Steerable Ultrasonic Flow Meter for Multi-Axis Velocity Sensing

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasound flow meters and anemometers are expensive and bulky due to the requirement of multiple transducer pairs for each dimension, posing challenges in cost and size efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A single-die steerable transducer array is used to transmit and receive ultrasound signals through multiple ducts, calculating fluid velocity in multiple dimensions based on time-of-flight measurements, allowing for a more cost-effective and compact flow meter design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple transducer pairs are used for each dimension, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid velocity measurementVSAvoidtransducer array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single transducer array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions across different dimensions by electronically steering acoustic beams. The same physical transducers measure velocity components in x, y, and z directions through controlled beam steering, eliminating the need for separate transducer pairs for each dimension while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic beam steering to redirect acoustic energy toward different reflectors and measurement paths. By electronically controlling the phase and amplitude of signals across the transducer array, the system dynamically adjusts the acoustic beam direction to measure velocity components along multiple axes using the same physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple transducer pairs are used for each dimension, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid velocity measurementVSAvoidtransducer array assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single transducer array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions across different dimensions by electronically steering acoustic beams. The same physical transducers measure velocity components in x, y, and z directions through controlled beam steering, eliminating the need for separate transducer pairs for each dimension while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple transducer pairs are used for each dimension, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid velocity measurementVSAvoidflow meter size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A single transducer array is designed to perform multiple measurement functions across different dimensions by electronically steering acoustic beams. The same physical transducers measure velocity components in x, y, and z directions through controlled beam steering, eliminating the need for separate transducer pairs for each dimension while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a spatial arrangement of multiple transducer pairs to a temporal/electronic arrangement where a single array sequentially or simultaneously measures multiple dimensions through beam steering. This transforms the problem from a three-dimensional physical layout to a controlled signal processing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a simpler, less expensive, and smaller flow meter capable of measuring fluid velocity in two or three dimensions by utilizing a single-die steerable ultrasonic transducer array, reducing complexity and cost while maintaining accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a single-die steerable ultrasonic transducer array

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

calculate a time of flight (ToF) of the first ultrasound signal, a time of flight (ToF) of the second ultrasound signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

transmit a first ultrasound signal toward the first reflector of the first duct such that the first ultrasound signal is reflected by the first reflector of the first duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260063659A1Flow meter and associated method

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 STMICROELECTRONICS SRL

AI summary

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a flow meter for determining a velocity of a fluid is provided. In some embodiments, the flow meter comprises a single-die steerable transducer array, a first duct defining a first channel and having first and second reflectors at each respective end, a second duct defining a second channel and having first and second reflectors at each respective end, and a controller configured to direct the transducer array to transmit forward and backward ultrasound signals through each duct, calculate a time of flight (ToF) of each ultrasound signal, calculate a velocity of the fluid in a first dimension using the ToF for the ultrasound signals through the first duct, and calculate a velocity of the fluid in a second dimension using the ToF for the ultrasound signals through the second duct.