, the first secondary solenoid, and the second secondary solenoid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux concentration: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240102836A1Linear variable differential pitot tube

Publication Date: 2024.03.28 UNIV OF PITTSBURGH OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYST OF HIGHER EDUCATION

AI summary

A linear variable differential pitot tube includes a primary solenoid, a first secondary solenoid, a second secondary solenoid, wherein the primary solenoid is positioned in between the first secondary solenoid and the second secondary solenoid, wherein the first secondary solenoid and the first secondary solenoid have identical geometries, and a high permeability magnetic core, the high permeability magnetic core being structured to move relative to the primary solenoid, the first secondary solenoid, and the second secondary solenoid. Also, a system and method for measuring the localized velocity of a flow of a fluid using the linear variable differential pitot tube.