Paddle-Type Flowmeter Magnetic Coupling Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for monitoring fluids in pipes, particularly in cooling systems of electric transformers, face issues such as jamming due to inadequate mounting or insufficient actuating force, and are sensitive to turbulence and cavitation, leading to unreliable operation and mechanical resistance.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter design featuring a paddle connected to a rotatable first shaft with a magnetic gear transferring rotation to a perpendicular second shaft carrying a pointer, minimizing mechanical friction and providing high actuation force through a contact-free mechanism, with an involute paddle shape for constant force and a cup-shaped paddle to reduce turbulent flow influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical shaft connection is used to transfer paddle movement to the display, then the structure is simple, but the mechanical resistance increases and jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shaft connection with a magnetic coupling system. The paddle's movement rotates a first shaft that drives a magnetic gear, which in turn rotates a second shaft carrying the pointer. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and contact between shafts, preventing jamming while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Force
If a direct mechanical connection is used for the paddle, then the actuating force is sufficient, but the mechanical resistance and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gear transmission maintains high actuating force while eliminating mechanical friction. The magnetic coupling between the first and second shafts allows force transmission without physical contact, preventing wear and resistance issues associated with direct mechanical connections.
3Device complexity
If a conventional paddle shape is used, then the structure is simple, but the actuating force varies with rotational angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an involute curve geometry for the paddle shape. This curved configuration ensures that the paddle maintains a constant actuating force throughout its rotational movement, transforming the variable force problem into a constant force solution while keeping the structure relatively simple.
4Ease of manufacture
If a flat paddle is used, then the manufacturing is easy, but turbulent flow influence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cup-shaped paddle with curved surfaces instead of a flat paddle. This curved geometry reduces the influence of turbulent flow by creating a more streamlined interaction with the fluid, minimizing cavitation and turbulent effects while remaining manufacturable.
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 flowmeter achieves high functional reliability, low mechanical resistance, and stable actuation force without jamming, suitable for monitoring pump functions in transformer cooling systems, especially in forced oil circulation transformers.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic gear is provided between the first and second shafts with an actuator part on the first shaft and a drive part on the second shaft
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow monitor for monitoring the flow of flowing media, wherein a paddle projecting into the flow transfers the rotating movement of the paddle onto a display device by means of a magnetic gear comprising a plurality of individual magnets corresponding with each other.