Tapered Flow Channel for Stable Fluid Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow sensing devices face instability due to flow eddies and require precise alignment, leading to increased manufacturing costs and non-uniform fluid flow, which affects the accuracy of fluid flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensing device with tapered upstream and downstream flow channels and narrow flow restrictors is designed to reduce flow eddies and stabilize fluid flow, allowing for more accurate measurements by directing fluid flow through an alternate path with varying inner dimensions and heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If constant height upstream and downstream flow channels are used, then the flow channel structure is simple, but flow eddies and turbulence occur causing unstable sensor output
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel structure is modified by changing the height parameter along the flow path. The upstream and downstream flow channels transition from a first height at the inlet to a second height at the sensor, creating a tapered geometry that stabilizes flow and eliminates eddies without requiring complex additional components
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment of fluid flow path is implemented, then flow sensor performance is optimized, but manufacturing cost and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is designed with locally optimized geometry where the upstream and downstream channels have specific tapered heights that naturally guide flow uniformly across the sensor. This local geometric optimization eliminates the need for precise global alignment while maintaining accurate flow measurement
3Reliability
If additional flow restriction is added, then fluid flow through sensor is limited avoiding saturation, but flow channel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction function is merged into the upstream and downstream flow channel structures themselves. The tapered geometry of these channels inherently limits flow to appropriate levels while simultaneously providing flow stabilization, eliminating the need for separate restriction components
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 tapered flow channels and restrictors enhance flow stability and sensor output accuracy, reducing turbulence and the need for precise alignment, thereby improving the performance and cost-effectiveness of fluid flow sensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The upstream flow channel and the downstream flow channel can be tapered from a first height to a second height... The at least one tapered flow channel can reduce flow eddies across the flow sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid flow sensing device can include a tapered fluid flow channel formed into a main channel defining a fluid flow tube as an alternate fluid flow path. A tapered fluid flow channel can bypass some fluid flow from the main fluid flow channel into said alternate fluid flow path and a flow sensor disposed within said alternate fluid flow path. The tapered flow channel is tapered in a direction of fluid flow toward said flow sensor to thereby reduce flow eddies and enable optimal sensing performance by fluid flow sensor. An upstream fluid flow channel and a downstream fluid flow channel can be molded into the main fluid flow channel, especially bypassed in the fluid flow path of the main fluid flow channel. A fluid flow sensor can be placed between the upstream fluid flow channel and the downstream fluid flow channel for measuring fluid flow rate the channel.