Ultrasonic Sensor Mount Geometry for Leak-Safe Flow Valve Integration

The patent combines the fluid flow meter and shut-off valve into a single integrated plumbing device. The housing contains both the ultrasonic sensor assembly for flow measurement and the shut-off valve mechanism within the same structural unit, eliminating the need for separate devices and their associated mechanical couplings. This integration directly addresses the contradiction by reducing the number of external connections (thereby reducing leak points) while consolidating the overall system footprint.

The housing structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for both the flow meter and shut-off valve, contains the fluid flow path, houses electronic components, and provides mounting surfaces for both sensing and valve actuation elements. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing system size while maintaining reliability.

The patent creates a specialized local environment within the housing where ultrasonic signals can propagate cleanly. The housing interior is designed with specific geometric features and material properties that favor direct signal transmission while suppressing multipath reflections. This localized optimization of the acoustic environment allows accurate measurement without the sensors directly interfering with the main fluid flow path.

The housing structure acts as an intermediary medium between the ultrasonic sensors and the fluid flow. Instead of placing sensors directly in the flow path, the housing provides a controlled acoustic pathway that mediates the ultrasonic signal transmission. This intermediary structure enables the sensors to measure flow characteristics indirectly through the housing walls or through controlled acoustic paths, maintaining accuracy while avoiding direct interference with fluid flow and eliminating multipath propagation issues.

While integrating multiple functions, the patent employs segmentation by creating distinct modular sections within the housing: a flow measurement section with ultrasonic sensors, a valve actuation section with the shut-off mechanism, and separate fluid flow channels. This internal segmentation allows each subsystem to be designed and assembled relatively independently, then combined into the final integrated device, reducing the overall complexity compared to a fully monolithic design.

The patent implements a nested structure where smaller functional components are housed within larger structural elements. For example, the ultrasonic sensors are mounted in dedicated recesses or compartments within the housing, the shut-off valve is integrated into the same housing structure, and electronic components are nested within allocated spaces. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components into a single device while maintaining organized, manageable complexity that simplifies assembly and installation.