Ultrasonic Flow Meter Coupling Piece Reduces Cross Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow measurement techniques face challenges such as intrusive probes disrupting flow, damage from fluid pressure and temperature, limited measurement paths, and complex transducer designs, especially when measuring non-axially symmetrical flow profiles and high-frequency liquids.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with an ultrasonic transducer attached to the conduit wall from the outside, featuring a coupling piece with a smaller cross-section than the oscillating body, allowing the oscillating body to couple with the conduit wall as a membrane, enabling a compact design with wide radiation characteristics and non-diametrical measurement paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic transducer projects into the conduit with direct contact to the fluid, then the measurement precision is improved, but the flow is disturbed and the transducer is exposed to damage from fluid pressure and temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the conduit wall as an intermediary medium to transmit ultrasonic signals between the transducer and the fluid. The transducer is mounted on the outer surface of the conduit wall, which acts as a coupling medium, allowing indirect contact with the fluid while maintaining measurement capability and protecting the transducer from harmful fluid conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the clamp-on technique is used with ultrasonic transducers fastened to the conduit from the outside, then the transducer is protected from fluid damage, but only diametrical measurement paths can be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a local pocket in the conduit wall with reduced thickness specifically at the transducer mounting location. This localized modification allows the transducer to be integrated into the wall structure, enabling flexible measurement path orientations (including non-diametrical paths) while maintaining protection from fluid damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasonic transducer is integrated into the wall with a pocket of smaller wall thickness, then non-diametrical measurement paths are enabled, but a relatively complicated multi-part transducer design is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling piece and the pocket structure into a single integrated component that is formed as one piece with the conduit wall. This integration simplifies the overall design by eliminating separate coupling components and reduces assembly steps, making the transducer suitable for mass production while maintaining the capability for flexible measurement paths.
4Illumination intensity
If the radiating surface of the ultrasonic transducer is kept large, then the radiation characteristics are improved, but the transducer cannot operate at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent decouples the dimensions of the oscillating body from the radiating surface area by introducing a coupling piece with smaller cross-section. The oscillating body can maintain its functional size for high-frequency operation, while the effective radiating surface is determined by the coupling piece's dimensions, allowing independent optimization of both frequency and radiation characteristics.
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 design achieves high measuring accuracy with minimal disruption to the flow, supports wide radiation characteristics, and allows for simple, cost-effective mass production with a stable and efficient sound transmission, suitable for both gases and liquids.
Implementation Method 1
An electric signal is, for example, converted into ultrasound, and vice versa, with its aid on the basis of the piezoelectric effect
Implementation Method 2
An oscillating body 34, which is formed from a piezoelectric material in this respect, that is to say from a material that can convert an electric signal into an oscillation or into ultrasound
Implementation Method 3
A coupling piece 36 whose cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the oscillating body 34 is arranged between the membrane and the oscillating body
Implementation Method 4
The resulting time of flight difference is calculated using geometrical parameters to form a mean flow speed of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The flow speed of a fluid (12) flowing in a conduit (14) is measured using at least one ultrasonic transducer (18a-b) that is attached to the conduit wall (22) from the outside The transducer (18a-b) has an oscillating body (34) that couples to a part region (32) of the conduit wall (22) that acts as a membrane of the ultrasonic transducer (18a-b) that can vibrate. A coupling piece (36) whose cross-section is smaller than the cross-section of the oscillating body (34) is arranged between the membrane (32) and the oscillating body (34).