Turbine Wheel Flow Meter for Low Rate Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow sensors fail to accurately measure and control fluid flow rates below approximately 10 milliliters per minute due to insufficient energy for turbine wheel rotation and susceptibility to obstructions from suspended particles, especially at low flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter with a turbine wheel having semi-circular openings that rotates within a fluid receiving chamber, allowing for accurate measurement and control of fluid flow rates as low as 4-5 milliliters per minute, utilizing a monitoring mechanism to track rotation and a flow control valve to adjust flow rates, featuring a reduced turbine wheel size and lightweight materials for enhanced sensitivity and reduced surface tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow sensors are used, then measurement is possible at higher flow rates, but measurement accuracy deteriorates at low flow rates below 10 mL/min
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the turbine wheel by reducing its size and mass, and by modifying the blade geometry (narrower, longer blades). These parameter changes enable the turbine to rotate accurately at low flow rates while maintaining measurement precision across a wide flow rate range from 4-5 mL/min to 100 mL/min
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine wheel is segmented with multiple blades arranged radially, each blade designed with specific geometric parameters. This segmentation allows the turbine to respond to low flow rates while maintaining rotational stability and measurement accuracy across the full operating range
2Measurement precision
If smaller flow orifices are used for low flow measurement, then flow measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to obstruction from suspended particles worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical differential pressure orifice system with a turbine-based flow sensing mechanism. The turbine wheel with optimized blade geometry detects flow through rotational movement rather than pressure differential, eliminating the obstruction problem associated with small orifices while maintaining accurate low flow measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine blade parameters (narrower width, increased length, optimized angle) are specifically designed to enhance sensitivity to low flow rates without requiring small orifices, thereby avoiding particle obstruction issues while maintaining measurement precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger turbine wheels are used, then rotational stability is improved, but sensitivity to low flow rates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the turbine wheel parameters by reducing overall size and mass while increasing blade length and narrowing blade width. These parameter changes create a turbine that is sufficiently light to rotate at low flow rates yet maintains rotational stability through proper geometric design, achieving sensitivity at 4-5 mL/min while保持稳定 operation
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine blade geometry is designed with dynamic characteristics optimized for low flow detection. The narrower, longer blades create appropriate moment arms and rotational dynamics that enable stable rotation even at very low flow rates, balancing sensitivity and stability through dynamic design rather than static size alone
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 repeatable and consistent measurement and control of fluid flow rates from 4-5 to 100 milliliters per minute with improved linearity and repeatability, effectively addressing the limitations of prior technologies by reducing bubble attachment and viscous adhesive effects.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine wheel is mounted for rotational movement within the flow receiving chamber. The turbine wheel has a plurality of semi-circular openings formed at spaced positions about an outer peripheral portion, and the openings extend laterally through the turbine wheel. The openings are successively positioned adjacent the flow inlet as the turbine wheel rotates in response to fluid passage into the flow receiving chamber.
Implementation Method 2
A monitoring mechanism monitors the rotation of the turbine wheel in response to the passage of the low flow rate fluid through the receiving chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine wheel flow measuring transducer located in a fluid receiving chamber is provided for measuring low flow rates of fluids, whether liquids, gases, or mixtures, and in controlling the fluid flow rates. The transducer is in the form of a small diameter turbine wheel having a plurality of semi-circular lateral openings in its outer periphery. The openings are sequentially presented to the incoming fluid into the chamber and the turbine wheel rotates according to the fluid flow rate. Measuring and controlling of fluid flow rates as low as 4-5 milliliters per minute and as high as 100 milliliters per minute is permitted.