Compact target flow meter

Abstract

A flow measurement device is provided. The flow measurement device comprising a rigid housing defining a flow channel having a channel input and a channel output, the flow channel being configured to allow a fluid medium to flow from the channel input to the channel output; a moving member hingeably mounted within the flow channel, and extending transverse to a direction of flow of the fluid medium, the moving member comprising a moving member magnet, the moving member operatively moving on exposure to a drag force resultant from fluid passing in the flow channel, where the moving member is formed from a flexible supporting structure forming a living hinge, the moving member magnet being coupled to the flexible supporting structure; a fixed magnet, provided at least proximal to a side-wall of the flow channel, the fixed magnet having like polarity with respect to moving member magnet, and being arranged to operatively exert a repulsive force on the moving member magnet thereby limiting its displacement proportionally to the magnitude of the drag force exerted by the fluid flow, so to linearise a relationship between a rate of flow of the fluid medium and moving member displacement; and a sensing element located relative to the moving member and configured to provide an output indicative movement of the moving member within the flow channel.