Ultrasonic Flow Rate Measurement Device With V-Shaped Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic flow rate measurement devices require modifications to the measurement flow path, coupling configurations of ultrasonic vibrators, and measurement circuits based on piping and installation sites, leading to inefficiency and increased development time and costs for securing measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic flow rate measurement device with a V-shaped propagation path for ultrasonic waves, including inlet-side rectification and outlet-side coupling parts, and a measurement circuit that measures the flow rate by determining the propagation time between ultrasonic vibrators, allowing for easy installation and reduced influence from surrounding configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic flow rate measurement devices are configured with modified measurement flow paths and coupling configurations to adapt to different piping and installation sites, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and development time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized measurement flow path configuration that can be used across different piping and installation scenarios. The flow path includes standardized coupling parts (inlet-side and outlet-side) that can adapt to various pipe types without requiring custom modifications, making the device universally applicable while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement flow path is segmented into standardized modular components including inlet-side coupling parts, outlet-side coupling parts, and intermediate flow path sections. This segmentation allows the device to be assembled in different configurations to suit various installation sites without redesigning the entire system, reducing complexity while preserving accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic flow rate measurement devices are customized for different piping and installation sites, then measurement accuracy is improved, but development time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevelopment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the measurement flow path with standardized coupling parts and flow path geometries that are optimized for measurement accuracy in advance. This preliminary standardization eliminates the need for time-consuming custom modifications during installation, as the device is already prepared to work with various piping configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized measurement flow path design serves multiple installation scenarios simultaneously, allowing a single device configuration to be deployed across different piping types and installation sites without requiring separate development cycles for each application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic flow rate measurement devices require modifications based on installation sites, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement flow path is divided into standardized manufactured segments including inlet coupling parts, outlet coupling parts, and intermediate sections. Each segment can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, then assembled to create the complete measurement device, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring consistent measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized measurement flow path components are designed to be universally manufacturable using common fabrication processes, eliminating the need for custom tooling or specialized manufacturing steps for different installation scenarios, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient and accurate flow rate measurement without the need for modifications, ensuring stability and versatility across various piping and installation configurations, thereby reducing development time and costs.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of ultrasonic vibrators (2, 3) which are disposed in directions such that a propagation path (5) of an ultrasonic wave forms a V-shape with respect to the measurement flow path (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

a measurement circuit (4) which measures a flow rate of the fluid to be measured by measuring a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave between the pair of ultrasonic vibrators (2, 3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP2639560B1Ultrasonic flow rate measurement device
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2639560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2639560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Ultrasonic flow rate measurement device (10) includes measurement flow path (1) in which a fluid to be measured flows, and a pair of ultrasonic vibrators (2, 3) that are disposed in directions such that a propagation path of an ultrasonic wave forms a V-shape relative to measurement flow path (1). Moreover, the device includes measurement circuit (4) which measures a flow rate of the fluid to be measured by measuring a propagation time of the ultrasonic wave between the pair of ultrasonic vibrators (2, 3), and inlet-side rectification part (6) which is disposed, in the inlet side of measurement flow path (1), to stabilize the flow of the fluid to be measured. Furthermore, the device includes outlet-side coupling part (7) which is disposed in the outlet side of measurement flow path (1), and signal lead-out part (8) which outputs a flow rate value measured with measurement circuit (4).