Ultrasound Flow Meter Capsule with Nested Insert for Compact Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasound flow meters face challenges in achieving accurate and repeatable flow measurements due to flow deflections and pressure losses, which result in compactness and accuracy trade-offs, especially when using single connection points for fluid redirection.
Innovation Solution
The ultrasound flow meter capsule design incorporates a housing and insert with a measuring channel and ribs that guide fluid flow linearly and symmetrically, rectifying uneven flow distributions and reducing pressure losses, allowing for precise measurements regardless of rotational orientation during mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the measuring section length is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is placed inside the housing cavity, with the measuring channel nested within the outer flow channel structure. This nested arrangement allows the measuring section to be contained within a compact external envelope, achieving accurate flow measurements without increasing the overall capsule volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is arranged to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently within the capsule. The outer flow channel and measuring channel are configured in different spatial dimensions and orientations, allowing sufficient measuring section length to be achieved within a compact volume by optimizing the spatial arrangement rather than simply extending the linear path.
2Device complexity
If conventional single connection point design is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but flow resistance increases due to multiple deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into distinct sections: an outer flow channel for bulk flow and a separate measuring channel for measurement. This segmentation allows the flow to be guided smoothly through the turning section with minimal deflections, reducing pressure losses while maintaining a relatively simple single connection point structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary structure between the inlet and outlet, providing the turning section that smoothly redirects flow from the outer flow channel into the measuring channel. This intermediary structure minimizes flow disturbances and pressure losses that would otherwise occur with abrupt directional changes.
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 design ensures increased symmetry and repeatability of fluid flow, leading to improved measurement accuracy and compactness, while maintaining ease and cost-effectiveness in manufacturing for mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the propagation speed of sound waves in a fluid medium depends on their relative speed
Implementation Method 2
Based on the measured propagation speed of the ultrasonic waves, the velocity of the fluid medium along the measurement path and thus the flow through the measuring device can be determined
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an ultrasound flow meter capsule comprising a housing and an insert. The housing comprises an internal cavity having an open end and a closed end, and the insert may be arranged in the internal cavity of the housing and arranged to form an outer flow channel with a channel inlet at the cavity open end, a turning section at the cavity closed end and a measuring channel with a channel outlet. The internal cavity and the insert are configured to provide an intended flow direction from the channel inlet, via the outer flow channel, via the turning section, and via the measuring channel, to the channel. The ultrasound flow meter capsule may be arranged for mounting in standardized base parts and configured to be operational regardless of rotational orientation when mounted.