Ultrasonic Flow Rate Measuring Device Reference Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow rate measuring devices using ultrasonic transducers face accuracy issues when fluid flow stability is lost, leading to large variations in signal amplitude, which can result in erroneous detection of zero cross points and subsequent flow rate measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A flow rate measuring device that adjusts the reference voltage based on the calculated flow speed or flow rate to stabilize the detection of zero cross points, even when the amplitude of the received signal changes significantly, by setting the reference voltage to a point where the changing amount of the amplitude is minimal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the reference voltage is set to the center point between the peak voltages of the third and fourth waveforms to stabilize zero cross point detection under normal flow conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved under stable flow, but measurement accuracy degrades when flow stability is lost and signal amplitude varies largely
Solution Approach 1:
The reference voltage is made dynamically adjustable based on the detected flow rate. When flow stability is lost and signal amplitude varies largely, the reference voltage is shifted from the center point between third and fourth waveforms to the center point between second and third waveforms, adapting the detection reference to current flow conditions to maintain measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reference voltage parameter based on flow conditions. By detecting flow rate and comparing it against reference values, the system adjusts the reference voltage setting accordingly - using different reference voltage positions (center between 3rd-4th waveforms for stable flow, center between 2nd-3rd waveforms for unstable flow) to maintain accurate zero cross point detection across varying flow conditions
2Measurement precision
If the gain of the amplifying means is adjusted to keep the maximum voltage of the received signal within a predetermined voltage range, then signal amplitude is stabilized, but the system cannot adequately handle large amplitude variations caused by lost flow stability
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring the flow rate and using this information to adjust the reference voltage setting. When flow stability is detected to be lost, the feedback mechanism triggers a shift in reference voltage position, allowing the system to adapt to large amplitude variations while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage parameter is changed based on flow conditions. The system detects flow rate and adjusts the reference voltage position accordingly - shifting from the center between third and fourth waveforms to the center between second and third waveforms when flow stability is lost, enabling the system to handle large amplitude variations
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 approach allows for accurate measurement of flow rates even during unstable fluid flow conditions by ensuring stable detection of zero cross points, thereby improving the overall measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic transducer 22 and a second ultrasonic transducer 23 disposed in a flow path 21 flowing fluid therethrough
Implementation Method 2
the clock means 30 measures a time required for the repetition means 29 to count the preset number
Data Source
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AI summary
When a flow rate is equal to or more than a reference flow rate, a reference voltage is changed to a level capable of measuring stably to thereby realize the improvement of measurement accuracy at the time of a large amount of flow rate. A flow rate determination means 14 compares a flow rate calculated by a flow rate calculation means 11 with the reference flow rate. When the calculated flow rate is larger than the reference flow rate, the reference voltage set by a reference voltage setting means 13 is changed, whereby the zero cross point can be detected stably at the portion where the degree of the influence of the change in the amplitude of the received signal is small. Thus, it is possible to provide a flow rate measuring device capable of measuring a flow rate stably with high accuracy even when a fluid flow is disturbed due to a large amount of flow rate.