Ultrasonic Fluid Flow Meter Template Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rising global population and limited water resources lead to challenges in developing new real estate due to water shortages, necessitating efficient water management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow meter and water manifold with integrated flow sensors that measure fluid velocity using ultrasonic signals, providing real-time water usage data for efficient resource allocation and conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic signal transmission is used to measure fluid velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for transducers and signal processing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement systems with ultrasonic signal transmission and digital signal processing. Instead of using mechanical turbines or impellers that physically interact with the fluid, the system uses transducers to send ultrasonic signals through the fluid and processes the returned signals to determine velocity, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ultrasonic signals as an intermediary medium to measure fluid velocity. Rather than directly measuring fluid flow mechanically, the system uses ultrasonic waves as a mediator that interact with the fluid to carry information about velocity, which is then extracted through signal processing techniques.
2Measurement precision
If template matching with multiple templates is used to determine velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores multiple templates representing different velocity conditions before actual measurement. By having these templates ready in advance, the system can quickly compare incoming signals against the pre-prepared templates without performing complex calculations in real-time, thus reducing processing time while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (templates) of expected signal patterns for different velocity conditions and stores them for comparison. Instead of performing complex real-time analysis, the system compares incoming signals against these pre-made copies, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accurate velocity estimation through template matching.
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
Enables accurate water usage monitoring, reduces waste, and promotes conservation by providing real-time data and analytics, allowing for informed decision-making and reduced water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes a first transducer to transmit the ultrasonic signal through the fluid flowing through the lumen
Implementation Method 2
a second transducer to receive a reflected, scattered, or transmitted copy of the ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 3
transmit the ultrasonic signal through the fluid flowing through the lumen
Implementation Method 4
receive a reflected, scattered, or transmitted copy of the ultrasonic signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow meter estimates the velocity of water or another fluid flowing through pipe by comparing measurements of the water velocity to one or more pre-determined templates. The fluid flow meter may collect measurement signals from one or more flow sensors, estimate the fluid velocity or flow rate by comparing the measurement signals to the template, and either store the comparison results in local memory, transmit the results to a remote memory or server, or both. In some embodiments, the fluid flow meter transmits the results to a server via a wireless interface. The transducers and processing system can be powered by a battery, a power line, or, for manifolds installed outdoors, a solar cell. Example transducers and processing systems may also have a passive wake-up feature for power reduction; that is, they may only draw power when water or another fluid flows through the pipe.