Orifice Plate Carrier Assembly for Flowmeter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orifice plate assemblies for flowmeters are complex, difficult to manufacture, and challenging to assemble properly, requiring multiple components like o-ring seals and centering tabs to achieve accurate fluid flow measurements, which can lead to inaccuracies due to leakage and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The design features an orifice plate carrier with an annular rim and ledge for precise positioning, using a retaining ring with an annular flange and lip to secure an o-ring seal between the orifice plate and carrier, eliminating the need for centering tabs and simplifying assembly, while maintaining concentric alignment and perpendicular orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional orifice plate assemblies use multiple components like o-ring seals and centering tabs, then sealing and alignment can be achieved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated orifice plate carrier component. The carrier incorporates centering tabs, seal retention features, and positioning ledges all as part of one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate centering tabs and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable sealing and alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plate carrier is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) structural support for the orifice plate, (2) centering alignment through integrated tabs, (3) seal retention through grooves and ledges, and (4) positioning within the flowmeter body. This universal design reduces the total number of parts needed
2Reliability
If conventional orifice plate assemblies use multiple snap rings and clips, then the orifice plate can be secured, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates retaining features directly into the orifice plate carrier structure. Raised ledges and retention grooves are formed as integral parts of the carrier during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate snap rings and clips. This reduces both manufacturing steps and assembly operations while ensuring reliable positioning
3Measurement precision
If conventional orifice plate assemblies require precise alignment of multiple components, then accurate flow measurement can be achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice plate carrier is pre-formed with integrated centering tabs and positioning ledges that automatically establish correct alignment when the assembly is installed. The centering tabs engage with the flowmeter body bore to pre-position the carrier concentrically, and the raised ledge pre-positions the orifice plate perpendicular to flow direction, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment operations during assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter includes an orifice plate assembly having a carrier that includes an aperture, an annular rim disposed about the aperture, and an annular ledge extending radially inward from the rim to the aperture. An orifice plate and annular seal are disposed within the annular rim. The plate engages the ledge and is retained on the carrier by a retaining ring and the energized annular seal. The seal is disposed in a seal gland formed between the orifice plate, the carrier, and the ring member, and sealingly engages at least one surface of each.