Rotary Flow Meter with Movable Throttle for Precision Oil Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow rate measurement devices in oil supply systems suffer from limited accuracy, especially for small flow volumes, requiring multiple devices and additional safety measures due to large fluctuation ranges, which complicates control and regulation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a movable throttle and adjustable measuring device, featuring rotary members and a bypass actuating member, allows for variable flow cross-section configuration and measurement range adaptation without changing the housing geometry, enabling precise flow rate determination across different ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a floating element rotatable about its longitudinal axis is used to determine flow rate, then the device can measure flow rate, but measurement accuracy is limited and large inaccuracies occur for small flow volumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability for small flow volumes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic flow measurement using rotary members that rotate in response to fluid flow, enabling adaptive measurement across different flow ranges. The rotary members' rotation speed varies with flow rate, providing accurate measurement for both small and large flow volumes through dynamic response rather than static positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from positional (floating element position) to rotational velocity (rotary member rotation speed). This parameter transformation enables more sensitive detection of small flow variations while maintaining accuracy for larger flows, resolving the accuracy-reliability contradiction across different flow ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple different measuring devices are used for different flow rate ranges, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of measuring devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal measuring device with rotary members that can accurately measure flow rates across multiple ranges (0.001 l/min to 100 l/min). The same device structure serves multiple functions by detecting different rotation speeds corresponding to different flow rates, eliminating the need for multiple specialized measuring devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic rotation-based measurement allows a single device to adapt to different flow ranges by varying its rotational response. The rotary members naturally adjust their rotation speed according to the flow rate, providing accurate measurement across the full range without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If maximal and minimal values are preset for monitoring flow, then operational safety is guaranteed, but control and regulation possibilities are reduced due to large fluctuation ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidcontrol and regulation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous feedback measurement of flow rate through rotary member rotation detection. This continuous feedback enables real-time monitoring within preset limits while providing detailed information for precise control and regulation, allowing the system to respond dynamically to flow variations rather than simply triggering alerts at threshold values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

By measuring flow rate through rotational velocity rather than position, the system can detect small changes in flow within the operating range. This enables finer control and regulation while maintaining safety monitoring, as the measurement system is sensitive enough to detect gradual variations before they reach critical thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus provides improved measurement accuracy and reliability, reduces service effort, and allows for configuration modifications during operation, enhancing the control and regulation of flow rates in oil supply systems.

Implementation Method 1

a volume flow takes place substantially only when the rotary members rotate about their pivot axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow-induced rotation:

Implementation Method 2

the rotation of the rotary members is detected by at least one sensor, where this can occur for example by means of an induction field or a coil or can also be achieved optically

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1941246B8Apparatus for determining and controlling flow rate
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 ANTRIEBSTECHN & SERVICE

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for determining a flow rate, with at least one flow passage (41) for a fluid, an adjustable measuring device (100) and a throttle (10). The apparatus is characterized in that the throttle is arranged to be movable about at least one pivot axis and engages with a predetermined and variable flow edge section (63, 68, 81, 83) at least in a partial region of the fluid flow passage prior to the measuring device. The apparatus according to the invention further comprises a bypass (30), which is variable at least by means of a bypass actuating member.