Mass Flow Meter Optical Noise Reduction via Single Light Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass flow meters suffer from reduced accuracy due to multiple independent noise sources from separate light sources and control circuits, which cannot be compensated and adversely impact phase shift measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single light source with beam splitters to create multiple light beams for detection by multiple optical sensors, reducing the number of independent noise sources and improving signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate light sources and control circuits are used in each optical channel, then the system can provide multiple measurement channels, but the number of independent noise sources increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate light sources into a single shared light source that serves multiple optical channels. By using one light source with beam splitters instead of multiple independent light sources, the system reduces the number of noise sources while maintaining multi-channel measurement capability. The single light source's noise is common to all channels and can be differentiated from the Coriolis phase shift signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source performs multiple functions by providing illumination for all optical channels simultaneously. Through the use of beam splitters and optical paths, one light source serves the role of multiple light sources, enabling the system to maintain versatility in multi-channel measurements while improving precision by eliminating redundant noise sources.
2Measurement precision
If a single light source is used for multiple channels, then the number of noise sources is reduced and measurement precision improves, but the system complexity increases due to beam splitters and optical path management
Solution Approach 1:
Beam splitters serve as intermediary components that enable a single light source to distribute light to multiple channels. These intermediaries manage the optical paths efficiently, allowing the system to achieve multi-channel functionality with reduced noise while the added complexity is confined to the optical distribution network rather than affecting the measurement principle itself.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy of mass flow measurements by reducing noise contributions, thereby improving the precision of phase difference calculations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one beam splitter configured to divide the light from the light source into a first light beam and a second light beam
Implementation Method 2
a first optical sensor configured to output first measurements of a first position of a first location on the flow tube based on detecting the first light beam; a second optical sensor configured to output second measurements of a second position of a second location on the flow tube based on detecting the second light beam
Implementation Method 3
Coriolis effect-based mass flow meters measure mass flow of media by determining a phase difference between different portions of a flow tube through which the media flows
Data Source
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AI summary
A disclosed mass flow meter/controller includes: a flow tube to direct a fluid from an inlet of the flow tube to an outlet of the flow tube; an actuator to cause a vibration in the flow tube; a light source to emit light; at least one beam splitter to split the light emitted by the light source into a first light beam and a second light beam; a first optical sensor to output first measurements of a first position of a first location on the flow tube based on detecting the first light beam; a second optical sensor to output second measurements of a second position of a second location on the flow tube based on detecting the second light beam; and control circuitry to determine a mass flow rate and/or a density of the fluid in the flow tube based on the first and second measurements.