Sampling probe flow sensor
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A flow sensor comprising:
- a probe body having a flow entrance opening aligned with an axis and a first flow exit opening offset from the axis, the exit opening being connected to the entrance opening by a first arcuate passageway partially bounded by an outer wall generally characterized by a first curvature and an inner wall generally characterized by a second curvature greater than the first curvature, said probe body further having a first sampling port in the inner wall of said first arcuate passageway; and
detector means connected to the first sampling port, said detector means including a flow detector subject to impact damage from contaminants suspended in the fluid whose flow is to be sensed, the first arcuate passageway creating centrifugal force which tends to carry the contaminants away from the sampling port.
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Abstract
A mass air flow sensor having a probe body defining a first arcuate passageway connecting a flow entrance opening aligned with an axis and a flow exit opening offset from the axis so that contaminants suspended in fluid flowing through the first passageway are driven by centrifugal force toward the outer wall thereof. A second passageway is connected to a sampling port in the inner wall of the first passageway, and has located therein a flow detector of the type having a thin film heater and at least one thin film heat sensor spaced from the heater along the direction of flow.
26 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A flow sensor comprising:
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a probe body having a flow entrance opening aligned with an axis and a first flow exit opening offset from the axis, the exit opening being connected to the entrance opening by a first arcuate passageway partially bounded by an outer wall generally characterized by a first curvature and an inner wall generally characterized by a second curvature greater than the first curvature, said probe body further having a first sampling port in the inner wall of said first arcuate passageway; and detector means connected to the first sampling port, said detector means including a flow detector subject to impact damage from contaminants suspended in the fluid whose flow is to be sensed, the first arcuate passageway creating centrifugal force which tends to carry the contaminants away from the sampling port. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of protecting a fragile flow sensor from impact damage from contaminants suspended in a fluid whose flow is being sensed, comprising the steps of:
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forming a first arcuate passageway having a flow entrance opening and a first flow exit opening, the first arcuate passageway being partially bounded by an outer wall generally characterized b a first curvature and an inner wall generally characterized by a second curvature greater than the first curvature; forming a second arcuate passageway connecting a first sampling port in the inner wall of the first passageway; and mounting the flow sensor in the second passageway. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification