Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Fitting for Piping Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp-on ultrasonic flow sensors require labor-intensive and time-consuming adjustments to ensure proper positioning of sensor units for accurate signal transmission, which complicates the attachment process and reduces user friendliness.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a fitting system with position regulating portions and arm portions that guide the relative positioning of sensor units along the piping, allowing for easy alignment and attachment by fixing the fittings to the piping, thereby simplifying the positioning of ultrasonic flow sensor units in V-shaped and Z-shaped arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning and adjustment of sensor units is performed to ensure adequate distance and alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is pre-designed with built-in positioning features including distance marks indicating adequate spacing between sensor units, and guide portions that automatically align the fittings during installation. These preliminary structural arrangements eliminate the need for manual measurement and adjustment during installation, while ensuring proper sensor positioning for accurate signal transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting acts as an intermediary device between the sensor units and the piping. It provides a standardized interface with pre-defined geometric relationships, including guide portions that mediate the alignment process and distance marks that mediate the spacing determination, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning and adjustment of sensor units is performed to ensure adequate distance and alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed to perform positioning and alignment functions automatically through its structural features. The guide portions self-align during installation, and the distance marks automatically indicate correct spacing without requiring operator intervention or expertise in ultrasonic flow measurement principles. The system essentially positions itself
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting serves as an intermediary that translates complex positioning requirements into simple visual and mechanical guides. It mediates between the user and the precise positioning requirements by providing intuitive distance marks and self-aligning guide portions, making the installation process user-friendly while maintaining measurement accuracy
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 enables quick and accurate positioning of sensor units, reducing installation time and improving user convenience by automating the alignment process, ensuring reliable signal transmission and flow rate calculations.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic device that performs at least one of transmission of ultrasonic waves to a fluid flowing in piping and reception of ultrasonic waves from the fluid flowing in the piping
Data Source
AI summary
To position first and second sensor units easily at adequate positions simply by an operation for fixing a fitting to given piping. A first fitting for a first sensor unit and a second fitting for a second sensor unit are provided. The first and second fittings include a pair of arm portions configured to regulate relative position between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in a circumferential direction of the piping, and a guide portion formed at least on the arm portions, and configured to guide relative positioning between the first fitting and the second fitting in an axial direction of the piping according to a diameter of the piping.