Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Layout for Tight Pipe Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow sensors in irrigation systems require significant distances from flow diversions or obstructions to avoid turbulence, limiting the compactness and configuration options of flow control systems.
Innovation Solution
A flow system with a flow sensor positioned closer to flow diversions or obstructions than previously thought possible, using ultrasonic flow sensors and a controller with calibration values to accurately measure fluid velocity and control fluid distribution, allowing for more compact and versatile system designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow sensors are positioned at least ten pipe diameters upstream and five pipe diameters downstream from flow diversions or obstructions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional flow sensors to ultrasonic flow sensors, which operate on different measurement principles (acoustic wave propagation) that are less sensitive to turbulence. This parameter change in sensor type and measurement method enables accurate flow measurement at reduced distances from flow diversions and obstructions, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and space requirements
2Length of stationary object
If flow sensors are positioned closer to flow diversions or obstructions, then device complexity and space requirements are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electromagnetic flow sensors with ultrasonic flow sensors that use acoustic wave propagation through the fluid. This substitution of the sensing mechanism with a different physical principle (acoustics) enables measurement in turbulent flow conditions closer to diversions and obstructions, maintaining measurement precision while reducing installation space requirements
3Reliability
If conventional flow sensors are used with standard spacing requirements, then measurement reliability is improved, but adaptability of system configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental measurement parameter approach by using ultrasonic acoustic wave propagation instead of conventional sensing methods. This parameter change enables the system to maintain reliable measurements while adapting to various configurations with reduced spacing requirements, thereby improving both reliability and configurational adaptability simultaneously
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 measurement and control of fluid flow with reduced distances to flow diversions or obstructions, enabling more compact and varied configurations of flow control systems.
Implementation Method 1
using ultrasonic flow sensors and a controller with calibration values to accurately measure fluid velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A flow system includes a flow sensor, a first pipe configured to transport fluid from an upstream fluid source to the flow sensor, and a second pipe configured to transport fluid from the flow sensor to a downstream fluid distributor. Proximate the flow sensor, the first pipe has a first interior diameter and the second pipe has a second interior diameter. The flow system further includes at least one of the following: a flow diversion or flow obstruction positioned between the flow sensor and the upstream fluid source a distance or length from the flow sensor that is less than ten times the first interior diameter of the first pipe and/or a flow diversion or flow obstruction positioned between the flow sensor and the downstream fluid distributor a distance or length from the flow sensor that is less than five times the second interior diameter of the second pipe.