Reflector-Based Ultrasonic Flowmeter for Low-Pressure-Drop Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for whole-home water leak detection systems face challenges in providing highly sensitive water flow measurements across a wide dynamic range, are prone to degradation, and are costly or obstructive, making them unsuitable for practical home use.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic flowmeter with triple reflectors positioned in the housing to extend the signal path without obstructing the flow, achieving accurate time-of-flight measurements for improved sensitivity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional flowmeters are used to measure water flow, then flow measurement capability is provided, but they obstruct the flow path causing pressure drop and are prone to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow measurement components (turbines, impellers, orifices) with an ultrasonic time-of-flight measurement system. Transducers transmit acoustic signals through the water flow, and the time of flight is measured to determine flow velocity. This eliminates mechanical obstructions in the flow path while maintaining measurement capability, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and pressure drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure flow characteristics without physical contact with the water. The acoustic signals traverse the water flow and carry information about flow velocity, allowing measurement without obstructing the water path. This intermediary approach enables precise measurement while avoiding the degradation and pressure drop issues of mechanical components.
2Volume of moving object
If ultrasonic transducers are placed close together to minimize housing size, then device compactness is improved, but signal path length decreases reducing measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the ultrasonic signal path from a straight linear dimension to a multi-dimensional zigzag path using reflectors. The signal bounces between reflectors positioned at specific angles, creating an extended effective path length within a compact housing volume. This dimensional transformation allows the signal to traverse a longer distance through the water without increasing the overall device footprint, resolving the contradiction between compactness and sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple reflector surfaces within the housing to create a compact ultrasonic path. The reflectors are positioned to fold the acoustic path back and through the housing, effectively nesting the signal trajectory within the available space. This nesting approach maximizes the signal path length relative to the housing dimensions, achieving both compactness and measurement sensitivity.
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 sensitivity and durability with minimal pressure drop, effectively detecting small leaks and bursts, while maintaining a clear flow path and being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to another ultrasonic transducer along a path in the body
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of reflectors are disposed in the wall and are configured to reflect the ultrasonic signal multiple times across the body along the path in the fluid flowing through the housing
Implementation Method 3
A processor is coupled to the ultrasonic transducers and is configured to determine a time the ultrasonic signal takes to travel the path
Data Source
AI summary
A flowmeter including a body having a wall configured to communicate a fluid between an inlet and an outlet, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to another ultrasonic transducer along a path in the body. A plurality of reflectors are disposed in the wall and are configured to reflect the ultrasonic signal multiple times across the body along the path in the fluid flowing through the housing. A processor is coupled to the ultrasonic transducers and is configured to determine a time the ultrasonic signal takes to travel the path and determine a flow rate of the fluid as a function of a determined time.