Movable Member Fluid Flow Sensor Using Magnetic Field Interaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available electromagnetic flowmeters are bulky, difficult to install and calibrate, slow to respond to fluid flow perturbations, and require conducting fluids, making them complex and expensive instruments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a conduit with a movable member that interacts with magnetic fields generated within the conduit, allowing for direct measurement of fluid properties without the need for conducting fluids, and enabling quick response to flow changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic flowmeters are used, then fluid flow can be measured, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to install and calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The flowmeter is divided into separate functional components: a magnetic field generating unit (coils) that can be positioned externally or internally, and a movable member with magnetic material that responds to fluid flow. This segmentation allows the measurement function to be separated from the bulky housing, enabling more compact and easier installation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
A movable member containing magnetic material is introduced as an intermediary between the fluid flow and the magnetic field generating unit. This intermediary translates fluid flow movements into detectable changes in magnetic field interaction, enabling measurement without requiring the fluid itself to be conductive and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic flowmeters are used, then fluid flow can be measured, but the response to flow perturbations is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member is designed to be freely movable within the conduit in direct response to fluid flow dynamics. This dynamic configuration allows the measurement system to immediately track and respond to flow perturbations, air pockets, and pressure waves without the mechanical inertia or damping effects present in traditional electromagnetic flowmeters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electromagnetic flowmeters are used, then conducting fluids can be measured, but non-conducting fluids cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member with magnetic material serves as an intermediary that interacts with the magnetic field regardless of the fluid's electrical conductivity. This allows the system to measure both conducting and non-conducting fluids using the same measurement principle, significantly expanding fluid type adaptability while maintaining measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If Bourdon tube pressure gauges are used, then pressure can be measured, but the device becomes bulky and slow to respond
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is separated from the conduit structure itself. Instead of using the conduit wall as the sensing element (as in Bourdon tube designs), a separate movable member is introduced that can freely respond to fluid dynamics, enabling faster response while maintaining compact integration within the conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member is designed to dynamically respond to fluid flow and pressure changes without the mechanical constraints of a Bourdon tube structure. This dynamic configuration enables rapid response to flow perturbations while measuring pressure and flow properties accurately.
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 apparatus provides accurate, sensitive, and rapid measurement of fluid properties, is easy to install and calibrate, and can measure non-conducting fluids, offering a cost-effective and reliable solution compared to traditional electromagnetic flowmeters.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generating unit for generating one or more magnetic fields in the conduit, an interaction between the movable member and the one or more magnetic fields being detectable via the magnetic field generating unit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use in measuring a property of a fluid and a method of measuring a property of a fluid in a conduit. The apparatus is for use in measuring a property of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a conduit comprising an inlet through which fluid can enter the conduit; a movable member retained within the conduit, the movable member configured to move in accordance with the property of the fluid in the conduit; and a magnetic field generating unit for generating one or more magnetic fields in the conduit, an interaction between the movable member and the one or more magnetic fields being detectable via the magnetic field generating unit, to measure the property.