Ultrasonic Fluid Speed Measurement Disturbance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic fluid meters face challenges in detecting disturbances that degrade measurements, distinguishing between anomalies and fraudulent activities, particularly due to limitations in existing non-intrusive designs and signal interference.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes emitting and receiving ultrasound signals to measure fluid speed, with additional detection stages to measure interfering signal levels, compare them to adjustable thresholds, and determine whether disturbances are anomalies or fraudulent attempts, using a processor to control transducers and perform detection tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-intrusive measurement device is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting interfering signals and adjusting the detection threshold before performing the actual fluid speed measurement. The method measures the interfering signal level, compares it to a threshold, and adjusts the threshold accordingly to prevent false detections or missed detections during the measurement process, thereby maintaining measurement precision in non-intrusive configurations.
2Reliability
If detection threshold is set to maximum, then reliability is improved by reducing false alarms, but measurement precision deteriorates due to missed detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection threshold adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold is dynamically modified based on the measured interfering signal level - when interference is high, the threshold is increased to reduce false alarms; when interference is low, the threshold is decreased to improve detection sensitivity. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the detection threshold parameter according to the interfering signal conditions. The method changes the threshold parameter from a fixed maximum value to a variable value that adapts to the environmental conditions, thereby maintaining both reliability and measurement precision across different operating conditions.
3Device complexity
If duct diameter is reduced, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to head loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the need for a large-diameter duct with an acoustic field-based measurement approach. The ultrasonic waves can propagate through the fluid in smaller ducts without significant head loss, as the measurement is based on acoustic signal travel time rather than mechanical flow obstruction. This substitutes a mechanical constraint (duct size) with an acoustic measurement principle.
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
Effectively detects disturbances and differentiates between anomalies and fraudulent activities, enhancing measurement accuracy and security by providing timely warnings and reducing signal interference impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound measurement signal is emitted into the duct to follow a path of defined length, the travel times taken by the ultrasound measurement signal to travel along the path of defined length both from upstream to downstream and from downstream to upstream are measured
Implementation Method 2
The first transducer 2a and the second transducer 2b are paired. By way of example, the first transducer 2a and the second transducer 2b are piezoelectric transducers.
Implementation Method 3
measuring an interfering ultrasound signal level present in the fluid; comparing the level of the interfering ultrasound signal with a current value of a detection threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring a speed of a fluid, comprising measurement phases and detection phases each carried out between two measurement phases, each detection phase comprising the steps of; measuring a spurious ultrasonic signal level; comparing the spurious ultrasonic signal level with a detection threshold capable of assuming a plurality of predefined values; if the measured spurious ultrasonic signal level is less than the detection threshold, reducing the detection threshold, and repeating the measurement step and the comparison step; when the measured spurious ultrasonic signal level becomes greater than or equal to the detection threshold, detecting a disturbance and, depending on the value of the detection threshold, determining if the disturbance originates from an anomaly or from attempted fraudulent activity.