Microwave Flowmeter Resonator Circuit for Non-Invasive Wear-Free Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate meters face challenges such as invasive measurement methods, wear and tear due to contact with fluids, and directional limitations in non-contact methods like ultrasonic and radar wave flowmeters.
Innovation Solution
A microwave flowmeter utilizing a transmitting circuit with resonator elements and a computing unit to measure fluid flow rates non-invasively by detecting resonant frequency offsets and computing flow rates based on these offsets, allowing for dielectric property identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-manner flow rate meters are used, then measurement can be performed, but the device easily wears down due to contact with fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microwave resonator elements as an intermediary to measure fluid flow without direct contact. The resonators are positioned near the fluid flow path, and changes in resonant frequency caused by the fluid's dielectric properties enable flow measurement while the device remains isolated from the fluid, eliminating wear and corrosion issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based flow measurement with electromagnetic field-based measurement. Instead of using mechanical sensors that physically touch the fluid, the system uses microwave resonators that detect flow through electromagnetic interactions, substituting a mechanical system with an electromagnetic one to eliminate contact-related wear
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact flow rate meters using Doppler principle are used, then device wear is reduced, but measurement direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal flow measurement system that can measure fluid flow in various directions and configurations. By using multiple resonator elements arranged in different orientations and positions around the flow path, the system can detect flow regardless of direction, making it adaptable to different installation scenarios unlike Doppler-based systems with directional limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional directional measurement (limited to specific angles in Doppler systems) to multi-dimensional flow detection. By arranging resonator elements in multiple spatial dimensions and detecting frequency shifts from different orientations, the system can determine flow characteristics in various directions simultaneously, adding dimensional flexibility to the measurement capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resonator elements are used, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple resonator elements into a unified measurement system where the resonators are coupled through a common transmission line or substrate. This integration allows the multiple resonators to work together as a coordinated system, sharing common support structures, feeding networks, and processing circuits, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to separate independent measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow measurement function across multiple resonator elements, each responsible for detecting specific flow characteristics or directions. This segmentation allows the complex measurement task to be divided into simpler individual resonator responses that can be independently optimized and then combined through signal processing, making the overall system more manageable despite the increased number of elements
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, non-invasive flow rate measurement and dielectric property analysis of fluids, improving measurement convenience and reducing device wear, while allowing for directional flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
each of the microwave resonators has at least one resonant frequency
Implementation Method 2
detects offsets of the corresponding resonant frequencies that are caused when a fluid flows through the resonator elements
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave flowmeter and a flow rate measurement method are provided. The microwave flowmeter includes a transmitting circuit, a detecting circuit, and a computing unit. The transmitting circuit includes a substrate, a plurality of resonator elements, and a transmission line. Two ends of the transmission line receive high frequency electric feedings, so that the resonator elements separately generate corresponding microwaves and each of the microwaves has at least one resonant frequency. The detecting circuit detects offsets of the corresponding resonant frequencies that are caused when a fluid flows through the resonator elements, and records times at which the offsets happen. The computing unit is electrically connected to the detecting circuit, and computes a flow rate of the fluid according to the times at which the offsets happen of the resonant frequencies and locations that are of the resonator elements and that correspond to a flow path.