Non-Vertical Flow Meter Using Pivoting Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters struggle to provide real-time, accurate flow measurement in non-vertical settings without interrupting the flow or requiring significant modifications to existing piping configurations, particularly for bulk materials like seeds and food grade materials.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter system that uses pressure-based measurement via a chamber with sensing surfaces and a load cell, capable of operating in non-vertical orientations, including horizontal setups, to measure flow rate by converting pressure applied to sensing surfaces into electrical signals for real-time flow rate calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vertical flow meters are used to provide real-time data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase due to required vertical orientation and head space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameter from vertical to non-vertical orientation, allowing the flow meter to function in horizontal or inclined positions. This is achieved through a pivoting sensing surface mechanism that adapts to different flow angles, eliminating the need for vertical installation while maintaining real-time measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing surface is designed to pivot dynamically in response to material flow pressure, allowing it to orient itself optimally regardless of the pipe's orientation. This dynamic adjustment enables accurate measurement in non-vertical settings without requiring complex installation modifications
2Device complexity
If batch-type flow meters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to periodic sampling rather than continuous measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter implements continuous real-time measurement by maintaining constant contact between the sensing surface and the flowing material. The load cell continuously measures pressure as material flows over the sensing surface, providing uninterrupted flow rate data without periodic interruptions or batch sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical batch sampling systems with a simplified pressure-based measurement system. Instead of physically collecting and weighing batches of material, the load cell electronically measures pressure forces in real-time, converting mechanical pressure into electrical signals for continuous monitoring
3Measurement precision
If continuous batch-type meters are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to bin loading and unloading mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex bin loading and unloading mechanisms from the measurement system. Instead of requiring material to be loaded into and unloaded from bins, the flow meter directly measures pressure forces as material flows continuously through the chamber, maintaining accuracy while dramatically simplifying the device
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing surface acts as an intermediary between the flowing material and the load cell measurement system. It translates material flow pressure into measurable forces on the load cell without requiring direct mechanical interaction or complex transfer mechanisms, enabling accurate measurement with minimal device complexity
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 real-time, accurate flow measurement in non-vertical orientations without altering existing configurations, improving process management and reducing costs for industries handling high-value products.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell in operational communication with the plurality of sensing surfaces and configured to measure material flow pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A non-vertical flow meter is provided that includes a chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the chamber, the inlet and the outlet are disposed at a non-vertical angle. The non-vertical flow meter also includes a pivoting sensing surface and a load cell. The pivoting sensing surface disposed on an interior surface of the chamber, and the load cell is in operational communication with the pivoting sensing surface and arranged to sense pressure applied to the pivoting sensing surface and output a signal proportional to a flow rate of a material flowing within the chamber.