Magneto-Inductive Flowmeter With PCB Recess Line Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow meters struggle to reliably measure low flow rates, particularly in applications requiring compact and sterile environments.
Innovation Solution
A magneto-inductive flow meter with a line section formed from a recess in a printed circuit board, incorporating a magnet system with planar coils and integrated measuring electrodes, allowing for the induction of voltage in the flowing medium, and utilizing a modular structure with operating electronics on the same board to achieve compactness and exchangeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnet system with planar coils is integrated on a printed circuit board to enable magneto-inductive measurement, then measurement precision for low flow rates is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration of multiple subsystems on a single board
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnet system, line section, and measuring electrodes into a single integrated printed circuit board structure. The magnet system with planar coils is fabricated directly on the PCB, and the line section is formed by recesses in the same board, eliminating the need for separate measuring tubes and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining measurement precision for low flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the structural substrate, contains the magnet system for voltage induction, forms the line section for medium conduction through recesses, and integrates the measuring electrodes for voltage detection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed
2Volume of moving object
If the line section is formed from a recess in the printed circuit board, then the device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for creating sealed recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a coating to the walls of the recesses in the printed circuit board to create a sealing layer. This coating prevents leakage of the medium flowing through the line section while maintaining the compact recess structure. The coating acts as a thin film barrier that seals the recess without requiring complex mechanical sealing mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If operating electronics are integrated on the same printed circuit board, then ease of operation is improved through compact design, but reliability may worsen due to potential contamination from medium exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the printed circuit board into distinct functional areas: the line section with recesses for medium flow, the magnet system area, the measuring electrodes, and the operating electronics area. This spatial segmentation allows the electronics to be positioned away from direct medium exposure zones while maintaining integration on the same board, balancing compactness with reliability
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
Enables precise measurement of low flow rates with a compact, modular design suitable for sterile environments, such as hospitals and laboratories, without the need for additional measuring tubes, using low currents and minimizing space.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet system being provided on the printed circuit board or on various layers of the printed circuit board, which serves to apply a voltage in the to induce the medium flowing through the line section
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Flow meter (1) with a line section (2) that serves to guide a flowable medium, wherein said line section (2) is formed at least partially from a recess in a circuit board (5).