Guide element for hydraulic fluid

Abstract

The guide element for the hydraulic fluid includes a first end face, a second end face, and an outer surface connecting the first end face to the second end face. The first end face includes a first chamfered opening. The second end face includes a second opening in fluid communication with the first opening and defining a longitudinal bore including a tapered section. The first chamfered opening and the tapered section are configured to guide the hydraulic fluid to promote a transformation of a turbulent flow of the hydraulic fluid to a laminar flow of the hydraulic fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to particle sensor assemblies, for example, guide elements for working fluids.

Background Art

[0002] Working fluids are important components of many mobile and stationary machines. For example, working fluids can be used as lubricants or to facilitate power transmission and / or heat transfer within a system. However, over time, due to the entry of external sources such as dust or sand, or internal sources such as wear of gears, bearings, and pumps, solid particles accumulate in hydraulic systems, which can cause damage or performance degradation in some systems. To monitor contamination in the working fluid, a sensor assembly may be utilized in the system, but this can be cumbersome, expensive, and may have limited applicability.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,940,333 issued to Pawliszyn on July 10, 1990, discloses a detector for measuring concentration gradients in a sample. The detector includes a sample chamber, a light source configured such that a probe light beam passes through the sample chamber, means for detecting the position of the probe light beam exiting the sample chamber, and means for periodically supplying excitation energy to the sample chamber such that a preselected compound, if present in the chamber, is absorbed by the preselected compound. Thus, if the preselected compound is present, it absorbs the excitation energy and generates a temperature gradient in the sample by a photothermal process that substantially corresponds to the concentration gradient of that chemical substance in the sample. This temperature gradient forms a refractive index gradient and is also detected by the probe light beam passing through the sample chamber.

[0004] The particle sensor assembly of the present disclosure solves one or more of the above problems and / or other problems in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] In some embodiments, the guide element for the working fluid includes a first end face, a second end face, and an outer surface connecting the first end face to the second end face, the first end face including a first chamfered opening and at least one notch, and the second end face including a second opening that fluid-communicates with the first opening and defines a longitudinal bore including a tapered section, the first chamfered opening, at least one notch, and the tapered section being configured to guide the working fluid to facilitate the conversion of turbulent working fluid to laminar working fluid.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid guide element includes a first end face, a second end face, and an outer surface connecting the first end face to the second end face, the first end face including a first opening, the second end face including a second opening that fluid-communicates with the first opening and defines a longitudinal bore, the longitudinal bore including a frustoconical section configured to reduce turbulence of the fluid flowing therein, and the outer surface being at least partially threaded along its length.

[0007] In some embodiments, the guide element for the working fluid includes a first end face, a second end face, and an outer surface connecting the first end face to the second end face, the first end face including a first opening and a plurality of notches eccentrically positioned with respect to the first opening, the second end face including a second opening that fluid-communicates with the first opening and defines a longitudinal bore including a tapered section, the plurality of notches and tapered section being configured to guide the working fluid and facilitate the conversion of turbulent working fluid to laminar working fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a fluid monitoring system including a particle sensor assembly. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a particle sensor assembly. [Figure 3] This is an isometric view of the particle sensor assembly. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the guide element of a particle sensor assembly. [Figure 5] This is an isometric view of the guide element. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of an in-line particle sensor assembly. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a particle sensor assembly with a kidney loop configuration. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid particle sensor assembly. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] This disclosure relates to a particle sensor assembly applicable to any system containing a translucent fluid. For example, the fluid may be a working fluid (e.g., mineral oil, water glycol, phosphate ester) or another type of fluid. The system may be implemented in machinery such as automobiles, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, tractors, or other types of machinery.

[0010] To simplify the following explanation, the same symbols may be used to represent similar features. Drawings may not be to scale.

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid monitoring system 100 including a fluid source 102 and a particle sensor assembly 104. The fluid source 102 functions as a source of working fluid that passes through the particle sensor assembly 104. For example, the fluid source 102 may be a reservoir, pipe, manifold, transmission, filter base, or another type of enclosure having a first hole 106 and a second hole 108. To monitor the amount of debris particles (e.g., dust, sand, or other types of particles) inside it, the fluid source 102 is attached to the particle sensor assembly 104, which will be described later in relation to Figures 2-3. As indicated by the arrows, the working fluid may pass through the first hole 106, travel along the path through the particle sensor assembly 104, and then re-enter the fluid source 102 through the second hole 108.

[0012] Figure 1 shows a typical fluid path (e.g., from the fluid source 102 through the particle sensor assembly 104 back to the fluid source 102) and should be understood as not intended to show how the particle sensor assembly 104 is configured and / or how it is attached to the fluid source 102. Depending on space constraints or other factors, the particle sensor assembly 104 may form different configurations, thereby changing the shape and / or length of the path. Examples of different configurations are described in relation to Figures 6-8.

[0013] As stated above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from the example shown in Figure 1. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown in Figure 1. Therefore, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, and / or components in different arrangements compared to what is shown in Figure 1.

[0014] Figures 2 and 3 show the particle sensor assembly 104. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the particle sensor assembly 104. Figure 3 is an isometric view of the particle sensor assembly 104.

[0015] The particle sensor assembly 104 includes a housing 202, a particle sensor 204, a first guide element 206, a second guide element 208, a cover 210, and a base plate 212. The housing 202, which may be manufactured from a single, one-piece material (e.g., steel), includes a first end face 214, a second end face 216, a top face 218, and a bottom face 220. The first end face 214 includes a first end opening 222. The second end face 216, opposite the first end face 214, includes a second end opening 224 that communicates with the first end opening 222 and defines a longitudinal bore 226. The longitudinal bore 226 may be at least partially threaded or may be configured to receive the first guide element 206 and the second guide element 208. The upper surface 218 connects the first end surface 214 to the second end surface 216 and includes an upper opening 228. The bottom surface 220, opposite the upper surface 218, includes a first bottom opening 230, a second bottom opening 232, and a third bottom opening 234. The first bottom opening 230 communicates with a first intersecting bore 236 that intersects the longitudinal bore 226. The second bottom opening 232 communicates with a second intersecting bore 238 that intersects the longitudinal bore 226. The third bottom opening 234, located between the first bottom opening 230 and the second bottom opening 232, communicates with the upper opening 228 and defines a detection chamber 240 for the particle sensor 204. The detection chamber 240 intersects the longitudinal bore 226. The first intersecting bore 236, the second intersecting bore 238, and the detection chamber 240 may intersect the longitudinal bore 226 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Other intersection angles are also possible.

[0016] To accommodate one or more modular components, the first end opening 222, the second end opening 224, the first bottom opening 230, and the second bottom opening 232 may be tapered, as described below in relation to Figures 6-8. For example, one or more of the first end opening 222, the second end opening 224, the first bottom opening 230, and the second bottom opening 232 may form counterbores. Additionally or alternatively, the first cross bore 236 and the second cross bore 238 may be at least partially threaded or configured to accommodate one or more modular components. Similarly, the upper opening 228 and the third bottom opening 234 may form counterbores for accommodating the particle sensor 204 and the base plate 212 components, respectively.

[0017] The particle sensor 204 is an optical sensor comprising a light source 242, a detector 244, and a transparent tube 246 positioned between them. The light source 242 may include, for example, a light-emitting diode fixed within the upper opening 228 of the housing 202. The detector 244 may include, for example, a photodiode positioned within the detection chamber 240 to process the pattern of light passing from the light source 242 through the transparent tube 246. The transparent tube 246, which defines a passage 256 for the working fluid, is concentrically arranged within the longitudinal bore 226, extends across the detection chamber 240, and receives light from the light source 242. The transparent tube 246 may be formed of glass or other type of transparent material. An electrical cable 258 allows the particle sensor 204 to transmit information from the detector 244 to the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical cable 258 may supply power to the particle sensor 204. Other power sources, such as batteries and / or solar panels, may also be possible.

[0018] The first guide element 206 and the second guide element 208 are arranged concentrically within the longitudinal bore 226 on both sides of the transparent tube 246. The first guide element 206 has a first longitudinal bore 260, and the second guide element 208 has a second longitudinal bore 262. The first longitudinal bore 260 and the second longitudinal bore 262 are in fluid communication with the passage 256 of the transparent tube 246, thereby allowing the working fluid to pass through. As will be described below in relation to Figures 3 and 4, the first guide element 206 and the second guide element 208 are constructed and arranged to facilitate the conversion of the working fluid from turbulent to laminar flow.

[0019] The cover 210 is positioned over the upper opening 228 to protect the light source 242 and to connect the electrical cable 258 to the particle sensor 204. The base plate 212 is secured within a third bottom opening 234 of the bottom surface 220 to protect the detector 244. In other words, the cover 210 and the base plate 212 surround the particle sensor 204 within the detection chamber 240. The cover 210 and the base plate 212 may be secured to the housing 202 via bolts or other types of fasteners (e.g., screws, clips, and / or similar).

[0020] The particle sensor assembly 104 has a width ranging from approximately 50 mm to approximately 100 mm, a height ranging from approximately 50 mm to approximately 100 mm, and a length ranging from approximately 100 mm to approximately 200 mm, to enclose the particle sensor 204, the first guide element 206, and the second guide element 208. The longitudinal bore 226 has a diameter ranging from approximately 12 mm to approximately 15 mm and a length ranging from approximately 100 mm to approximately 200 mm, to secure the first guide element 206, the second guide element 208, and the transparent tube 246 between them. The diameters of the first cross bore 236 and / or the second cross bore 238 may be less than or equal to the diameter of the longitudinal bore 226. Other dimensions are also possible.

[0021] As described above, FIGS. 2-3 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those described in FIGS. 2-3. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thus, compared to what is shown in FIGS. 2-3, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components of different arrangements. For example, to simplify manufacturing and / or reduce costs, the particle sensor assembly 104 may include only one of the first guide element 206 or the second guide element 208.

[0022] FIGS. 4-5 are views of the first guide element 206. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide element 206. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the first guide element 206. It should be understood that the first guide element 206 is substantially the same as the second guide element 208 to allow the working fluid to flow in either direction through the longitudinal bore 226.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the first guide element 206 includes a first end face 402, a second end face 404, and an outer surface 406 connecting the first end face 402 to the second end face 404. The first guide element 206 may be formed from a single piece of integral material (e.g., steel). The first end face 402 includes a first opening 408. The first opening 408 may be chamfered to reduce turbulence of the working fluid passing therethrough. The second end face 404 opposite the first end face 402 includes a second opening 412 that communicates with the first opening 408 and forms a first longitudinal bore 260.

[0024] The first longitudinal bore 260 includes a first cylindrical section 414, a second cylindrical section 416, a frustoconical section 418, and a third cylindrical section 420. The first cylindrical section 414 is adjacent to the first opening 408, and the second cylindrical section 416 is adjacent to the second opening 412. The frustoconical section 418 is adjacent to the first cylindrical section 414 and is configured to reduce turbulence of the working fluid passing through it. The third cylindrical section 420 is located between the frustoconical section 418 and the second cylindrical section 416. The frustoconical section 418 tapers such that the diameter of the first cylindrical section 414 is greater than the diameter of the third cylindrical section 420. For example, the diameter of the first cylindrical section 414 may be in the range of about 8 mm to about 9 mm. The diameter of the third cylindrical section 420 may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 5 mm. The second cylindrical section 416 is made to a size that can accommodate the end of the transparent tube 246 (for example, by a friction fit clamped between the first guide element 206 and the second guide element 208, or by another type of mounting). For example, the diameter of the second cylindrical section 416 may be about 8 mm to about 9 mm.

[0025] Furthermore, the first cylindrical section 414, the second cylindrical section 416, the frustoconical section 418, and the third cylindrical section 420 of the first longitudinal bore 260 have lengths configured to ensure that the working fluid flows into the transparent tube 246 in a laminar flow state at a flow rate ranging from about 1.5 liters per minute (l / min) to about 5 liters per minute. By ensuring that the working fluid flows into the transparent tube 246 in a laminar flow state at the aforementioned flow rates, the first longitudinal bore 260 enhances the accuracy of the detector 244. For example, the first cylindrical section 414 may have a length ranging from about 7 mm to about 10 mm. The second cylindrical section 416 may have a length ranging from about 5 mm to about 7 mm. The frustoconical section 418 may have a length ranging from about 4 mm to about 7 mm. The third cylindrical section 420 may have a length ranging from about 20 to about 25 mm.

[0026] The outer surface 406 of the first guide element 206 includes a head portion 422, a shank portion 424, and an end portion 426. The shank portion 424 may be threaded to secure the first guide element 206 to the longitudinal bore 226 with screws. The head portion 422 has a larger diameter than the shank portion 424. For example, the diameter of the head portion 422 corresponding to the diameter of the first end face 402 may be in the range of about 14 mm to about 15 mm. The diameter of the shank portion 424 may be in the range of about 12 mm to about 14 mm. To ensure that the first guide element 206 is securely installed in the transparent tube 246 within the longitudinal bore 226, the end portion 426 has a smaller diameter than the shank portion 424. For example, the diameter of the end portion 426 corresponding to the diameter of the second end face 404 may be in the range of about 11 mm to about 12 mm. It should be understood that the longitudinal bore 226 has corresponding dimensions.

[0027] As described above, Figures 4 and 5 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown in Figures 4 and 5. Therefore, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components in different arrangements compared to those shown in Figures 4 and 5. For example, the sizes of the first guide element 206 and the second guide element 208 (and correspondingly the housing 202) may be proportionally increased or decreased. Therefore, as an example, the length of the first cylindrical section 414 may be about 20% of the total length of the first guide element 206, the length of the second cylindrical section 416 may be about 15%, the length of the frustoconical section 418 may be about 12%, and the length of the third cylindrical section 420 may be about 53%. As a further example, the diameter of the first cylindrical section 414 may be approximately 60% of the diameter of the shank portion 424, the diameter of the second cylindrical section 416 may be approximately 61%, and the diameter of the third cylindrical section 420 may be approximately 34%. In such an example, the diameter of the frustoconical section 418 decreases from approximately 60% to approximately 34% of the diameter of the shank portion 424.

[0028] Figures 6-8 show particle sensor assemblies 104 in different configurations. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of particle sensor assembly 104 in an inline configuration 600. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of particle sensor assembly 104 in a kidney loop configuration 700. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of particle sensor assembly 104 in a hybrid configuration 800.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6, the inline configuration 600 of the particle sensor assembly 104 includes a first end plug 602 and a second end plug 604. To restrict the path of the working fluid within the particle sensor assembly 104, the first end plug 602 is removably fixed in a first end opening 222 of the longitudinal bore 226, and the second end plug 604 is removably fixed in a second end opening 224 of the longitudinal bore 226. For example, the first end plug 602 and the second end plug 604 may be fixed in the longitudinal bore 226 by screws, or by friction fitting, snap-fit, or other types of mounting.

[0030] During use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be attached to or otherwise fixed to the fluid source 102 such that the first bottom opening 230 is aligned with the first hole 106 and the second bottom opening 232 is aligned with the second hole 108. When the particle sensor assembly 104 is fixed to the fluid source 102 in this manner, the working fluid inside can flow along the first cross bore 236 and enter the longitudinal bore 226. Turbulence may occur in the working fluid because the direction of flow changes at the intersection of the first cross bore 236 and the longitudinal bore 226. The working fluid comes into contact with and passes through the first guide element 206, but the turbulence of the working fluid may be reduced by the first guide element 206, making the flow substantially laminar when the working fluid enters the transparent tube 246. For example, the working fluid may have a flow rate ranging from approximately 1.5 liters / minute (l / min) to approximately 5 liters / minute as it moves through the transparent tube 246. When the light source 242 is turned on, light passes from the light source 242 through the transparent tube 246 and the working fluid. Because the debris particles in the working fluid tend to be opaque, the debris particles may cast a shadow on a detector 244 configured to process the light pattern to determine the amount of debris particles in the working fluid. The detector 244 may transmit information to a user interface via an electrical cable 258 (for example, to warn the operator or to shut down the hydraulic system). After the working fluid exits the transparent tube 246, it can move along the second guide element 208 and the second cross bore 238 and re-enter the fluid source 102 through the second hole 108.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the kidney loop configuration 700 of the particle sensor assembly 104 includes a first bottom plug 702, a second bottom plug 704, a first hose 706 (partially shown), and a second hose 708 (partially shown). The first hose 706 includes a first hose connector 710 at each end, and the second hose 708 includes a second hose connector 712 at each end. To restrict the path of the working fluid within the particle sensor assembly 104, the first bottom plug 702 is removably fixed in a first bottom opening 230 of a first cross bore 236, and the second bottom plug 704 is removably fixed in a second bottom opening 232 of a second cross bore 238. To extend the length of the working fluid path outside the fluid source 102 (for example, to dissipate heat, to reduce flow rate), the first hose 706 is connected to the first end opening 222 of the housing 202 via one of the first hose connectors 710, and the second hose 708 is connected to the second end opening 224 via one of the second hose connectors 712. The first bottom plug 702, the second bottom plug 704, the first hose connector 710, and the second hose connector 712, as well as the first end plug 602 and the second end plug 604, may be secured by screws, or by friction fitting, snap-fit, or other types of mounting.

[0032] When in use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be attached to the fluid source 102 such that one of the opposing first hose connectors 710 is attached to the first hole 106 and one of the opposing second hose connectors 712 is attached to the second hole 108. Once the particle sensor assembly 104 is thus secured to the fluid source 102, the working fluid inside it can move along the first hose 706, the longitudinal bore 226, and the first guide element 206 to enter the transparent tube 246. The flow rate of the working fluid passing through the transparent tube 246 may be within the range described above. When the light source 242 is turned on, light from the light source 242 passes through the transparent tube 246 and the working fluid. Because the debris particles in the working fluid tend to be opaque, the debris particles may cast shadows on the detector 244, which is configured to process the light pattern and transmit information related to the light pattern, as described above. After the working fluid exits the transparent tube 246, it moves along the second guide element 208 and the second hose 708, and can re-enter the fluid source 102 through the second hole 108.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, the hybrid configuration 800 of the particle sensor assembly 104 is a combination of the inline configuration 600 and the kidney loop configuration 700. In particular, the hybrid configuration 800 may include a first bottom plug 702, a first hose 706, and a second end plug 604. To restrict the path of the working fluid within the particle sensor assembly 104, the first bottom plug 702 is removably fixed in the first bottom opening, and the second end plug 604 is removably fixed in the second end opening. To extend the length of the working fluid path outside the fluid source 102, the first hose 706 is connected to the first end opening 222 of the housing 202 via one of the first hose connectors 710.

[0034] When in use, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be attached to the fluid source 102 such that one of the opposing first hose connectors 710 is attached to the first hole 106 and the second bottom opening 232 is aligned with the second hole 108. Once the particle sensor assembly 104 is thus fixed to the fluid source 102, the working fluid inside can pass along the first hose 706 and the first guide element 206 and enter the transparent tube 246. The flow rate of the working fluid passing through the transparent tube 246 may be within the range described above. As described above, light from the light source 242 passes through the transparent tube 246 and the working fluid and is processed by the detector 244. After the working fluid leaves the transparent tube 246, it can move along the second guide element 208 and the second cross bore 238 and re-enter the fluid source 102 through the second hole 108.

[0035] As described above, Figures 6 to 8 are provided as examples. Other examples may differ from those shown in Figures 6 to 8. For example, the number and arrangement of components may differ from those shown in Figures 6 to 8. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, components of different shapes, components of different sizes, and / or components in different arrangements compared to those shown in Figures 6 to 8. For example, the working fluid may flow in the opposite direction through the particle sensor assembly 104. In a further example, the particle sensor assembly 104 may be unidirectional. In such an example, the second guide element 208 may be omitted or structurally different from the first guide element 206 (for example, having a non-tapered bore instead of a tapered bore).

[0036] Industrial applicability The particle sensor assembly 104 of this disclosure is applicable to any system containing a translucent fluid. For example, the fluid may be a working fluid (e.g., mineral oil, water glycol, phosphate ester) or another type of fluid. The system may be implemented in machinery such as automobiles, bulldozers, cranes, excavators, tractors, or other types of machinery.

[0037] The compact size of the particle sensor assembly 104 gives the particle sensor assembly 104 of this disclosure significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility of application. Such versatility is further enhanced by the modularity of the particle sensor assembly 104. For example, depending on spatial constraints, environmental conditions, and / or other factors, the particle sensor assembly 104 can be fixed to a fluid source 102 in an in-line configuration 600, a kidney loop configuration 700, or a hybrid configuration 800. The turbulence reduction features of the first guide element 206 and / or the second guide element 208 (e.g., the chamfered shape of the first opening 408, the frustoconical section 418, etc.) increase the likelihood that the working fluid will enter the transparent tube 246 in a laminar flow state at a flow rate ranging from about 1.5 liters / min to about 5 liters / min. As a result, the first guide element 206 and / or the second guide element 208 can improve the accuracy of the detector 244 and therefore be more effective in protecting the system. Furthermore, the particle sensor assembly 104, due to its modularity, reduces inventory costs associated with auxiliary hardware and simplifies the installation process.

[0038] The above disclosures are illustrative and explanatory, but are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and changes may be made based on the above disclosures, or modifications and changes may be derived from the practice of embodiments. Furthermore, any embodiments described herein can be combined unless there is an express reason in the above disclosures that one or more embodiments cannot be combined. Certain combinations of features, even if described in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, are not intended to limit the disclosure of various embodiments. Each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, but the disclosure of various embodiments includes each dependent claim that can be combined with all other claims in the claim set.

[0039] As used herein, “one,” “one,” and “one set” are intended to include one or more things and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the article “relevant” is intended to include one or more things cited in combination with the article “relevant” and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Furthermore, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based on at least partially” unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive when used in a series and may be used interchangeably with “and / or” unless otherwise specified (for example, when used in combination with “any” or “only one”). Furthermore, to facilitate the explanation herein, spatially relative terms such as “below,” “down,” “above,” and “up” may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to include different directions of equipment, apparatus and / or elements in use or operation, in addition to the directions shown in the figures. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

Claims

1. A guide element (206, 208) for a particle sensor assembly, It includes a first end face (402), a second end face (404), and an outer surface (406) connecting the first end face (402) to the second end face (404), The first end face (402) includes a first chamfered opening (408), The second end face (404) is in fluid communication with the first chamfered opening (408) and includes a second opening (412) that defines a longitudinal bore (260) including a tapered section (418). The first chamfered opening (408) and the tapered section (418) are configured to guide the working fluid and promote the conversion of the turbulent flow of the working fluid to a laminar flow, The outer surface (406) includes a head portion (422) adjacent to the first end face (402) and a shank portion (424) adjacent to the second end face (404). The head portion (422) has a first diameter that is larger than the second diameter of the shank portion (424), and The shank portion (424) is threaded. Guide elements (206, 208).

2. The longitudinal bore (260) further includes a first linear section (414) adjacent to the first chamfered opening (408) and a second linear section (416) adjacent to the second opening (412), The guide element (206, 208) according to claim 1, wherein the tapered section (418) is located between the first linear section (414) and the second linear section (416).

3. The guide element (206, 208) according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes a third linear section (420) located between the tapered section (418) and the second linear section (416), and the first diameter of the first linear section (414) and the second diameter of the second linear section (416) are greater than the third diameter of the third linear section (420).

4. Guide elements (206, 208) for a particle sensor assembly, It includes a first end face (402), a second end face (404), and an outer surface (406) connecting the first end face (402) to the second end face (406), The first end face (402) includes a first opening (408), The second end face (404) includes a second opening (412) that is in fluid communication with the first opening (408) and defines a longitudinal bore (260), The longitudinal bore (260) includes a frustoconical section (418) configured to reduce turbulence of the fluid flowing therein. The outer surface (406) is provided with guide elements (206, 208) that are at least partially threaded along its length.

5. The guide element (206, 208) according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) is shaped and sized to reduce the flow rate of the fluid to a range of about 1.5 liters / min to about 5 liters / min.

6. The longitudinal bore (260) is further, The first cylindrical section (416) adjacent to the second opening (412), It includes a second cylindrical section (420) located between the frustoconical section (418) and the first cylindrical section (416), The guide elements (206, 208) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the first cylindrical section (416) has a first diameter that is larger than the second diameter of the second cylindrical section (420).

7. The first diameter is within a first range of approximately 8 millimeters to approximately 9 millimeters. The guide elements (206, 208) according to claim 6, wherein the second diameter is in a second range of about 4 millimeters to about 5 millimeters.

8. The guide element (206, 208) according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal bore (260) further includes a cylindrical section (414) extending from the first opening (408) to the frustoconical section (418).

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