Vortex Flow Meter Piezo Element State Verification Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex flow meters face challenges in reliably verifying the state and connection of the piezo element, which affects measurement quality.
Innovation Solution
A vortex flow meter design that includes a sensor device with a paddle, sensor main body, and piezo element, where the piezo element is charged and discharged to generate a measurement signal that provides information about its state and connection, using an electronic operating circuit with operational amplifiers and capacitors to process the signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a piezo element is used to detect deformations of the sensor main body, then measurement quality is improved, but verification of the device state becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the piezo element with a test voltage before actual measurement to verify its functionality. The electronic operating circuit performs a pre-check by applying a known voltage and measuring the resulting charge, allowing detection of connection issues before they affect measurement quality. This preliminary verification step ensures the piezo element is functioning correctly without interfering with subsequent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing mechanism using a capacitor and electronic operating circuit that mediates between the piezo element and the measurement system. This intermediary circuit allows indirect verification of the piezo element's state by measuring charge characteristics without directly interfering with the measurement path, thus maintaining both measurement precision and verification reliability.
2Device complexity
If the piezo element connection and state are not verified, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the verification function with the existing electronic operating circuit by integrating a capacitor and switch mechanism into the current circuit architecture. The same circuit that processes measurement signals also performs verification by applying test voltages and measuring charge characteristics. This merging approach adds verification capability without requiring separate complex verification hardware, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic operating circuit is designed with multi-functionality, serving both measurement processing and verification purposes. The circuit can operate in measurement mode (amplifying and processing sensor signals) and verification mode (charging and discharging the piezo element to check its state). This universal design eliminates the need for separate verification systems, keeping the device simple while ensuring reliable operation.
3Reliability
If a verification method using charging and discharging of the piezo element is implemented, then device state verification is improved, but additional circuit components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The verification circuit components (capacitor, switch) are merged with the existing electronic operating circuit architecture. The capacitor used for verification can be the same capacitor used for signal conditioning in measurement mode, and the switch mechanism is integrated into the existing circuit control logic. This merging reduces the net increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable verification capability.
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 allows for simple and robust verification of the device state, enhancing measurement reliability and accuracy by effectively detecting the state of the piezo element and its electrical and mechanical connections.
Implementation Method 1
the piezo element is arranged on a rear side of the sensor main body facing away from the measuring tube and is designed to detect deformations of the sensor main body caused by deflections of the paddle and to convert them into an electrical measurement signal
Implementation Method 2
the measuring circuit has an operational amplifier with an inverting input, a non-inverting input, and an output, and a first capacitor, wherein the first capacitor forms a feedback between the output and the inverting input or the non-inverting input
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex flow meter comprises a measuring tube; a bluff body arranged in the measuring tube; a sensor device, having a paddle, a sensor main body and a piezo element, and an electronic operating circuit. The electronic operating circuit has a measuring circuit comprising an operational amplifier and a capacitor. The first capacitor forms a feedback between the output and the measurement input, wherein the reference input can be supplied with a first reference voltage. The measurement circuit has a first switch, wherein the electronic operating circuit is designed to connect the piezo element via the first switch to the measurement input of the operational amplifier and to charge it with a first charging voltage by means of a second switch position. The electronic operating circuit derives an information relating to a state of the piezo element from a discharge process of the piezo element.