Thermal Energy Meter Probe Axial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid thermal energy meters face challenges in precise temperature measurement due to the arrangement of temperature sensors, which are often tangent to the fluid stream and subject to heat exchange errors, and difficulties in angular positioning relative to the inlet pipe, leading to inaccuracies especially at low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A temperature probe is arranged with its measuring end inside the fluid inlet pipe, parallel to the insertion direction, allowing direct contact with the fluid and minimizing heat exchange errors, while a tracking device ensures precise angular orientation of the insert relative to the pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is arranged with its measuring end tangent to the fluid stream under the casing, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement precision deteriorates due to heat exchange errors and boundary layer effects
Solution Approach 1:
The probe arrangement transitions from a tangential orientation within the measurement chamber to an axial orientation within the inlet or outlet pipe. This dimensional change allows the measuring end to be positioned at the pipe center where flow velocity is highest and heat exchange with walls is minimized, thereby improving temperature measurement precision without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement function is extracted from the measurement chamber environment (where heat exchange errors occur) and relocated to the pipe interior (where fluid temperature is more representative). By taking the measuring end out of the affected zone and placing it in the inlet/outlet pipe, the measurement is no longer influenced by casing heat exchange or boundary layer effects
2Manufacturing precision
If the probe angular position is controlled by connection realization and tightening torque, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the angular positioning precision deteriorates leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The probe housing incorporates self-aligning features such as positioning elements that automatically guide the probe into the correct angular position during assembly. The probe's longitudinal axis is made coaxial with the pipe axis through inherent geometric constraints of the housing and connection structures, eliminating the need for complex angular adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The probe housing and connection structures utilize asymmetric positioning features (such as offset positioning elements or keyed connections) that inherently constrain the probe to a specific angular orientation. This asymmetric design ensures that the measuring end aligns with the pipe centerline without requiring precise control of tightening torque or complex assembly procedures
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 configuration enables accurate temperature measurement of the fluid without heat exchange losses and improves angular positioning, reducing measurement errors and enhancing precision across varying flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
the insert containing a probe for measuring the temperature of the fluid having a measuring end, characterized in that the said probe is arranged so that its measuring end is intended to be introduced inside at least one of the said pipes of the tank, in order to be in direct contact with the fluid circulating therein
Implementation Method 2
The fluid flowing in said measuring chamber under the casing after having left the inlet pipe, changes temperature, namely decreases or increases in temperature depending on whether the application is heating or cooling, because of the casing which constitutes a heat exchange surface with the outside
Data Source
Figure 1A~3A
Figure 1B~3B
Figure 1C~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement insert (2) called a cartridge for a meter measuring the thermal energy of a fluid, in particular water, intended to be mounted in what is called the insertion direction (F) into a tank (1) having a fluid inlet pipe (1A) and a fluid outlet pipe (1B), said insert having a casing (2E) intended to be fastened to said tank and defining a flow measurement chamber (2C) connected to a calculator containing an electronic calculation/display unit, the insert (2) containing a fluid temperature measurement probe (3) having a measurement end (3A). According to the invention, said probe is placed in such a way that its measurement end (3A) is intended to be introduced into at least one of said pipes of the tank, so as to be in direct contact with the fluid flowing therein.