Ultrasonic Flow Meter Assembly With Wall-Integrated Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow meters with transducers mounted in a diagonal direction relative to the pipeline face challenges in assembly reliability, electrical connection robustness, and increased footprint, making large-scale manufacturing difficult.
Innovation Solution
A flow meter design with ultrasonic transducers mounted opposite each other through the pipe wall, using conduits within the pipe wall for electrical connections and filling material to embed the transducers and electronic card, ensuring sealing and robustness, and a method for easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transducers are mounted in a diagonal direction relative to the pipeline, then the flow rate can be measured, but the footprint of the flow meter becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a diagonal mounting configuration (requiring lateral space) to an axial mounting configuration where transducers are positioned on opposite sides of the pipeline along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the measurement function to be maintained while significantly reducing the lateral footprint of the device.
2Measurement precision
If transducers are mounted in a diagonal direction relative to the pipeline, then the flow rate can be measured, but the assembly reliability and electrical connection robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the electrical connection pathways directly into the pipeline wall structure through conduits. This merging of the connection function into the structural element eliminates separate external connection components, thereby improving both assembly reliability and electrical connection robustness while maintaining the measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If transducers are mounted in a diagonal direction relative to the pipeline, then the flow rate can be measured, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow meter into modular components: the pipeline wall with integrated conduits, the transducer mounting structures on opposite sides, and the electronic card. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, and then assembled together, significantly improving ease of manufacture compared to a monolithic diagonal mounting design.
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
Facilitates easy assembly, enhances reliability of electrical connections, reduces footprint, and allows large-scale manufacturing with improved sealing and durability in aggressive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a filling material chosen from a group formed by thermosetting resins, said filling material at least partially filling said internal receiving volume of said first ultrasonic transducer, said internal receiving volume of said second ultrasonic transducer, said first conduit and said second conduit, said filling material further at least partially filling said internal receiving volume of said electronic card
Implementation Method 2
Measuring the travel time of an ultrasonic wave in a fluid using at least one ultrasonic transducer allows the fluid flow rate to be deduced
Implementation Method 3
Measuring the travel time of an ultrasonic wave in a fluid using at least one ultrasonic transducer allows the fluid flow rate to be deduced
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flow meter comprising: - a pipe (2) for measuring the flow rate of a fluid, said pipe extending along a longitudinal axis (10, 110); - a first ultrasonic transducer (36, 37) and a second ultrasonic transducer (46, 47) facing each other with respect to a wall of said pipe; - a first housing (30) and a second housing (40) each delimiting an internal volume for respectively receiving said first and second ultrasound transducers; at least one electronic card (65); - a main receptacle (6) for receiving said electronic card; - a first duct (50) and a second duct connecting the internal volume for receiving said electronic card to the internal volume for receiving said first transducer and said second transducer, each duct being provided within the wall of said pipe. The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a flow meter.