Ultrasonic Flow Meter Temperature Sensing via Oscillation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow rate measurement devices experience turbulence and distorted density distribution in fluids due to temperature sensing means, hindering uniform ultrasonic wave transmission and correct measurement of propagation time.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device that uses a pair of ultrasonic transducers to measure propagation time and calculates flow volume, with a temperature sensing block that utilizes frequency changes of an oscillation circuit component to sense temperature, eliminating the need for a thermistor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a thermistor is disposed in the measurement flow path for temperature sensing, then temperature measurement is enabled, but turbulence occurs in the fluid and density distribution is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the measurement flow path by using a thermistor mounted on the outer surface of the flow path. This removes the disturbance caused by the thermistor being in the fluid while still enabling temperature measurement through thermal conduction from the fluid to the thermistor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the flow path wall as a thermal conductor. The thermistor measures temperature through the wall material, which acts as a mediator between the fluid and the sensing element, eliminating direct contact while maintaining thermal measurement capability.
2Temperature
If a thermistor is disposed in the measurement flow path, then temperature sensing is achieved, but uniform transmission and receipt of ultrasonic waves is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the thermistor from the fluid environment and mounts it on the outer surface of the flow path. This extraction eliminates the obstruction and turbulence caused by the thermistor in the fluid, ensuring uniform ultrasonic wave transmission while maintaining temperature sensing capability through thermal conduction.
3Temperature
If a thermistor is disposed in the measurement flow path, then temperature measurement is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the flow path structure multi-functional by using it both as the fluid conduit and as a mounting structure for the thermistor. The flow path wall serves dual purposes: guiding the fluid and providing a stable mounting surface for temperature sensing, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 temperature sensing and flow rate measurement without disturbing the fluid, reducing costs and preventing turbulence, enabling precise ultrasonic flow rate measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of ultrasonic transducers that are disposed in the flow volume measurement block and that transmit ultrasonic waves from one of the pair of ultrasonic transducers and receive the ultrasonic waves by the other of the pair of ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensing block for sensing a temperature by measuring a characteristic of a component that has a temperature characteristic and that makes up the propagation time measurement block or the flow volume computing block
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device capable of sensing and correcting a temperature without use of a sensor specifically designed for measuring a temperature is provided. The ultrasonic flow rate measurement device includes a first ultrasonic transducer and a second ultrasonic transducer that re disposed in a flow volume measurement block and arranged in such a way that ultrasonic waves are transmitted from one transducer and received by the other transducer; a counter for measuring a propagation time consumed for exchanging the ultrasonic waves between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducers; a flow volume computing block that calculates a flow volume from a measurement value of the counter; an oscillation circuit used as a time counter when the counter calculates the propagation time; and a temperature sensing block for sensing a temperature by utilization of a frequency change attributable to a temperature of the oscillation circuit.