Vibration Transducer Coupler Slot Frequency Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting the natural frequencies of measuring transducers are costly and result in geometric deviations from ideal shapes, leading to imbalances and inaccuracies in measuring tube arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A measuring transducer with a tube arrangement connected by coupler elements featuring slots and a connecting mechanism that adjusts the natural frequencies by forming a fixation zone within the slots, allowing precise adjustment without permanent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If plastic deformation or overpressure methods are used to adjust natural frequencies, then the natural frequency can be changed, but geometric deviations from ideal shapes occur leading to imbalances and inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural frequency adjustment precisionVSAvoidmeasuring tube geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler element is divided into a body portion and a slot portion, allowing the slot to be independently adjusted relative to the tube arrangement without deforming the tubes themselves. This segmentation enables frequency adjustment while preserving tube geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slot in the coupler element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tubes and the adjustment process. By moving the slot or adjusting its position, the natural frequency is changed without directly deforming the measuring tubes, thus avoiding geometric deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If existing adjustment methods are used, then natural frequency can be modified, but production costs increase due to costly procedures and permanent deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenatural frequency settingVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The slot is designed to be movable or adjustable within the coupler element body, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the natural frequency to be adjusted after assembly without permanent deformation, reducing manufacturing costs and improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position or orientation of the slot within the coupler element can be changed to adjust the natural frequency of the tube arrangement. This parameter change approach allows flexible frequency tuning without costly permanent deformation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coupler element is made rigid to maintain tube arrangement stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability to adjust natural frequencies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetube arrangement stabilityVSAvoidnatural frequency adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler element is segmented into a stable body portion and an adjustable slot portion. This allows the overall structure to remain stable while the slot can be moved or adjusted to change natural frequencies, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slot is designed with dynamic adjustment capability within the rigid coupler body. The slot can be repositioned or its orientation changed to adjust frequencies, while the coupler element itself maintains its structural stability and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise adjustment of natural frequencies in measuring transducers, minimizing imbalances and maintaining the ideal geometry of the measuring tubes, thus enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing production costs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one slot (251) with a maximum slot width (B) and a maximum slot length (L) which is greater than the maximum slot width (B) is formed in a region extending between the first and second tube (11, 12) of the at least two tubes (11, 12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2834603B1Vibration type measuring transducer
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • EP2834603B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2834603B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2834603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The measuring transducer is used to generate vibration signals corresponding to parameters of a flowing medium, that is to say for example a mass flow rate, a density and/or a viscosity, and comprises a measuring transducer housing with a housing end (100+) and with a housing end (100#) as well as a tube arrangement which extends inside the measuring transducer housing from the housing end (100+) to the housing end (100#) thereof and is formed using at least two tubes (11, 12). Of the two tubes, at least the tube (11) is in the form of a measuring tube used to guide flowing medium and the tube (12) is mechanically connected to the tube (11) so as to form an inlet-side coupling zone (11+, 12+) using a coupler element (25) and so as to form an outlet-side coupling zone (11#, 12#) using a coupler element (26). In a region extending between the tubes (11, 12), at least the coupler element (25) has a slot (251) having at least one closed end and having a maximum slot width (B) and a maximum slot length (L) greater than the maximum slot width (B) as well as a connecting element (252) which is partially placed inside the slot and makes contact with a slot edge surrounding said slot.