Measurement Insert With Joined Reflectors for Flow Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing utility meters, reflectors are often incorrectly oriented or lost during installation, leading to inaccuracies in fluid flow rate measurements due to vibration and movement, which affects the accuracy of thermal energy measurement.
Innovation Solution
A measurement insert with an elongate portion connecting at least two reflectors to each other, ensuring correct orientation and stability, reducing the risk of loss and movement, and integrating the reflectors with supports to enhance the connection stability and accuracy of fluid flow rate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reflectors are clipped onto the measurement insert by hand, then installation is simple and quick, but the reflectors may be incorrectly orientated or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflectors onto a single measurement insert using an integral connection structure. The connection portions integrate the reflectors with the measurement insert, eliminating the need for separate hand-clipping operations and ensuring correct orientation through the unified design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If reflectors are connected to supports, then stability is improved, but the connection may flex or deform under fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection structure into multiple components: supports, connection portions, and an elongate portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while distributing the mechanical loads from fluid flow across multiple elements rather than concentrating stress in a single connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate portion merges the connection between supports and reflectors into a unified structural element. This integral connection reduces the number of separate joints that could flex or deform, creating a more rigid overall assembly that resists fluid flow forces.
3Ease of manufacture
If the measurement insert structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the accuracy of fluid flow rate determination decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional elements (reflectors, supports, connection portions, and elongate portion) into a single integral measurement insert structure. This unified design simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps while maintaining the precise geometric relationships needed for accurate fluid flow rate determination.
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
The solution provides improved accuracy and stability in fluid flow rate measurement by ensuring correct orientation and reducing movement of reflectors, thereby enhancing the precision of thermal energy measurement in utility meters.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector arrangement comprises at least two reflectors configured to reflect one or more signals in the measuring path
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement insert for a utility meter, the measurement insert comprising a central portion defining a measuring path of the utility meter, at least two supports connected to either side of the central portion and a reflector arrangement. The reflector arrangement comprises at least two reflectors configured to reflect one or more signals in the measuring path, each of the at least two reflectors being connected to a respective support of the at least two supports, and an elongate portion at least partially connected to the central portion, wherein the elongate portion is configured to connect the at least two reflectors to each other.