Thermal Flow Meter with Insulated Sensor Substrate for Alkaline Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal flow meters face challenges in measuring flow rates of alkaline liquids due to poor corrosion resistance and inadequate thermal conductivity, leading to inefficient temperature differences and inaccurate flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A thermal flow meter configuration using a metal measurement tube with a temperature detecting substrate featuring a thin-film insulating material to enhance corrosion resistance and improve thermal conductivity, where the insulation area is bonded to the measurement tube with an adhesive, allowing for effective heating and temperature detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a glass flow passage is used, then thermal conductivity is improved, but corrosion resistance to alkaline liquids deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where a glass substrate (providing thermal conductivity) is bonded with a resin coating layer (providing corrosion resistance). This composite material approach allows the flow passage to simultaneously achieve high thermal conductivity for efficient heating and excellent corrosion resistance for reliable operation with alkaline liquids.
2Reliability
If a resin flow passage is used, then corrosion resistance to alkaline liquids is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where a glass substrate (providing thermal conductivity) is bonded with a resin coating layer (providing corrosion resistance). This composite material approach allows the flow passage to simultaneously achieve high thermal conductivity for efficient heating and excellent corrosion resistance for reliable operation with alkaline liquids.
3Strength
If the flow passage thickness is increased, then structural integrity is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the flow passage wall thin in the region where thermal conduction is critical (the measurement section), while maintaining adequate thickness elsewhere for structural support. This localized thinning optimizes thermal conductivity where needed without compromising overall structural integrity.
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 improved corrosion resistance to alkaline liquids and enhanced thermal conductivity, enabling accurate flow rate measurements with reduced power consumption and minimal adhesive usage, while maintaining the structural integrity of the sensor substrate.
Implementation Method 1
a heating resistance element 12a and temperature detecting resistance elements 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e along the axis X
Implementation Method 2
temperature detecting resistance elements 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e along the axis X
Implementation Method 3
The insulation area is bonded to the measurement tube with an adhesive
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a thermal flow meter including a conductive measurement tube including an inlet through which liquid enters and an outlet through which the liquid exits and including an internal flow passage extending along an axis X, and a sensor substrate 12 including a heating resistance wire 12a and a temperature detecting resistance wire 12b formed on a detection surface 12A along the axis X, and in the detection surface 12A, an insulation area 12B is formed where the heating resistance wire 12a and the temperature detecting resistance wire 12b are coated with a thin-film insulating material, and the insulation area 12B is joined to the measurement tube along the axis X.