Vibration Sensor Coupling Elements for Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibration-type measuring transducers for flowable media in pipelines face challenges with mechanical robustness and immunity to interference, particularly due to direct exposure to vibrations and electrical interference, which affects measurement accuracy and mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an indirect transmission of energy through end-side coupling elements, using piezo-electric or piezo-resistive deformation bodies for effective excitation and detection of mechanical vibrations, allowing for a simpler, more robust structure with homogeneous mass distribution and reduced disturbance of transducer tube vibrations, eliminating the need for direct attachment of exciter or sensor components to the vibrating tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If exciter and sensor arrangements are directly attached to the vibrating transducer tube, then effective vibration excitation and detection is achieved, but mechanical robustness and immunity to interference deteriorate due to direct exposure to vibrations and electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling element that mechanically connects the exciter and sensor arrangements to the transducer tube without direct attachment. This coupling element acts as a mediator that transmits vibrations while isolating the sensitive electronic components from direct mechanical stress and electrical interference, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving mechanical robustness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measuring transducer into separate functional modules: the transducer tube assembly and the exciter/sensor arrangements are spatially separated and connected through coupling elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the tube for vibration transmission and the exciter/sensor for measurement - while reducing mutual interference and improving overall reliability
2Device complexity
If conventional direct attachment methods are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional components needed for interference protection
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a simple intermediary structure that simultaneously provides mechanical connection and electrical isolation. This single component approach maintains structural simplicity while effectively blocking harmful electrical interference from reaching sensitive components, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer protection systems
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 approach enhances measurement accuracy by minimizing interference and mechanical stress, improves the mechanical stability and cost-effectiveness of the transducer design, and allows for easier assembly and reduced electrical interference, leading to more reliable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
using piezo-electric or piezo-resistive deformation bodies for effective excitation and detection of mechanical vibrations
Implementation Method 2
using piezo-electric or piezo-resistive deformation bodies for effective excitation and detection of mechanical vibrations
Implementation Method 3
the at least one pick-up tube, the at least momentarily guided medium as well as at least partially formed by the exciter and the sensor arrangement internal vibration system of the measurement transducer by means of the electro-mechanical exciter arrangement at least temporarily in a useful vibration mode to mechanical vibrations at least one dominant useful oscillation frequency is excited
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The measuring sensor comprises: at least two sensor tubes (4, 5), mounted such as to be able to oscillate and at least partly vibrating when in operation, of which at least one sensor tube (4, 5), serving for the passage of at least a partial volume of the medium for measurement, communicates with the pipeline and at least one transducer element for the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy and/or vice versa. Both sensor tubes (4, 5) are mechanically coupled together by means of at least one coupling element on the inlet side and at least one coupling element on the outlet side such that both the inlet-side coupling elements and the outlet side coupling elements are subjected to repeated deformation during operation corresponding to vibrations of at least one of both sensor tubes (4, 5). The transducer element, in particular formed by a piezoelectric deformation body and at least one of the coupling elements are at least indirectly coupled for the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical vibrational energy or vice versa, such that the transducer element carries out at least proportional vibrational movements which correspond to the repeated deformations of at least one of said coupling elements.