Movable Arm Sensor Array for Multi-Dimensional Fluid Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow measurement devices in fluidic channels provide limited and inaccurate data due to one-dimensional sensor arrangements, which disrupt fluid flow and fail to capture flow parameters at all points, leading to errors in flowrate and phase yield calculations.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodynamic measurement device with a central body and movable arms equipped with sensors that expand to cover the cross-sectional area of the fluidic channel, allowing for multi-dimensional data collection and minimizing flow disturbances, enabling concurrent measurements across the entire channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are arranged in a single line along the diameter of the fluidic channel, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient and fluid flow is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is divided into multiple groups arranged in a two-dimensional pattern across the channel cross-section, with sensors segmented into different rows and columns to capture flow parameters at multiple locations simultaneously, eliminating the single-line limitation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement transitions from a one-dimensional linear array to a two-dimensional grid pattern distributed across the channel cross-sectional area, enabling comprehensive spatial coverage and accurate capture of flow profiles in multiple directions
2Reliability
If sensors are embedded in the side of the fluidic channel, then the sensors are protected, but they are spread out over a wide area which is insufficient to obtain full understanding of fluid flow properties
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are segmented into multiple groups positioned at different locations within the channel cross-section, with each group capturing local flow characteristics, thereby comprehensively representing the overall flow field without requiring wide-area embedding
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor distribution transitions from wide-area embedding along the channel side to a concentrated two-dimensional array across the channel cross-section, maintaining sensor protection while significantly improving flow property measurement coverage
3Device complexity
If sensors are dispersed along the diameter of the fluidic channel, then the device structure is simple, but fluid flow is disrupted throughout the area to be measured resulting in erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple small groups distributed across the channel cross-section, with each group being compact and minimally intrusive, reducing individual disruption while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement transitions from linear diameter dispersion to a two-dimensional cross-sectional grid, allowing sensors to be positioned in a manner that minimizes flow disruption while capturing comprehensive flow field data through optimized spatial distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring fluid flow including disposing a measurement device within a fluidic channel, the measurement device including a hydrodynamic central body, a plurality of arms coupled with and operable to extend from and retract to the hydrodynamic central body, and a plurality of sensors disposed within the hydrodynamic central body and distributed along the length of each of the plurality of arms; triggering, via an actuator, the plurality of arms to expand from the hydrodynamic central body until a portion of each of the plurality of arms abut a sidewall of the fluidic channel; collecting, via the plurality of sensors, measurements relating to one or more fluid flow parameters within the fluidic channel; triggering, via the actuator, the plurality of arms to contract inwards to the hydrodynamic central body; and retracting the measurement device from the fluidic channel.