Opposing Transducer Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Energy Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small-diameter ultrasonic flow meters face challenges with energy loss, instability, and inaccurate metering due to reflection-type designs and structural limitations of opposing transducer configurations, particularly in small-diameter pipes, leading to reduced range ratio and increased transducer size.
Innovation Solution
A small-diameter ultrasonic flow meter with opposing transducers featuring a buckled connection between inner pipe layers, reduced transducer size, and a design that prevents water ingress, allowing for increased transducer distance and improved signal reception, using a metal outer pipe layer for protection and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If reflection-type ultrasonic flow meters are used, then the flow measurement can be achieved in small-diameter pipes, but severe energy losses occur with only 14% of transmitted wave energy being received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional reflection-type ultrasonic flow meter design by using opposing transducers that directly face each other across the pipe diameter. Instead of sending ultrasonic waves through the fluid and relying on reflections from distant plates, the transducers are positioned to transmit and receive waves in direct opposition, eliminating multiple reflections and minimizing energy loss while maximizing received signal strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a longitudinal reflection path to a transverse direct-path configuration. By positioning transducers on opposite sides of the pipe facing each other, the ultrasonic waves travel directly across the pipe diameter rather than reflecting multiple times along the pipe length, fundamentally changing the measurement dimension and improving energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If reflection plates with large angle and area are used to improve reflection, then reflection efficiency increases, but vortexes are generated causing unstable sound wave speed and inaccurate metering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reflection plates from the system entirely. By using opposing transducers that directly transmit and receive ultrasonic waves across the pipe diameter, the design removes the problematic reflection plates that caused vortexes and unstable sound wave speed, achieving both high reflection efficiency and measurement reliability without the harmful side effects.
3Ease of operation
If transducers are installed on inner sides of external threads at pipe ends to meet movable joint requirements, then installation is facilitated, but the distance between transducers is decreased reducing range ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe structure into distinct sections: end sections with external threads for movable joint installation, and a middle section with the actual flow measurement path. The opposing transducers are positioned on the end sections, allowing convenient installation while maintaining adequate distance between them in the middle section, thus preserving the range ratio.
4Ease of repair
If plastic pipe with multiple sections fastened by bolts is used, then assembly and disassembly becomes possible, but thread strength is poor causing damage and firm installation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal outer pipe layers with plastic inner pipe layers. The metal outer layers provide the necessary thread strength for firm installation and resistance to damage, while the plastic inner layers enable assembly and disassembly capabilities. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between strength and ease of repair.
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 solution increases signal reception energy by four times, reduces transducer size, enhances metering accuracy, and allows for the use of various pipe materials, while preventing corrosion and freezing, thus improving the range ratio and reliability of flow measurement.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic waves are transmitted by one transducer, then sequentially reflected by two reflection plates and finally received by the other transducer
Implementation Method 2
the time difference between the transmitted wave and the received wave is obtained, and the flow velocity of the fluid is calculated according to the time difference
Data Source
AI summary
A small-diameter ultrasonic flow meter having opposing transducers comprises a circuit box (4), an outer pipe layer (1), an inner pipe layer (2), and a transducer assembly (3). The circuit box (4) is provided at the outer pipe layer (1). The inner pipe layer (2) is formed integrally by injection molding. Transducer installation bases (23) are formed at ends of the inner pipe layer (2). Transducer assemblies (3) are installed at the installation bases (23). The transducer assemblies (3) are arranged in pairs. The inner pipe layer (2) is installed inside the outer pipe layer (1). The transducer assemblies (3) are arranged opposite to each other to perform transmission and reception operations, thereby reducing energy loss. A standard pipe can be used as the outer pipe layer (1), thereby reducing costs. The inner pipe layer (2) can be assembled quickly and conveniently, provides accurate positioning, and has good sealing performance. No water exists in the entire cavity, thereby effectively protecting connection wires of the transducer assemblies (3) from being soaked in water, and providing an allowance space for deformation of the inner pipe layer (2) and a minor expansion of water turning into ice so as to effectively prevent freezing.