Modular Vibrating Tube Assembly for Accurate Density Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis measuring devices face challenges in accurately determining the density of measurement media due to temperature variations affecting the vibrating tube's surface moment of inertia, necessitate costly and time-consuming cleaning of vibrating tubes, and require different diameters for varying flow rates, which complicates the use of disposable tubes.
Innovation Solution
A modular measuring device with interchangeable vibrating tubes of different diameters and a contactless temperature sensor, ensuring precise temperature measurement by aligning the sensor orthogonally to the tube surface, thereby allowing cost-effective and accurate density determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contactless temperature sensor is used, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved and cost is reduced, but the sensor alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the contactless temperature sensor perpendicular to the expected tube position before the tube is inserted. The sensor is positioned in advance at a predetermined location where it will automatically align with the tube's outer surface when the tube is placed in its operational position, eliminating the need for complex real-time alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the tube holder or mounting structure as an intermediary element that ensures proper alignment between the contactless temperature sensor and the vibrating tube. The holder positions the sensor at a fixed distance and orientation relative to the tube, acting as a mediator that simplifies the alignment relationship without requiring direct manual adjustment
2Loss of time
If disposable vibrating tubes are used, then cleaning time and cost are reduced, but the temperature sensor must be exchanged with the tube increasing overall cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the temperature sensor from the vibrating tube assembly. The sensor is mounted on a reusable support structure while the tube can be independently replaced. This allows the expensive sensor to be retained and reused across multiple tubes, eliminating the need to exchange the sensor with each tube replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the vibrating tube. It provides a mounting interface that allows the tube to be attached and detached while the sensor remains fixed on the support, enabling tube replacement without sensor replacement
3Adaptability or versatility
If different tube diameters are used for different flow rates, then flow rate adaptability is improved, but the number of tube variants increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized mounting interface and support structure that can accommodate multiple tube diameter variants. The common support structure with standardized receptacle and alignment features allows different sized tubes to be used interchangeably, providing flow rate adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system 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 the use of different vibrating tubes with varying diameters while maintaining precision and reducing costs through contactless temperature measurement, promoting environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless temperature sensor, arranged such that when a measuring tube module is received in the support module, the contactless temperature sensor is directed at the first intersection point or the second intersection point
Implementation Method 2
a first measuring tube module and at least one further measuring tube module... Each vibrating tube of the measuring tube modules has a different tube diameter, a straight first tube leg, a straight second tube leg, a curved first tube bend and a curved second tube bend
Data Source
AI summary
A modular measuring device for determining a density of a measurement medium includes a support module, a first measuring tube module and at least one further measuring tube module, wherein the support module has a receptacle for detachably fastening the measuring tube modules, a contactless temperature sensor, a primary exciter component along with a primary sensor component, wherein each measuring tube module has a restraint complementary to the receptacle of the support module, a vibrating tube, a secondary exciter component complementary to the primary exciter component, and a secondary sensor component complementary to the primary sensor component, wherein each vibrating tube of the measuring tube modules has a different tube diameter, a straight first tube leg, a straight second tube leg, a curved first tube bend and a curved second tube bend.