Integrated Multivariable Instrument Calibration for Real-Time Field Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current calibration methods for multi-variable instruments are cumbersome, require specialized apparatuses, and struggle with real-time error evaluation, leading to increased costs and inconvenience, especially in field applications.

Innovation Solution

An instrument calibration apparatus with integrated physical quantity input/output units, measurement units, configuration units, and display units, capable of switching between modes to generate or measure standard values, allowing for real-time field calibration of multiple variables without the need for multiple specialized devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate calibration apparatuses are used for each type of equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidnumber of specialized apparatuses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal calibration apparatus that can calibrate multiple types of instruments (flow meters, pressure meters, temperature meters, level meters) through a single integrated system. The apparatus uses a standard instrument as a reference to provide standard values for various physical quantities, eliminating the need for multiple specialized calibration devices while maintaining calibration accuracy through the standard instrument's known performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple specialized calibration apparatuses are used, then calibration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to carrying and setup complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidportability and setup convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple calibration functions into a single portable apparatus that includes a standard instrument, physical quantity conversion unit, and comparison unit integrated in one system. This unified design allows the apparatus to be easily transported to field locations and quickly set up, while providing comprehensive calibration capabilities for multiple instrument types through the integrated standard instrument and conversion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If separate calibration of multiple variables is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to evaluate overall error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration simplicityVSAvoidoverall error evaluation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the standard instrument provides standard values that are fed into the physical quantity conversion unit, which then converts them to corresponding physical quantity values for comparison with the tested instrument's readings. This feedback loop enables comprehensive error evaluation by comparing converted standard values against actual measurements, allowing assessment of overall instrument performance across multiple variables simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3569988B1Instrument calibration device and calibration method using same
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 BEIJING CONST INSTR TECH INC
  • EP3569988B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3569988B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3569988B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An instrument calibration apparatus (100) and a calibration method using the same. The instrument calibration apparatus (100) comprises a physical quantity input/output unit (10), a physical quantity measurement unit (20), a physical quantity configuration unit (30), a display unit (40), a man-machine interaction unit (70), a storage unit (80), and a control unit (60). The instrument calibration apparatus can be widely applied to automatic calibration of field multivariable instruments.