Ultrasonic Flow Meter Phase Comparator Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow measuring devices are not cost-effective for low fluid flow speed measurements and often require high electrical power consumption, making them unsuitable for battery-powered operation in various applications.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs first, second, and third ultrasonic transducers arranged to receive ultrasonic waves, with a phase comparator circuit to determine the velocity component of a fluid flow, enabling measurement of fluid flow speed and direction using low-cost transducers and low electrical power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional fluid flow measuring devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but cost and power consumption are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow measurement capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or high-power electronic flow sensors with an ultrasonic measurement system. The ultrasonic transducers emit sound waves through the fluid, and the phase shift of these waves is used to determine flow velocity. This substitution eliminates the need for moving parts and high-power consumption electronics, achieving both accurate measurement and low power consumption suitable for battery-operated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures flow by detecting changes in the phase parameter of ultrasonic waves as they propagate through the moving fluid. By monitoring the phase shift between transmitted and received ultrasonic signals, the system derives flow velocity information. This parameter-based measurement approach enables accurate flow detection with minimal energy expenditure compared to traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional fluid flow measuring devices are used, then measurement capability is provided, but device cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive ultrasonic transducers that can be manufactured at low cost using standard piezoelectric materials and PCB mounting techniques. These transducers replace expensive specialized flow sensors, making the overall device cost-effective while maintaining measurement accuracy. The simplicity of the transducer design and standard component usage enables economical manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing complex mechanical flow measurement mechanisms with simple ultrasonic phase detection, the patent eliminates the need for precision-machined components, moving parts, and complex calibration systems. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If low-cost transducers are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy for low fluid flow speeds deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice costVSAvoidlow fluid flow speed measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic ultrasonic wave transmission through the fluid at known frequencies. By measuring the phase shift of these periodic waves over multiple cycles, the system achieves high measurement resolution even with simple transducers. The periodic nature of the ultrasonic signals allows for precise phase detection that can resolve very small flow velocities, overcoming the limitations of low-cost transducer components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 solution allows for accurate measurement of fluid flow speed and direction while reducing costs and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including anemometry and ventilation monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

first, second and third ultrasonic transducers. The second and third ultrasonic transducers are arranged to receive an ultrasonic wave from the first ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

a circuit comprising a phase comparator arranged to compare first and second signals obtained from the second and third ultrasonic transducers respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shift detection: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250027800A1Fluid flow measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

AI summary

Apparatus (1) for measuring fluid flow is disclosed. The apparatus comprises first, second and third ultrasonic transducers (8), the second and third ultrasonic transducers arranged to receive an ultrasonic wave (13) from the first ultrasonic transducer, wherein the second and third ultrasonic transducers are spaced apart by a given distance. The apparatus further comprises a circuit (6) comprising a phase comparator (21) arranged to compare first and second signals (20) from the second and third ultrasonic transducers.