Thermal Flowmeter Valve Layout for Heat-Isolated Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate control modules suffer from measurement errors due to heat transfer from the control mechanism to the sensor unit, and require a large installation area due to the linear design of the flow passage.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate adjustment apparatus with a separable design, where the measurement mechanism is attached to the installation surface and the adjustment mechanism is attached separately, featuring a serpentine flow passage and a clearance between the casing units to prevent heat transfer, reducing the installation area by using a coupling mechanism between the flow passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the housing body is formed as an integrated member with the flow passage inside, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but heat transfer from the control mechanism to the sensor unit causes measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing portion containing the sensor unit and a second housing portion containing the control mechanism. These portions are connected through a flow passage structure that provides thermal isolation, preventing heat from the control mechanism from reaching the sensor unit while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying manufacturing through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow passage structure acts as an intermediary element between the first and second housing portions. This structure thermally isolates the sensor unit from the control mechanism, preventing harmful heat transfer while allowing fluid flow and maintaining a simplified integrated appearance.
2Device complexity
If the flow passage is linearly formed from inflow port to outflow port, then the flow path is simple, but a large installation area is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is configured to extend in multiple directions rather than a simple linear path. By utilizing three-dimensional space within the housing, the flow passage can connect the inflow and outflow ports through a compact, multi-directional route that reduces the overall installation footprint while maintaining functional simplicity.
3Volume of moving object
If the control mechanism and sensor unit are integrated in the same housing, then the device structure is compact, but heat from the drive unit affects the measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct portions: a first housing portion for the sensor unit and a second housing portion for the control mechanism. This segmentation allows thermal isolation between the heat-generating control mechanism and the temperature-sensitive sensor unit, preventing heat interference while maintaining a compact integrated device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing are designed with different thermal characteristics. The first housing portion containing the sensor unit is thermally isolated from the second housing portion containing the control mechanism, creating localized thermal zones that protect the measurement area from heat while allowing the control area to operate at higher temperatures.
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
This design suppresses heat transfer between the adjustment and measurement mechanisms, reducing measurement errors and the installation area required, while maintaining accurate flow rate measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the clearance provided between the first casing unit of the flow rate measurement mechanism and the valve main body of the flow rate adjustment mechanism communicates with the outside. Therefore, heat generated when the drive unit of the flow rate adjustment mechanism moves the valve body part is suppressed from being transferred from the valve main body to the first casing unit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a flow rate adjustment apparatus in which a flow rate measurement mechanism includes: a thermal flowmeter; and a lower casing, a flow rate adjustment mechanism includes: an electric drive mechanism that moves a valve body part; a control board; a valve main body in which a valve chamber, a second flow passage that communicates with a valve hole, and a third flow passage that is connected to an external flow passage have been formed; and an upper casing that houses the electric drive mechanism and the control board thereinside, the flow rate adjustment mechanism is attached to the flow rate measurement mechanism in a state where a clearance communicating with an outside is provided between the lower casing and the valve main body, and in which the thermal flowmeter has a coupling part that couples the second flow passage to a first flow passage.