Elastically Deformable Orifice Plate Strain Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional through-flow measurement arrangements face challenges in simplicity of design, precision of production, and accessibility of strain sensors, leading to difficulties in installation and potential damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A through-flow measurement arrangement where the measuring diaphragm and tube are formed in one piece from a uniform material, with strain sensors placed on the circumferential side of a fillet groove, allowing for easier installation and maximum signal detection, and optionally featuring a slit for additional sensor placement and optimized bending properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If strain sensors are attached to diaphragms in advance, then installation is simplified, but the sensors could be damaged when diaphragms are later connected to other parts
Solution Approach 1:
The strain sensors are pre-mounted on the diaphragms during the diaphragm manufacturing process, allowing the sensors to be properly positioned and secured before assembly. This preliminary action ensures sensor integrity is established early while simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is designed as a separate component with strain sensors mounted on it, allowing the diaphragm assembly to be prepared independently before final integration into the flow measurement arrangement. This segmentation protects sensors from damage during connection operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the measuring diaphragm consists of multiple parts connected together, then structural flexibility is improved, but the location for installing strain sensors becomes difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm is segmented into multiple parts (internal rigid perforated disk and outer ring-shaped diaphragms) that can be connected together, providing structural flexibility. The strain sensors are positioned on the external surfaces of these segments where they are accessible for installation from the outer side of the tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain sensors are positioned on the external circumferential surface of the diaphragm segments, moving the sensor location from a deep internal position to an accessible external position on the tube's outer surface, making installation straightforward.
3Measurement precision
If the tube wall thickness is reduced to enable bending joint deformation transmission, then strain sensor signal strength is improved, but the tube becomes more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tube wall thickness is reduced locally at the bending joint region where deformation transmission to strain sensors is required, while maintaining adequate thickness in other areas. This localized thinning enables effective strain transmission without compromising overall tube strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending joint geometry is pre-designed with reduced wall thickness at critical locations during the one-piece manufacturing process, ensuring that the tube structure is optimized for strain transmission from the start, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing modifications that could weaken the structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the measuring diaphragm and tube are formed in one piece, then manufacturing precision and simplicity are improved, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tube and measuring diaphragm are merged into a single one-piece component formed from uniform material, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly operations. This integration achieves high manufacturing precision and reproducibility while maintaining design flexibility through optimized geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece structure incorporates variable wall thickness parameters and fillet groove geometries that are optimized during manufacturing to achieve both high precision and design flexibility. The geometry parameters are tailored to balance structural integrity with strain sensor accessibility.
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
This design enables reproducible and precise production, improved accessibility of strain sensors, and enhanced robustness, making it suitable for use in process instrumentation with adaptable restrictor options.
Implementation Method 1
a strain sensor that detects the deformation of the diaphragm (orifice plate) and converts the deformation into an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable orifice plate with strain sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A flow measurement arrangement and measuring transmitter for process instrumentation that includes the flow measurement arrangement, wherein the flow measurement arrangement operating in accordance with the differential-pressure method includes a tube and an elastically deformable measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) arranged in the cross section of the tube and a strain sensor that detects the deformation and converts it into an electric signal, where the measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) and the tube are formed in one piece from uniform material, and where both side of the measuring diaphragm (orifice plate) each pass into the tube via a fillet groove and the at least one strain sensor is arranged on the circumferential side of the tube opposite the fillet groove.