Multiple Flow Conduit Flow Meter Common Driver Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Coriolis mass flow meters require multiple separate devices to measure two independent fuel flow streams simultaneously, leading to increased space, cost, and power consumption in fuel dispensers, particularly in the alternative fuels market.
Innovation Solution
A multiple flow conduit flow meter design that uses a common driver to vibrate two independent flow conduits, allowing for simultaneous measurement of two independent flow streams with separate pickoff sensors and electronic processing to calculate mass flow rates and other flow characteristics, reducing the need for duplicate components and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate flow meters are installed to measure two independent fuel flow streams simultaneously, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity, space requirements, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate flow measurement systems into a single integrated flow meter device. Two flow conduits are merged into one housing structure, sharing common components including the housing, electronics, power source, and control circuitry. This merging allows the device to measure two independent fuel flow streams simultaneously while reducing overall device complexity and space requirements compared to using two separate flow meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single flow meter device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously. It can measure mass flow rate, density, and volume flow rate for two different fuel streams at the same time. The universal design allows the device to replace multiple specialized instruments, providing versatile measurement capability across different fuel types and flow conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate flow meters are installed to measure two independent fuel flow streams simultaneously, then measurement capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two flow measurement systems into one compact device by integrating two flow conduits within a single housing. The common housing structure eliminates the need for two separate meter installations, significantly reducing the space required in the fuel dispenser. The shared electronics and control circuitry further compact the overall device footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate flow meters are installed to measure two independent fuel flow streams simultaneously, then measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power consumption requirements of two separate flow meters into a single device by sharing common electronic components and control circuitry. The single housing contains shared electronics that process signals from both flow conduits, reducing the total power consumption compared to operating two independent meter systems. This energy efficiency is particularly beneficial in portable or battery-powered fuel dispenser applications.
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 cost-effective and space-efficient simultaneous measurement of two independent fuel flow streams, reducing the overall size and power requirements of fuel dispensers while maintaining accurate flow rate and density measurements.
Implementation Method 1
A multiple flow conduit flow meter includes a first flow conduit and a second flow conduit. A common driver is located between the first flow conduit and the second flow conduit, wherein both flow conduits are vibrated by the common driver.
Implementation Method 2
Vibrating conduit sensors, such as Coriolis mass flow meters and vibrating densitometers, typically operate by detecting motion of a vibrating conduit that contains a flowing material.
Implementation Method 3
Mass flow rate may be determined by measuring time delay or phase differences between motions at the transducer locations. Two such transducers (or pickoff sensors) are typically employed in order to measure a vibrational response of the flow conduit or conduits.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) includes a first flow conduit (201) conducting a first flow stream and a pair of first pickoff sensors (215, 215') affixed to the first flow conduit (201). The multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) further includes at least one additional flow conduit (202) conducting at least one additional flow stream and at least one pair of additional pickoff sensors (216, 216') affixed to the at least one additional flow conduit (202). The at least one additional flow stream is independent of the first flow stream. The multiple flow conduit flow meter (200) further includes a common driver (220) configured to vibrate both the first flow conduit (201) and the at least one additional flow conduit (202) in order to generate a first vibrational response and at least one additional vibrational response.