Multifunctional device for measuring the flow rate of liquids, in particular beverages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters in dispensing devices suffer from measurement deviations of up to 57% and inability to distinguish between beverage, flushing liquid, and sanitation liquid, leading to inaccurate dispensed quantity monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device incorporating an ultrasonic flow meter, a white light emitting diode, a RGBW sensor, and a microprocessor for calibration and type recognition, allowing accurate measurement and differentiation of liquid types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mechanical flow meters are used to monitor dispensed quantity, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates with deviation of about 57%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow meter with an ultrasonic flow meter that uses ultrasonic waves to measure liquid flow rate. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that cause wear and measurement errors, achieving non-contact measurement with significantly improved precision while maintaining acceptable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: the ultrasonic flow meter not only measures flow rate but also detects liquid type through density variations and identifies sanitation events through flow pattern recognition. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If mechanical flow meters are used, then device complexity is low, but the ability to distinguish liquid types deteriorates (cannot distinguish beverage from flushing or sanitation liquid)
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic flow meter is designed to perform multiple detection functions: measuring flow rate, identifying liquid type through density and flow characteristics, and detecting sanitation events. This multi-functionality allows the device to gain liquid type information without adding separate detection systems, maintaining acceptable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultrasonic waves as an intermediary that interacts with the liquid to provide multiple types of information. By analyzing variations in ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics (speed, attenuation, reflection), the system can distinguish between different liquid types and sanitation events without direct contact or additional sensors.
3Measurement precision
If ultrasonic flow meters are used to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision improves to 2-3% deviation, but the ability to detect liquid type deteriorates (fail to detect the liquid flowing through)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the ultrasonic flow meter to perform dual functions: precise flow rate measurement and liquid type detection. By analyzing multiple parameters of ultrasonic wave propagation (time-of-flight, amplitude, frequency shifts) and comparing them against known characteristics of different liquids, the system achieves both high measurement precision and liquid identification capability within a single device.
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
Achieves accurate measurement of liquid flow rate with minimal deviation (2-3%) and effectively distinguishes between beverage and other liquids, ensuring precise monitoring and sanitation verification.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the flow rate in a conduit of a fluid containing a particular gas component using ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
using ultrasonic transducers and the concentration of the particular gas component
Implementation Method 3
using ultrasonic transducers and the concentration of the particular gas component using light absorption of a light beam
Implementation Method 4
at least a white light emitting diode (i.e., the diode that emits white light)
Implementation Method 5
a sensor of red, green, blue, and white component of incident light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A multifunctional device for measuring of flow rate of liquids, in particular beverages, comprising an ultrasonic flow meter comprising a body (12) with a measuring tube for passing of the measured liquid, which is provided with an ultrasonic transmitter and receiver (1, 2) at each of two opposing front ends of the measuring tube, and further comprising at least a white light emitting diode (6), a sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components, a microprocessor and a memory unit with a definition table of red, green, blue, and white light components of the reference liquids, wherein each reference liquid is defined by these colour components. Said white light emitting diode (6) is arranged on one side of the flow meter measuring tube, whereas the sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components is arranged on the opposite side of the measuring tube, wherein the body (12) with the measuring tube is translucent at least in a portion to allow light to pass from the white light emitting diode (6) to the sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components. The microprocessor is connected to the white light emitting diode (6) and the sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components, and is programmed to calibrate data output from the sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components depending on the parameters of known reference liquids, and furthermore, the microprocessor is programmed to transmit the calibrated data from the sensor (5) of red, green, blue, and white light components to a superordinate evaluation unit.