Variable Alpha Exponential Smoothing for Flow Sensor Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow sensing devices face challenges in accurately measuring flow rates due to turbulent flow noise, which introduces noise in the output signal, especially near null conditions, leading to reduced accuracy and increased response time when attempting to filter out noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus with a flow sensing component and a controller component that applies an exponential smoothing function with a variable alpha value to condition the output signal, particularly at null conditions, and performs compensation operations, thereby reducing noise without degrading response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional noise filtering methods are applied to flow sensing output signals, then noise is reduced, but response time is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic filtering where the filter strength or type changes based on operating conditions. The system dynamically adjusts between no filtering, light filtering, and heavy filtering modes based on whether the device is at null conditions, low flow conditions, or high flow conditions, thereby optimizing both noise reduction and response time for each operating regime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes filtering parameters (filter strength, filter type) based on the operating point of the flow sensor. At null conditions where noise is most problematic, heavy filtering is applied. At higher flow rates where the signal dominates, less filtering is applied to preserve response time. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between noise reduction and response time preservation
2Measurement precision
If heavy filtering is applied at null conditions, then noise is significantly reduced, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different filtering qualities to different operating conditions. Heavy filtering is applied locally at null conditions where noise is most problematic, while lighter or no filtering is applied at higher flow rates where the signal is stronger. This localized application of filtering quality reduces noise where needed without compromising measurement accuracy where the signal is sufficient
3Speed
If no filtering is applied, then response time is maintained, but noise in output signal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between no filtering (to maintain response time) and heavy filtering (to reduce noise) based on the operating conditions. At high flow rates, no filtering is applied to preserve response time. At null conditions, heavy filtering is applied to reduce noise. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining response speed and reducing harmful noise
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses and systems for providing dehumidification providing dehumidification for gas detecting components are disclosed herein. An example apparatus may comprise: a flow sensing component configured to detect a flow rate associated with a flowing media in a flow channel of the apparatus; and a controller component in electronic communication with the flow sensing component that is configured to receive a flow rate indication from the flow sensing component, and in response to determining that the flow rate indication satisfies a null condition threshold, apply an exponential smoothing function with a variable alpha value to condition an output signal of the apparatus.