Flowmeter for thermohydraulic systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flowmeters for thermohydraulic systems are cumbersome, difficult to produce, and require careful calibration due to the need for multiple rings for flow regulation and memorization, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A compact flowmeter design using a single ring with a threaded portion and a shaft-hub coupling that slides only when a predetermined torque is exceeded, allowing for fine regulation and easy assembly, along with a measurement unit featuring a transparent cylinder and helical spring for flow measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rings are used for flow regulation and memorization, then flow control functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rings into a single integrated ring structure that performs both flow regulation and memorization functions. The single ring includes a threaded portion for regulation and a shaft-hub coupling for memorization, eliminating the need for separate rings and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single ring is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates flow through its threaded portion that engages with the carrier, and it memorizes flow positions through its shaft-hub coupling mechanism. This multi-functional design replaces what previously required multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rings are used for flow regulation, then flow memorization capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the memorization function into the single ring through a shaft-hub coupling mechanism. The shaft is inserted into a hub with a recess, creating a simple mechanical memory system that is much easier to manufacture than multiple separate rings with individual memorization features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If one revolution of the ring regulates the entire flow, then regulation range is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-revolution regulation system where the ring can rotate multiple times to provide fine-grained flow control. This dynamic approach allows for precise incremental adjustments rather than a single large-step revolution, reducing the precision requirements for each individual calibration point while maintaining overall regulation accuracy.
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 flowmeter provides precise and easy-to-use flow regulation and memorization with a single ring, reducing production costs and complexity, while allowing finer control over fluid flow with less rotational effort.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spiral spring (52), both inside the cylinder (50)
Implementation Method 2
The threaded portion (11) is separated from the flange (12) by an annular seat (13)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A flowmeter (1) comprising a main body (2) and a carrier (3), the main body (2) inserting into an opening of a header of a thermohydraulic circuit by means of a fastening portion (6), the carrier (3) allowing the passage of a flow of fluid based on the relative position between the carrier (3) and the main body (2); the flowmeter (1) further comprises flow regulating means and flow rate memorizing means, the flow regulating means comprising a first ring (35), carried by the carrier (3) to regulate the position of the carrier (3) with respect to the main body (2), and the memorizing means comprising a second ring (22) carried by the main body (2) which memorizes the position of the carrier (3) with respect to the main body (2); the main body (2) comprises an outer surface (17a) cooperating with a respective internal surface (23a) of the second ring (22), the surfaces (17a, 23a) being machined to allow the rotation of the second ring (22) on the main body (2) when torque greater than a predetermined value is applied to the former.