Self-Powered Pulse Generator for Fluid Counters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulse generators for fluid flow detection require separate power supplies, which complicates their design and maintenance, especially in applications where a low-maintenance, universally usable device is desired.
Innovation Solution
A pulse generator that obtains the necessary electrical energy from the output pulse channel, using a switching element and energy management circuit to store energy in a buffer memory during pulse output, allowing self-sufficiency and low power consumption, with the energy drawn from the pulse channel when the device is not actively outputting pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate power supply is used for the pulse generator, then the device can operate reliably, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator serves itself by using the output pulse channel to power its own operation. The system extracts energy from the pulse channel during normal operation, eliminating the need for separate batteries or power supplies. This self-powered approach reduces device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The output pulse channel serves dual functions: it transmits pulse signals to downstream evaluation devices and simultaneously provides electrical energy to power the pulse generator itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply components.
2Device complexity
If energy is extracted from the output pulse channel, then the device becomes battery-free and simpler, but the available energy may be insufficient for reliable pulse conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by accumulating energy in the buffer memory during periods when the pulse channel is available. This stored energy is then used during pulse output when the channel is occupied, ensuring continuous operation without energy shortages.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulse generator operates in periodic cycles, extracting energy from the pulse channel during idle periods and using that stored energy during active pulse output periods. This periodic energy transfer pattern ensures sufficient energy availability throughout the operation cycle.
3Productivity
If the switching element is activated for pulse output, then pulses can be sent to the downstream device, but the power supply is temporarily interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer memory is charged in advance during periods when the pulse channel is not in use. When the switching element needs to be activated for pulse output, the pre-stored energy in the buffer memory provides continuous power supply, preventing interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer memory acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the pulse channel and the switching element. It decouples the power supply from the pulse output mechanism, allowing the switching element to operate without causing power supply interruptions.
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
Enables a low-maintenance, battery-free pulse generator with reliable operation, as the energy is sourced from the pulse channel during pulse output and stored in a buffer memory, maintaining device functionality with minimal current draw, ensuring consistent performance without separate power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer storage device (6), for example in the form of a capacitor, which is charged during the supply by the output-side pulse channel and always takes over the supply of the pulse generator when the switch to output a pulse is closed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pulse generator (1) for detecting fluid flow rates has an input-side sensor interface (1a) and an output-side pulse channel interface (1b). A counting and storage unit (5) is arranged in the pulse generator, which accumulates the sensor signals. A switching device (8) is coupled to the pulse channel interface (1b) such that a coupled pulse channel (7) can be connected to or disconnected from ground, wherein the counting and storage unit (5) is configured to control the switching device (8) depending on a number of input pulses accumulated in the counting and storage unit.An energy management circuit (4) is coupled to the pulse channel interface (1b) for voltage tapping to supply the pulse generator (1) with current from a coupled pulse channel (7) and a rechargeable charge buffer storage (6) is coupled to the energy management circuit (4) and is charged when the switching device (8) disconnects a coupled pulse channel (7) from ground and discharged to supply power to the pulse generator when the switching device (8) couples a coupled pulse channel (7) to ground.