Ultrasonic Flowmeter Layered Partition Plate Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic flowmeters face challenges in measuring flow rates with high accuracy due to variations in flow velocity ratios between measurement and non-measurement flow paths, which are influenced by factors like flow rate, temperature, and gas type, leading to errors and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The ultrasonic flowmeter divides the flow path into multiple layers, with ultrasonic sensors mounted to transmit and receive signals mainly in the measurement flow path, while openings are provided in all layers to maintain uniform flow conditions, reducing variations in flow velocity ratios and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the piezoelectric element size spans all layers to measure all layers, then measurement coverage is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is divided into multiple layers by partition plates, with each layer having its own opening. The ultrasonic sensor only needs to measure one layer (the measurement flow path), while other layers serve as non-measurement flow paths. This segmentation allows the piezoelectric element to be smaller and only span the measurement layer, reducing cost while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple layers are created where the measurement flow path serves the measurement function, while other layers serve as non-measurement flow paths that still contribute to overall flow measurement through their influence on the measurement layer. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve comprehensive flow measurement without requiring the sensor to span all layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If openings are provided only to part of the layers, then cost is reduced, but flow velocity ratio variations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidflow velocity ratio stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each layer is equipped with its own opening, creating local flow paths that are consistent throughout the system. This local quality ensures that flow conditions are uniform across all layers, preventing variations in flow velocity ratios that would otherwise occur if only some layers had openings. The consistent local structure maintains measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If all layers are measured, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor size and structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the flow path into multiple layers but only measures one layer directly with the ultrasonic sensor. The other layers are measured indirectly through their hydraulic connection to the measurement layer. This segmentation reduces device complexity by avoiding the need for multiple sensors or a large sensor that spans all layers, while still achieving accurate flow rate measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration allows for accurate measurement of flow rates by minimizing variations in flow velocity ratios between measurement and non-measurement flow paths, while reducing the size and cost of the piezoelectric elements and ultrasonic sensors.

Implementation Method 1

ultrasonic signals are propagated to a part of or all of layers of the multi-layer flow path to measure a flow rate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

ultrasonic sensor 105 includes piezoelectric element 106

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a flow rate of a fluid to be measured is calculated based on a propagation time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP3851811B1Ultrasonic flowmeter

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

An ultrasonic flowmeter includes flow path (1) that has a rectangular cross section and through which a fluid to be measured flows, and partition plate (8) that divides flow path (1) into measurement flow path (12) and non-measurement flow paths (13a, 13b). In addition, the ultrasonic flowmeter includes a pair of ultrasonic sensors that are arranged upstream and downstream of a surface forming flow path (1) and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals, and a flow rate calculator that detects a flow rate of the fluid to be measured based on a propagation time. The ultrasonic flowmeter includes openings (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e, 14f) that connect measurement flow path (12), non-measurement flow paths (13a, 13b), and a space where the ultrasonic sensors is located, and the ultrasonic sensors mainly propagate ultrasonic waves only to measurement flow path (12) through openings (14b, 14e).