Segmented Transducer Design for Transit Time Flow Meters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic transit time flow meters face damage and inaccuracy due to fluctuations in flow tube dimensions caused by pressure and temperature changes, leading to failure in measuring fluid flow rates accurately.
Innovation Solution
The use of segmented transducers with expansion gaps or deformable elements allows for independent movement, accommodating diameter variations in flow tubes, and flexible connectors ensure acoustic coupling and signal transmission without damage, enabling accurate flow rate measurements across varying tube diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed transducer assembly is used, then the measurement precision is maintained under stable conditions, but the reliability deteriorates when flow tube dimensions fluctuate due to pressure and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer assembly is divided into multiple independent segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the assembly to flex and accommodate dimensional changes in the flow tube caused by pressure and temperature variations, preventing damage while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer assembly transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The flexible connector and segmented design enable the assembly to adapt its configuration in response to changing flow tube dimensions, ensuring continuous reliable operation under varying conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single fixed-size transducer assembly is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the adaptability deteriorates when accommodating tubes of varying diameters
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the transducer assembly into multiple segments connected by flexible joints, the design achieves adaptability to various tube diameters without requiring multiple different assemblies. The segments can adjust their relative positions to conform to different tube sizes while maintaining a single unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connector acts as a compliant element that allows the transducer assembly to adapt to different tube diameters. This flexibility enables a single assembly design to accommodate a wide range of tube sizes without compromising structural integrity or measurement accuracy.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid transducer portions are used, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when installing on tubes with varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid transducer portions are segmented and connected through flexible elements. This allows each portion to be manufactured with high precision using standard fabrication processes, while the flexible connections enable easy adaptation during installation to accommodate tubes of varying dimensions.
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 solution allows for reliable and accurate measurement of fluid flow rates in tubes with varying diameters, extending the range of applicable tube sizes by up to 50% compared to previous technologies, reducing the need for multiple sensor assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
At least one portion can be a piezoelectric crystal transducer
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic transit time flow meters, also known as time of flight ultrasonic flow meters, detect the acoustic propagation time difference between the upstream and downstream ultrasonic transmissions resulting from the movement of a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A transit time flow meter apparatus for determining a flow rate of a flowing fluid using a time difference between upstream and downstream acoustic transmissions in the fluid, the flow meter including a pair of segmented transducers to be arranged in spaced relation on a flow tube, wherein respective ones of the segmented transducers include at least two portions, wherein at least one of the two portions is an active transducer portion separated from the or each other portion by one of an expansion gap or gaps, or a deformable element, whereby to enable fluctuations in a flow tube dimension to be accommodated without damage being caused to the active transducer portion.