Self-Powered Flow Meter Using Hydroelectric Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow meters for personal water consumption are bulky, expensive, require battery power, yield inaccurate measurements, and restrict drinking rate, making them unsuitable for portable and intermittent use.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered, compact flow meter that uses a rotatable member with magnets and inductors to generate voltage signals under constant or intermittent vacuum pressure, allowing for accurate measurement of water consumption without batteries and suitable for use with various containers, including canteens and water bottles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow meters use batteries or auxiliary electrical power, then they can power electronic components and displays, but they increase device complexity and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter uses the flowing liquid itself to generate electrical power through a small hydroelectric turbine. The kinetic energy of the liquid passing through the meter drives the turbine, which generates electricity to power the electronic components and display, eliminating the need for external batteries or power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional battery-based electrical power system with a hydroelectric generation system. The mechanical kinetic energy of flowing liquid is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction in the turbine generator, substituting chemical energy storage with direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion.
2Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters use impellers to measure flow, then they can provide flow measurement, but they are expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The hydroelectric turbine serves dual functions: it generates electrical power to run the meter's electronics and simultaneously acts as the flow measurement mechanism. The rotation speed of the turbine, driven by the flowing liquid, directly correlates with flow rate, providing measurement capability without requiring a separate impeller system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power generation function and flow measurement function into a single integrated turbine mechanism. The same rotating component that generates electricity also provides the measurement signal, eliminating the need for separate measurement components and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters are configured to measure pressure or liquid level changes, then they can determine water volume, but they yield inaccurate measurements without frequent extensive calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure-based or level-based measurement systems with a direct mechanical flow measurement approach using the turbine. The turbine's rotation is directly proportional to the volume of liquid passing through, providing immediate and accurate measurement without requiring calibration of pressure sensors or level indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the turbine's rotation to continuously monitor and measure flow volume in real-time. The generated electrical signals from the turbine provide continuous feedback on flow rate, allowing for accurate cumulative volume measurement without periodic calibration interventions.
4Ease of operation
If conventional flow meters restrict drinking rate, then they can control flow, but they reduce ease of operation and user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter dynamically adapts to the user's drinking rate without imposing artificial restrictions. The turbine automatically adjusts its rotation speed according to the flow rate generated by the user's suction, allowing free variation in drinking speed while continuously measuring the volume consumed.
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 flow meter provides accurate, battery-free water consumption monitoring, is portable, and suitable for athletes and military personnel, ensuring hydration without restricting drinking rate or requiring frequent calibration.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of magnets are attached to the rotatable member in an alternating magnetic pole arrangement and positioned with respect to the inductors so that rotation of the rotatable member causes the inductors to generate voltage signals
Implementation Method 2
fluid entering the first opening flows through the first internal fluid channel and strikes the fins so as to cause rotation of the rotatable member
Data Source
AI summary
A personal flow meter for measuring water consumption of an individual has a housing, inductors attached to the exterior of the housing and a rotatable member disposed within the housing. A front cover and rear cover are attached to the housing. The front cover includes a fluid inlet having an angulated internal fluid channel that causes water to enter the housing at an angle. The rear cover has a fluid outlet to allow egress of water within the housing. The rotatable member includes angulated fins. Water entering the housing via the internal fluid channel perpendicularly strikes the fins to initiate rotation of the rotatable member. Magnets are attached to the rotatable member in an alternating magnetic pole arrangement. Rotation of the rotatable member causes the inductors to generate voltage signals. Electronic circuitry processes the voltage signals and generates signals that represents the individual's water consumption over a period of time.