Self-Aligning Brace Bar for Vibrating Flowmeter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brace bars for vibrating flowmeters face challenges in manufacturing ease, assembly complexity, and maintaining proper alignment, particularly with multi-piece designs that introduce additional alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning brace bar design featuring two flat, rectangular plates with apertures and notches that securely couple and align flow conduits, allowing for easy assembly and stable positioning, with optional brazing or other joining methods to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a one-piece brace bar is used, then manufacturing is simple and alignment is excellent, but assembly is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The brace bar is divided into two separate plates (first brace bar plate and second brace bar plate) that can be assembled independently onto the flow conduits. This segmentation allows each plate to be positioned and aligned separately, making assembly easier while maintaining alignment precision through the self-aligning notch feature.
2Ease of operation
If a multi-piece brace bar is used, then assembly is easier, but additional alignment issues are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The notches are pre-formed on the brace bar plates during manufacturing, creating self-aligning features that automatically guide the plates into proper alignment with the flow conduits during assembly. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures while maintaining high alignment precision.
3Strength
If traditional brazing is used, then joining is strong, but filler wicking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful wicking effect is eliminated by removing the continuous path that allows filler to travel along the brace bar. The notch design interrupts the continuous surface, preventing capillary action from drawing filler away from the joint, while still allowing strong brazing to occur at the intended joint locations.
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 self-aligning brace bar simplifies assembly, ensures proper alignment, and reduces stress on flow conduits, while minimizing filler wicking during brazing, thereby enhancing the reliability and stability of vibrating flowmeter assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The first aperture and the second notch are configured to couple to a first flow conduit. The second aperture and the first notch are configured to couple to a second flow conduit.
Implementation Method 2
optional brazing or other joining methods to enhance stability, minimizing filler wicking during brazing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A brace bar, a flow conduit assembly including a brace bar, and a method for assembling a vibrating flowmeter including a brace bar are provided. The brace bar includes a first brace bar plate and a second brace bar plate. The first brace bar plate includes a first aperture and a first notch. The second brace bar plate includes a second aperture and a second notch. The first aperture and the second notch are configured to couple to a first flow conduit. The second aperture and the first notch are configured to couple to a second flow conduit.