Pyramid Heat Conductor for Thermal Flowmeter Signal Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal flowmeters face challenges in achieving clear heat signal writing patterns, leading to errors in phase difference detection and flow rate measurement due to vague heat signal patterns.
Innovation Solution
A heat signal writing device with a heat source element, a pyramid-shaped channel supporting member made of heat conductive material, and a heat-resistant cover to minimize the channel contact surface area and ambient temperature effects, ensuring a clear and controlled temperature change is achieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heat source element directly contacts the channel with a large contact area, then the heat signal writing is more stable, but the heat signal pattern becomes vague and unclear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heat source element into multiple independent heating regions (first heat source, second heat source, etc.) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows each region to write heat signals at specific positions on the channel, creating clear spatially-resolved heat patterns rather than a diffuse overall heating effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different parts of the system. The heat source elements have high thermal conductivity to efficiently transfer heat to the channel, while the insulating member has low thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss to the environment. This local differentiation of thermal properties ensures concentrated, clear heat signal writing at the channel interface.
2Device complexity
If the heat source element is exposed to the environment, then the device structure is simpler, but the ambient temperature affects the heat signal writing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat source element from direct environmental exposure by positioning it within a protective housing structure. The insulating member surrounds the heat source element, separating it from the ambient environment while maintaining its heating function. This extraction protects the heat signal writing process from ambient temperature fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member acts as an intermediary between the heat source element and the environment. It thermally isolates the heat source from ambient temperature effects while allowing the heat to be efficiently transferred to the channel through the heat source's contact surfaces. This intermediary protects the precision of heat signal writing.
3Measurement precision
If the heat source element has high radiation ability, then the heat signal writing is clearer, but the heat loss to environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized high-radiation environment at the channel interface where heat signal writing occurs, while maintaining thermal insulation elsewhere. The heat source element is designed with high thermal conductivity to concentrate radiation at the channel contact points, while the insulating member prevents heat loss to the surrounding environment, achieving clear heat patterns without excessive energy loss.
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 solution provides a clear heat signal writing pattern, minimizing errors in phase difference detection and enhancing the accuracy of flow rate measurements by limiting the heat signal writing to the channel contact surface and increasing the radiation ability of the heat source elements.
Implementation Method 1
a heat source element for writing the heat signal having a temperature change according to a desired pattern by heating or cooling
Implementation Method 2
a channel supporting member shaped as a pyramid formed of a heat conductive material and having a bottom surface in close contact with a surface of the heat source element
Implementation Method 3
a heat radiating member in close contact with another surface of the heat source element
Implementation Method 4
a heat-resistant cover for covering the periphery of the heat source element, excluding the channel contact surface at the tip, and the channel supporting member
Data Source
AI summary
A heat signal writing device forming a clear writing pattern of a heat signal is provided. A heat signal writing device 10 for writing a heat signal in a medium traveling through a channel, which is secured to an appropriate position on the channel through which the medium flows, includes a Peltier element 11 for writing the heat signal having a temperature change according to a desired pattern by heating or cooling; a channel supporting member 12 shaped as a pyramid formed of a heat conductive material and having a bottom surface in close contact with a surface of the Peltier element 11, the tip of the pyramid being in direct contact with the channel 1; a heat sink 13 in close contact with another surface of the Peltier element 11; and a heat-resistant cover for covering the periphery of the Peltier element 11, excluding a channel contact surface 12a at the tip, and the channel supporting member 12.