Oscillating Density Meter Actuator Housing Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing density measuring devices for fluids face issues with temperature-induced errors, increased oscillating mass affecting sensitivity, non-linearity in measurements, and complex temperature control and mounting challenges due to the integration of actuators within the oscillator housing.

Innovation Solution

The actuator is placed in contact with a housing to deform it, and these deformities are coupled to oscillate the test sample, while keeping the actuator separate from the oscillator support, allowing for direct thermal contact of temperature control means with the counter mass and stationary mounting points, minimizing heat transfer and motion-induced errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the actuator is mounted directly on the oscillator, then the oscillation can be powered effectively, but heat generated in the actuator is transmitted to the sample causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillation powerVSAvoidtemperature-induced errors

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the actuator is mounted on the housing rather than the oscillator, creating thermal and mechanical separation. The oscillator, housing with actuator, and counter mass are distinct components that can be independently optimized for their respective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves as an intermediary structure between the actuator and the oscillator. The actuator deforms the housing which then couples to oscillate the test sample, creating a thermal barrier while maintaining mechanical coupling for vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the actuator mass is attached to the oscillator, then the actuation is direct and effective, but the total oscillating mass increases reducing sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation effectivenessVSAvoiddensity measurement sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator mass is segmented from the oscillating system by mounting it on the housing rather than the oscillator. This separation ensures that the actuator's mass does not contribute to the oscillating mass, maximizing sensitivity while maintaining effective actuation through housing deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator is extracted from the oscillating assembly and placed on the stationary housing. This removes the harmful effect of actuator mass adding to the oscillating mass, while the actuator's function is preserved through its interaction with the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If actuator components are placed within the hermetically sealed housing, then the environment can be controlled, but manufacture and repair are complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into accessible and sealed regions. The actuator is mounted on the housing exterior or in accessible areas, allowing the hermetic seal to be maintained in critical areas while providing easy access to actuator components for manufacturing and maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary that provides environmental control for the oscillator while keeping the actuator accessible. The actuator interacts with the housing rather than being enclosed with the oscillator, maintaining reliability through housing sealing while simplifying actuator access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If the actuator is mounted on the oscillator support, then the structure is simplified, but heat transfer path to the sample is created

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidheat transfer to sample

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing serves as a thermal intermediary between the actuator and the oscillator. The actuator is mounted on the housing which provides thermal isolation, preventing direct heat transfer to the sample while maintaining the mechanical coupling needed for vibration transmission through controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration reduces temperature-induced errors, enhances measurement linearity, facilitates effective temperature control, and allows for convenient mounting and attachment of accessory equipment without parasitic resonance, improving the accuracy and stability of density measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator is placed in contact with a housing to deform it, and these deformities are coupled to oscillate the test sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

temperature control means with the counter mass, minimizing heat transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS7735353B2Method and apparatus for oscillating a test sample

Publication Date: 2010.06.15 RUDOLPH RESEARCH ANALYTICAL CORP

AI summary

A method and apparatus for imparting oscillatory motion on a test sample is disclosed in which oscillators, preferably in tubular form, are surrounded by housings. An actuator causes deforming of the housings, and the deforming movement is linked to the oscillators.