Tamperproof Flow Meter with Hall Sensor Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volume flow meters are susceptible to external magnetic interference, which can disrupt accurate measurement and manipulation detection, particularly in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A counter unit with a mechanical counter and a combination of opto-electronic and magneto-electronic scanning sensors, along with a magneto-electronic manipulation sensor, provides effective protection against external manipulation and ensures accurate recording even in case of electronic failure, using a Hall sensor and reflex light barrier for evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electronic counter with magneto-electronic scanning sensor is used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but susceptibility to external magnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic shielding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the external environment and the magneto-electronic scanning sensor. This shielding element selectively blocks harmful external magnetic fields while allowing the sensor to detect the intended magnetic signals from the moving part, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and susceptibility to magnetic interference
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs both a mechanical counter and an electronic counter with magneto-electronic scanning sensor, creating redundant copies of the measurement function. The mechanical counter provides a backup that is immune to magnetic interference, while the electronic counter offers higher measurement precision under normal conditions
2Device complexity
If only an electronic counter with magneto-electronic scanning sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability in case of electronic failure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical counter is incorporated as a pre-prepared backup system that can take over if the electronic counter fails. This mechanical counter serves as beforehand cushioning against electronic failures, ensuring continued operation and measurement capability without requiring complex active redundancy management
3Reliability
If opto-electronic scanning sensor is continuously activated, then measurement reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opto-electronic scanning sensor is activated periodically rather than continuously, specifically during periods when fluid flow is detected or suspected. This periodic activation maintains measurement reliability when needed while dramatically reducing overall power consumption during idle periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different sensing modes based on operating conditions. The opto-electronic sensor is activated only when necessary (during flow detection), while the magneto-electronic sensor handles continuous monitoring, creating a dynamic adaptation that optimizes both reliability and power consumption
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 ensures reliable and accurate volume flow measurement, reduces power consumption, and allows for redundant data recording, enabling efficient remote querying and minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
the magneto-electronic scanning sensor and the magneto-electronic manipulation sensor are designed as a Hall sensor
Implementation Method 2
which features a permanent magnet provided in or on the moving part evaluates
Implementation Method 3
the opto-electronic scanning sensor is designed as a reflex light barrier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The metering unit (1) has a magnetic coupling for cooperation with hydraulics in the volumetric flow meter. The moving parts (31) possess mechanical meter (3) and are propelled by the magnetic coupling. An optoelectronic scanning sensor (41) and magneto electronic scanning sensor (42) are provided, which evaluate optical and magnetic characteristics (51,52) at moved part of the mechanical meter. An independent claim is also included for a method for detecting a volumetric flow by a metering unit.