Ultrasonic Flowmeter Casing for Compact Diagonal Transducer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound flowmeters with transducers oriented in a diagonal direction relative to the pipe have increased overall size and assembly constraints, making them difficult to mass produce and use at an industrial scale.
Innovation Solution
A flowmeter design featuring a casing with a main receptacle and orthogonal sleeves that house ultrasound transducers, allowing for compact assembly and fixation of components, using a packing material to secure and protect electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If transducers are oriented in a diagonal direction relative to the pipe, then measurement capability is improved, but overall size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the transducers inside the pipe wall cavity, utilizing the existing pipe volume to house the measurement components. The transducers are positioned within the wall thickness, allowing the diagonal orientation for accurate measurement while keeping the external dimensions compact. This nested arrangement eliminates the need for additional external housing that would increase overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional external transducer arrangement to an internal wall-mounted configuration, utilizing the radial dimension of the pipe wall. By orienting transducers diagonally within the wall cavity and using the pipe's own structural volume, the design achieves accurate measurement without extending the flowmeter's external footprint, effectively solving the size contradiction.
2Measurement precision
If transducers are oriented in a diagonal direction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but assembly constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe wall structure into distinct zones: an outer protective layer, an intermediate cavity space, and an inner transducer mounting area. This segmentation allows the diagonal transducer arrangement to be integrated systematically, with each segment serving a specific function in facilitating assembly while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a protective coating layer as an intermediary between the transducers and the pipe wall interior. This coating serves as a mediator that facilitates the diagonal orientation of transducers by providing a controlled surface for mounting, while also protecting the transducers from direct contact with the pipe wall, thereby simplifying assembly constraints.
3Measurement precision
If transducers are mounted through the pipe wall, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transducer mounting function with the pipe wall structure itself. By utilizing the pipe wall cavity as the mounting chamber and integrating the transducer support features directly into the wall structure, the design reduces the number of separate components. The protective coating and wall structure work as a unified system, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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
Facilitates the arrangement and fixation of flowmeter components, reduces overall size, and enables mass production compatible with industrial use, while providing reliability and resistance to environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Measuring a travel time of an ultrasound wave in a fluid by means of at least one ultrasound transducer enables deduction therefrom of the flowrate of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
the flowrate of a fluid is measured by the speed of propagation of an ultrasound wave in a fluid circulating in a pipe
Implementation Method 3
each of the first and second ultrasound transducers includes a piezoelectric plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a flowmeter including a pipe (2) and two ultrasound transducers mounted facing one another and oriented in a measurement direction at a non-zero angle less than 90° to a longitudinal axis of the pipe and including a casing (8) including a main receptacle (9) mounted on said pipe, a first sleeve (10) and a second sleeve (11) extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said pipe, projecting from a bottom of the main receptacle (9) and on either side of said pipe, each sleeve (10, 11) being configured so as to cover said first or second ultrasound transducer at least partly so as to delimit a receiving internal volume, the main internal volume of the main receptacle being in communication with said receiving internal volumes of said first and second ultrasound transducers.The invention also concerns a method of assembling a flowmeter of this kind.