Monobloc Elastomer Support for Ultrasonic Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exhaust gas recirculation devices face precision issues in flow rate measurement due to sensitivity to vibrations affecting the accuracy of ultrasonic flow rate measuring members.
Innovation Solution
A device with a monobloc support made from elastomer is integrated into the tubular circulation pipe to mechanically insulate and decouple the ultrasonic transmitters and receivers, reducing unwanted ultrasound transmission through the pipe material and damping vibrations, thereby enhancing measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transmitters and receivers are mounted directly on the pipe, then the device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibration sensitivity and unwanted ultrasound transmission through the pipe material
Solution Approach 1:
A monobloc support made of vibration-damping material serves as an intermediary between the ultrasonic measuring members and the pipe. This support mechanically decouples the transmitters and receivers from the pipe, preventing unwanted ultrasound transmission through the pipe material while providing structural mounting for the measuring members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mounting structure by using a monobloc support with specific vibration-damping properties. This support has acoustic impedance characteristics that differ from both the pipe material and the ultrasonic measuring members, creating an acoustic barrier that blocks parasitic ultrasound transmission while allowing the measuring members to function properly.
2Measurement precision
If the measuring members are directly mounted on the pipe, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibrations from the pipe affecting the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single monobloc support structure: mechanical mounting for multiple measuring members, vibration damping, and acoustic isolation. This consolidated approach maintains ease of manufacture by using a single molded component while achieving superior measurement precision through integrated vibration damping and acoustic isolation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The monobloc support is made from elastomeric material, which provides flexible vibration damping characteristics. This elastomeric support absorbs mechanical vibrations from the pipe while maintaining the structural integrity needed to hold the measuring members in precise positions, thereby improving measurement precision without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Measurement precision
If the transmitters and receivers are mechanically coupled to the pipe, then the structural stability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unwanted ultrasound transmission through the pipe material
Solution Approach 1:
The monobloc support acts as an intermediary that provides stable mechanical coupling between the measuring members and the mounting structure while simultaneously preventing acoustic coupling between the pipe and the measuring members. This decoupling blocks the transmission path for unwanted ultrasounds through the pipe material, improving measurement precision while maintaining mechanical stability through the support's structural design.
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 effectively reduces vibration-induced errors in flow rate measurements, improving the accuracy and reliability of exhaust gas flow rate determination in exhaust gas recirculation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The monobloc support makes it possible to dampen these vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The support makes it possible to mechanically insulate the measuring members from the pipe, in order to prevent part of the transmitted ultrasounds from being transmitted to the receiver through the material forming the pipe
Implementation Method 3
The transmitter emits ultrasounds, which are received by the receiver. The duration between the transmission and the reception depends on the flow of exhaust gas circulating between the transmitter and the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device includes a tubular circulation pipe of the exhaust gas, and at least two flow rate measuring members arranged to measure an exhaust gas flow rate circulating in the tubular circulation pipe. The driving device includes at least one monobloc support, housed in the tubular circulation pipe, and bearing at least two flow rate measuring members among said at least two flow rate measuring members.