Magnetic Float Flow Meter Layout for Precise Dirty-Media Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow monitors are limited to narrow measuring ranges, operate at low voltage, and have complex designs, which restrict their functionality and safety.
Innovation Solution
A device for determining instantaneous flow rate with a measuring housing section, a float, and a guide section connected to a magnetic means, using a position sensor like a reed contact or Hall sensor, and a transparent pipe section for optical detection, allowing for precise measurement without reducing flow cross-section and minimizing susceptibility to dirt and pressure surges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a float is used in the measuring line section, then flow rate measurement is enabled, but the cross-section of the measuring line section is reduced and flow rate is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a measuring line section and a separate measuring housing section. The float with guide section is contained within the measuring housing section, which is connected to the measuring line section at an angle. This segmentation allows the float to move within the housing without obstructing the main flow path in the measuring line section, thus enabling flow rate measurement without reducing the cross-section or diminishing flow rate.
2Measurement precision
If small bores and annular gaps are used in the float design, then measurement precision is improved, but susceptibility to dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float is designed with a three-dimensional structure including a cylindrical main body with a conical tip, moving within a vertically oriented guide section. This dimensional design allows the float to respond to flow rate changes through vertical displacement rather than relying solely on small bore or annular gap mechanisms, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing susceptibility to dirt accumulation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional flow monitors are used, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but the design becomes complex and switching capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces conventional mechanical flow monitoring mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. A magnetic means is positioned in the float, and a position sensor detects its movement, enabling flow rate measurement through magnetic field interaction rather than complex mechanical linkages. This substitution simplifies the design while maintaining measurement capability and increases switching capacity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the measuring housing section is arranged at 90° to the measuring line section, then installation is simplified, but sensitivity to pressure surges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring housing section is arranged at an asymmetric angle of 45° relative to the measuring line section, rather than the conventional symmetric 90° arrangement. This asymmetric angular configuration reduces the direct transmission of pressure surges from the measuring line section to the float mechanism, thereby improving reliability by reducing sensitivity to pressure surges while still maintaining reasonable installation simplicity.
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 simple, safe, and reliable measurement of flow rates with higher switching capacity, reduced electrical limitations, and enhanced precision using customizable float shapes and optical visualization.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic means (11) is arranged in a holding area (9), in particular an end area (10), of the guide section (8), wherein a position sensor, in particular a reed contact (13) and/or Hall sensor (12), is arranged adjacent to the signaling means, magnetic means, on the holding area of the guide section
Implementation Method 2
a float (6) that projects into the flowable medium (2) with a measuring section (7), wherein the float is connected to a guide section (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device for determining a current flow rate of a flowable medium, said device comprising a measuring housing section for receiving measuring means, and comprising a measuring line section through which the flowable medium can flow, whereby a suspended body can be raised, a measuring section of which body protrudes into the flowable medium, wherein: the suspended body is connected to a guiding section which protrudes into the measuring housing section; a signal means, in particular a magnet means, is arranged in a holding region, in particular an end region, of the guiding section; an in particular height-adjustable position sensor for registering the movement of a signal means, in particular a magnet means, is arranged adjacently to the signal means, in particular the magnet means, on the holding region of the guiding section of the suspended body, in particular a reed contact and/or Hall effect sensor, the sensor being arranged in a substantially stationary manner in relation to the outer measuring housing section; and wherein the position sensor, in particular the reed contact and/or Hall effect sensor, can be activated as a result of a magnet means movement caused by the suspended body movement.