Measurement Insert Reflector Assembly for Stable Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing utility meters, reflectors are often incorrectly oriented or lost due to vibration and movement caused by fluid flow, leading to inaccuracies in fluid flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measurement insert with an elongate portion connecting reflectors to each other, supports, and a central portion, ensuring precise orientation and stability, reducing the risk of loss and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reflectors are clipped onto the measurement insert by hand, then installation is simple, but the reflectors may be incorrectly orientated or lost due to vibration and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflectors onto a single measurement insert component, creating an integrated reflector assembly. This merging ensures that reflectors maintain correct relative positioning and orientation during installation and operation, eliminating the problems of incorrect orientation and loss that occur with separate hand-clipped reflectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are pre-positioned and fixed onto the measurement insert during manufacturing, rather than being attached during field installation. This preliminary action ensures precise orientation and positioning is achieved under controlled conditions, preventing later issues with misalignment or loss due to vibration.
2Ease of manufacture
If reflectors are loosely connected to the measurement insert, then installation is easier, but fluid flow causes vibration and movement affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs streamlined, curved surfaces on the measurement insert and reflector mounting structures that follow the flow contours. This aerodynamic shaping reduces turbulence and vibration caused by fluid flow, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or properties of the connection between reflectors and the measurement insert from loose mechanical attachment to a more rigid, vibration-resistant configuration. This parameter change in connection stiffness prevents vibration-induced movement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the measurement insert structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but stability against fluid-induced movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement insert into distinct functional segments (flow tube, reflector mounting portion, connection portions) that can be manufactured separately using simple processes, then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing ease while allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function, including vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite construction or material combinations in the measurement insert that provide both ease of manufacture and enhanced stability. The composite structure offers improved mechanical properties including vibration resistance and structural rigidity while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing methods.
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 enhances the stability and accuracy of fluid flow rate measurements by preventing reflector movement and loss, ensuring correct orientation, and reducing turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector arrangement comprises at least two reflectors configured to reflect one or more signals in the measuring path
Implementation Method 2
the fluid flowing through the utility meters may cause the reflectors to vibrate and/or move relative to the measurement insert
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
A measurement insert for a utility meter, the measurement insert comprising a central portion defining a measuring path of the utility meter, at least two supports connected to either side of the central portion and a reflector arrangement. The reflector arrangement comprises at least two reflectors configured to reflect one or more signals in the measuring path, each of the at least two reflectors being connected to a respective support of the at least two supports, and an elongate portion at least partially connected to the central portion, wherein the elongate portion is configured to connect the at least two reflectors to each other.