Segmented Ultrasonic Damping Layer for Flow Meter Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow measurement systems face sub-optimal measurement accuracy and size constraints, particularly in measuring minute flows through small-diameter tubes, due to limitations in signal/noise ratio and bulk acoustic wave interference.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasonic flow measurement system incorporates a unique ultrasound damping layer with a first and second damping portion spaced apart, creating a gap or void that prevents Stoneley waves from reaching the receiver, improving signal/noise ratio and allowing for miniaturization by reducing the thickness of the damping layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a continuous ultrasound damping layer is used around the flow tube, then bulk acoustic waves (Stoneley waves) are effectively suppressed, but the device size increases and measurement of minute flows in small-diameter tubes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ultrasound damping layer is segmented into at least two separate damping portions positioned at different angular locations around the flow tube. This segmentation breaks the continuity of the damping layer, allowing it to suppress bulk acoustic waves while reducing the overall volume and enabling use in small-diameter tubes for minute flow measurement
2Volume of moving object
If the ultrasound damping layer thickness is reduced for miniaturization, then device size decreases, but the ability to suppress bulk acoustic waves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the damping layer into multiple portions allows each portion to be made thinner while collectively maintaining effective suppression of bulk acoustic waves. The segmented configuration provides sufficient acoustic attenuation without requiring a thick continuous layer, enabling miniaturization while preserving signal/noise ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The damping portions are arranged in an angular direction around the flow tube rather than solely in the radial thickness direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the damping function to be achieved through spatial distribution of multiple thin portions rather than requiring a single thick layer, thus enabling device miniaturization while maintaining acoustic wave suppression capability
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
This configuration enhances measurement accuracy and enables the system to be miniaturized for small-diameter tubes while maintaining performance, even for larger diameters, by optimizing the signal/noise ratio and reducing the thickness of the damping layer.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound damping layer (or dampening layer), provided at an outer side of the flow tube and substantially surrounding said flow tube
Implementation Method 2
On the interface of a solid (the flow tube) and a solid (the ultrasound damping layer) Stoneley waves appear
Implementation Method 3
the ultrasound transmitter being configured to transmit ultrasound signals through said fluid in a transmitting phase
Implementation Method 4
On the interface of a solid (i.e. the flow tube) and a fluid (i.e. the fluid to be measured, either a liquid or a gas) a Scholte wave appears
Implementation Method 5
the speed of sound in the material of the flow tube being higher than the speed of sound in the material of the ultrasound damping layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic flow measurement system (1) comprising a flow tube (11), an ultrasound damping layer (12), an ultrasound transmitter (13) covered by the ultrasound damping layer, and an ultrasound receiver (14) covered by the ultrasound damping layer, characterised in that the ultrasound damping layer comprises: - a first damping portion (121) that is at least partially positioned in between the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver as well as - a second damping portion (122) that is at least partially positioned in between the ultrasound transmitter and the ultrasound receiver, wherein the first damping portion and the second damping portion of the ultrasound damping layer are spaced apart from each other by a distance (d) in an axial direction (A) of the flow tube.