Load Cell Fluid Metering for Precise Slurry Mixing Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow meters used in secondary battery mixing processes inaccurately measure fluid mass due to deviations in specific gravity, leading to inconsistencies in the composition of produced slurry.
Innovation Solution
A fluid metering device and method that includes a storage tank, metering tank, transfer devices, and a controller to precisely control fluid input, using sensors to measure mass and adjust transfer rates step-by-step, ensuring accurate fluid mass input into the mixer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters are used to measure fluid mass, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to specific gravity deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional flow meters that rely on specific gravity conversions with a load cell-based weighing system. The load cell directly measures the weight of the fluid in the metering tank, eliminating the need for specific gravity calculations and flow rate conversions. This mechanical substitution provides direct mass measurement with high precision regardless of fluid density variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a metering tank as an intermediary component between the storage tank and the mixer. The metering tank serves as a buffer that allows for precise measurement of fluid mass before transfer. The load cell installed on the metering tank provides accurate weight measurement, and the controlled transfer process ensures precise dosing. This intermediary approach enables high measurement precision while maintaining system manageability.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple fluid valves are used to finely adjust flow rate, then the fluid control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from complex multi-valve systems and consolidates it into a single transfer device that moves fluid from the metering tank to the mixer. Since the fluid amount is already precisely measured in the metering tank, the transfer device only needs to provide controlled transfer without complex flow rate adjustment mechanisms. This extraction simplifies the valve system while maintaining precise fluid input control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and control of the fluid amount in the metering tank before the actual transfer to the mixer. The load cell measures the fluid weight and the controller manages the transfer based on predetermined values. This preliminary action allows the transfer process to be simpler, requiring only basic controlled transfer rather than complex real-time flow rate adjustment during transfer.
3Productivity
If a single transfer process is used, then the process simplicity is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to lack of optimized transfer rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transfer rate control with two distinct phases: a first transfer rate for the initial portion of fluid transfer and a second transfer rate for the remaining portion. The controller automatically adjusts the transfer rate based on the fluid amount and transfer progress. This dynamic adjustment optimizes productivity by using faster transfer rates when appropriate and slower rates when precision is critical, all within a single integrated transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by dividing the fluid transfer process into distinct stages with different transfer rates. The controller switches between the first and second transfer rates at predetermined points in the transfer process. This periodic variation in transfer rate optimizes overall productivity while maintaining precision requirements, achieving efficient fluid transfer without excessive complexity.
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 quick and precise metering of fluid into the final process, reducing errors and inconsistencies in fluid composition, suitable for applications in electric vehicles and green technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor installed at the metering tank and measuring a fluid mass of the fluid stored in the metering tank
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a fluid metering device including a mixer receiving fluid in a storage tank, a metering tank metering and supplying the fluid to the mixer, a first transfer device transferring the fluid from the storage tank to the metering tank, a second transfer device transferring an input of the metered fluid to the mixer, a sensor measuring a fluid mass in the metering tank, and a controller stopping the first transfer device and activating the second transfer device with the initial remaining fluid greater than the input, and allowing the second transfer device to transfer the amount of input from the metering tank to the mixer, based on the fluid mass from the sensor and preset first and second metering set values, so that it is possible to quickly input a desired amount of fluid step by step, and to precisely adjust a fluid input into a final process.