Vibratory Sensor Dual-Input Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art vibratory sensors face challenges in accurately measuring fluid properties due to limited dynamic range, which leads to errors in amplitude and frequency measurements, particularly when dealing with signals of small amplitude, and require complex gain switching and phase compensation across multiple gain stages.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory sensor design that includes a gain stage to generate a saturated square-wave vibration signal, allowing separate measurement of vibration signal frequency and amplitude using distinct input channels, eliminating the need for multiple gain stages and simplifying phase compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gain stage is used to amplify the vibration signal, then the dynamic range of the signal processor is extended, but the measurement precision of vibration signal amplitude deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into two separate input channels: one channel processes the amplified vibration signal for frequency measurement, while the other channel processes the original unamplified signal for amplitude measurement. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific measurement task, resolving the contradiction between dynamic range extension and amplitude measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gain stages are used to handle large dynamic range, then the adaptability to different signal levels is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the amplitude measurement function from the amplified signal path and places it in a separate input channel that receives the original unamplified signal. This eliminates the need for complex gain switching circuitry and phase compensation mechanisms, while still maintaining the ability to handle large dynamic ranges through the amplified channel for frequency measurements.
3Productivity
If gain switching is implemented to match signal amplitude to processor range, then the productivity of measurements is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to nonlinearity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into two parallel paths: one for frequency measurement using the amplified signal, and another for amplitude measurement using the original signal. This eliminates the need for dynamic gain switching and associated nonlinearity, while maintaining high measurement productivity through efficient parallel processing of both signal types.
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 enables accurate and stable measurement of fluid properties by optimizing sensitivity for both amplitude and frequency across a wide dynamic range, reducing measurement errors and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element coupled to the vibratory element and the drive circuit, with the piezoelectric element generating a vibration signal in response to vibration of the vibratory element
Data Source
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AI summary
A vibratory sensor (5) includes a vibratory element (104) configured to generate a vibration signal and a meter electronics (20) coupled to the vibratory element (104) and receiving the vibration signal, with the meter electronics (20) including a gain stage (150) coupled to the vibratory element (104) and receiving the vibration signal, with the gain stage (150) amplifying the vibration signal by a predetermined gain to generate a saturated vibration signal, and a signal processor (156) coupled to the gain stage (150), with a first input (161) of the signal processor (156) receiving the saturated vibration signal and determining a vibration signal frequency from the saturated vibration signal and with a second input (162) of the signal processor (156) receiving the vibration signal and determining a vibration signal amplitude from the vibration signal.