Ultrasonic Flow Meter Partition Plate Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic flow rate measuring devices face challenges in assembly complexity and accuracy due to the need for multiple components and the use of bonding agents, which can lead to increased costs and potential flow disturbances.

Innovation Solution

The device features a simplified assembly process where partition plates are inserted through an aperture, supported by insertion grooves, and covered by an ultrasound transmission body, allowing for efficient partitioning of the flow path without internal protrusions, enhancing measurement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If partition plates are retained in slits of side plates using bonding agents, then the partition plates are fixed in position, but the number of components increases and assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed position of partition platesVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition plate and side plate are merged into a single integrated component. The partition plate includes protrusions that fit into grooves formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates, eliminating the need for separate bonding agents and reducing the number of components while maintaining stable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Protrusions and grooves serve as intermediary mechanical features that enable direct engagement between the partition plate and side plates. This mechanical interlocking mechanism replaces chemical bonding, simplifying assembly while ensuring stable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If bonding agents are used to fix partition plates, then the partition plates are securely attached, but bonding agent overflows onto the flow path and generates flow disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of partition platesVSAvoidflow disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful bonding agent is completely removed from the system. Instead of using bonding agents that can overflow and disturb flow, the invention uses clean mechanical interlocking features (protrusions and grooves) that achieve secure attachment without introducing any harmful substances into the flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple slits and through-holes are provided in side plates for retaining partition plates, then the partition plates can be positioned at predetermined intervals, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepredetermined positioning of partition platesVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning features (grooves) and retaining features (protrusions) are combined into a single integrated mechanical interlocking system. This eliminates the need for separate slits, through-holes, and bonding operations, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining precise predetermined positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stability of the object's composition

If partition plates are bonded to side plates using bonding agents, then the components are fixed together, but assembly time increases resulting in cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed connection of componentsVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Chemical bonding is replaced with a purely mechanical interlocking system using protrusions and grooves. This substitution eliminates time-consuming bonding operations while maintaining stable fixed connections, significantly reducing assembly time and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration reduces assembly time and costs while maintaining high measurement accuracy by ensuring smooth flow paths and stable ultrasonic wave reflection, leading to improved workability and precision in fluid flow rate measurement.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasound transmission body 15 covering the aperture 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

an ultrasonic wave transmitted from one of the ultrasonic transducers 16, 17 through the ultrasound transmission body 15 is reflected by the bottom plate 7

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

an ultrasonic wave transmitted from one of the ultrasonic transducers 16, 17 through the ultrasound transmission body 15 is reflected by the bottom plate 7 and received by the other ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 4

a measurement circuit 22 that measures an ultrasonic propagation time between the ultrasonic transducers 16, 17

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP2639559B1Ultrasonic flow rate measuring device
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2639559B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639559B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2639559B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An ultrasonic flow rate measuring device includes a flow path, a partition plate that is inserted from an aperture to partition the flow path into plural sections, an ultrasound transmission body, plural ultrasonic transducers that are provided in 5positions facing a bottom plate such that an ultrasonic wave transmitted from one of the ultrasonic transducers through the ultrasound transmission body is reflected by the bottom plate and received by the other ultrasonic transducer, a measurement circuit that measures an ultrasonic propagation time between the plurality of the ultrasonic transducers; and a calculation circuit that obtains a flow rate of the target fluid based on 10a signal from the measurement circuit.