Adapter Device for Direct Sensor Contact on Pharmaceutical Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening devices for sensor devices on pharmaceutical fluid conduits, particularly those made of deformable silicone tubing, are unsuitable for precise flow measurement due to deformation issues and the presence of intermediate elements, leading to inaccurate calibration and cleaning challenges in pharmaceutical environments.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device comprising a first and second adapter part with sensor receptacles and a fluid conduit receptacle, allowing direct contact of sensor parts with the conduit without intermediate elements, ensuring a defined pressing force and precise measurement, and accommodating conduits of different diameters through adaptable designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fastening devices are used to attach sensor parts to pharmaceutical tubing, then the sensor device can be mounted on the fluid conduit, but the deformable tubing causes deformation issues and intermediate elements lead to inaccurate calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes intermediate elements (fastening devices, adhesives, etc.) from between the sensor contact elements and the fluid conduit. The adapter device creates a direct mechanical connection where sensor parts contact the conduit surface directly, eliminating sources of deformation and calibration error while maintaining easy mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device itself serves as an intermediary structure that enables direct contact between sensor parts and the conduit. It provides a mounting mechanism (clamping arms, adjustment means) that secures the sensor assembly to the conduit while allowing the contact elements to touch the conduit surface without intermediate fastening elements.
2Ease of operation
If conventional fastening devices with intermediate elements are used, then mounting is simplified, but cleaning becomes challenging in pharmaceutical environments
Solution Approach 1:
By removing intermediate fastening elements (adhesives, clips, seals) from the contact path, the patent creates a cleaner interface between sensor and conduit. The adapter device structure allows for easier cleaning validation and compliance with pharmaceutical hygiene requirements while maintaining simple mounting through its clamping mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If sensor parts are brought into direct contact with the fluid conduit, then measurement precision improves, but the sensor device becomes less adaptable to different conduit diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device incorporates adjustable elements (clamping arms with adjustment means, flexible mounting structure) that allow the device to adapt to different conduit diameters. The sensor contact elements maintain direct contact with the conduit surface while the mounting geometry can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes, preserving both measurement precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device is designed as a universal mounting solution that can accommodate multiple conduit diameters and configurations. It integrates direct-contact sensor mounting with adjustable clamping mechanisms, making it suitable for various pharmaceutical tubing sizes while maintaining accurate flow measurement capability.
4Reliability
If deformable silicone tubing is used in pharmaceutical plants, then regulatory approval is obtained, but conventional fastening devices cause deformation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates intermediate fastening elements that cause deformation of deformable silicone tubing. The adapter device provides a mounting system that secures the sensor assembly without applying localized stress or deformation to the tubing, thereby maintaining both regulatory compliance and measurement accuracy with deformable conduits.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter device, method, adapter arrangements, adapter system and measuring device. The adapter device can attach a sensor device having a first sensor part and a second sensor part to a pharmaceutical fluid conduit. The adapter device includes a first adapter part and a second adapter part. The first adapter part has a first sensor receptacle for the first sensor part and the second adapter part has a second sensor receptacle for the second sensor part. A fluid conduit receptacle is arranged between or formed by the adapter parts to receive the fluid conduit. The first and second sensor receptacles are arranged on the first and second adapter parts on sides facing away from the fluid conduit receptacle. Contact elements of the first sensor part and the second sensor part engage in or extend through through-openings for direct abutment against the fluid conduit in a planar manner.