Ultrasonic Flow Sensor Speed-of-Sound Tracking for Accurate Transit Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic flow sensors face challenges in accurately identifying peaks or zero-crossings in time-series waveforms due to gradual changes and external factors, leading to flow-measurement errors and limitations in fluid compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a processor to provide an excitation pulse pattern with varying pulse widths and voltage levels, applies pattern matching algorithms, and utilizes machine learning models to identify attributes like peaks or zero-crossings in time-series waveforms for precise transit time calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic pulse patterns are used for exciting piezoelectric sensors, then the ultrasonic signals can be transmitted and received, but the output waveform becomes gradually changing with several cycles making peak identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic excitation pulse patterns to stimulate the piezoelectric sensors, which generate periodic ultrasonic signals. The receiving sensor produces periodic waveforms that can be analyzed through correlation techniques. The periodic nature of the excitation allows for consistent signal characteristics that facilitate measurement when proper analysis methods are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs correlation analysis where the received waveform is compared against a reference waveform to identify corresponding features. This feedback mechanism allows the system to account for gradual changes in the waveform by continuously referencing the expected signal pattern, thereby maintaining accurate peak identification despite waveform variations.
2Productivity
If periodic pulse patterns are used for exciting piezoelectric sensors, then ultrasonic signals can be transmitted, but incorrect peaks may be identified leading to significant flow-measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The correlation analysis method provides feedback by continuously comparing the received waveform against the reference waveform. This allows the system to identify the correct peak position even when waveform amplitude or shape changes occur, preventing incorrect measurements and maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correlation analysis as an intermediary processing step between signal reception and peak identification. This intermediary technique transforms the complex waveform analysis problem into a simpler correlation calculation, which robustly identifies peak positions regardless of waveform variations or external factors.
3Ease of operation
If simple peak identification methods are used, then the system is simpler to operate, but the system has limitations in the type of fluid that can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The correlation analysis acts as an intermediary that bridges simple operation and fluid versatility. It requires only basic waveform input but provides robust performance across different fluid types by automatically adapting to waveform variations caused by different fluid properties, thus maintaining ease of operation while expanding fluid compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The correlation-based peak identification method is universally applicable to different fluid types. Unlike methods that require specific waveform characteristics, correlation analysis works with any waveform pattern, making the system versatile for measuring flow in various fluids while maintaining simple operation through automated analysis.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of flow measurements by correctly identifying transit times, reducing errors, and expanding the range of fluids compatible with ultrasonic flow sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric sensor or transducer arranged at an upstream position of the flow tube, and a second piezoelectric sensor or transducer arranged at a downstream position of the flow tube
Implementation Method 2
the transit time may be inversely proportional to a speed-of-sound of the ultrasonic signal in a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for speed-of-sound tracking in ultrasonic flow sensors. An example system includes an ultrasonic flow sensor and/or at least one processor. The ultrasonic flow sensor may include a flow tube, a first piezoelectric sensor/transducer, and/or a second piezoelectric sensor/transducer. The at least one processor may be configured to: provide an excitation pulse pattern including excitation pulses to the ultrasonic flow sensor to cause the ultrasonic flow sensor to transmit and receive at least one ultrasonic signal between the first and second piezoelectric sensors/transducers, the excitation pulses including different pulse widths and/or different voltage levels; receive, from the ultrasonic flow sensor, a time-series waveform that includes amplitudes of the at least one ultrasonic signal sampled at a plurality of time points; identify an attribute of the time-series waveform; and determine, based on the attribute, a transit time of the at least one ultrasonic signal.