Adaptive Sensor Mount Sealing for Unobstructed Bulk Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor mount arrangements face issues with unreliable seals and potential damage to sensors due to their large profile, which can obstruct the flow of bulk materials in vessels.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive sensor mount assembly featuring a mount body with internal and external threading, a flexible flange that conforms to the vessel's profile, and a gasket or integral flange for sealing, allowing secure mounting and sealing without obstructing material flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sensor mount with large profile is used, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but it obstructs the flow of bulk materials in the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount is divided into separate functional components: a mounting body with threading for secure attachment, a flexible flange for sealing, and a sensor assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the flange being thin and flexible to minimize obstruction while the mounting body provides secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is made from a flexible material that can conform to the vessel wall profile. This flexibility allows the flange to create an effective seal with minimal thickness, reducing its profile and preventing obstruction of bulk material flow while maintaining mounting security.
2Reliability
If sealing tape or traditional seals are used, then leaks can be prevented, but the sensors may be damaged and the seal reliability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible flange itself acts as the sealing element, eliminating the need for separate sealing tape or gaskets that could fail. The flange's flexibility allows it to conform to the vessel wall and create a reliable seal without requiring additional components that might damage the sensor or fail over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from traditional seal components and integrated into the flange structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate sealing elements like PTFE tape that can compromise sensor integrity, while the flexible flange material provides inherent sealing capability.
3Strength
If a large profile mounting body is used, then the sensor can be securely retained, but it creates obstructions in the vessel interior
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into a compact mounting body with external threading for sensor retention and a separate flexible flange for sealing. This allows the sensor to be securely retained by the threading mechanism while the flexible flange provides sealing with minimal interior presence, reducing overall obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting body uses external threading that engages with the vessel wall from the interior side, allowing secure sensor retention without requiring a large profile extending into the vessel interior. The sealing function is moved to the flexible flange that can conform to the wall surface.
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
The assembly provides reliable sealing, protects sensors from damage, and ensures unobstructed material flow by conforming to vessel profiles, extending sensor life and enabling the use of sensitive sensors.
Implementation Method 1
A flange is connected to the mount body, and the flange is configured to be arranged within an interior area of the vessel. The flange can have some degree of flexibility in order to conform to a profile defined by a wall of the vessel.
Implementation Method 2
The gasket is configured to provide a seal between the interior surface of the vessel and the underside of the flange. The flange can be configured to compress or engage with the gasket such that the gasket is secured against the interior surface of the vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive sensor mount assembly for mounting a sensor to a vessel is disclosed herein. The assembly includes a mount body configured to be attached to the vessel. A flange is connected to the mount body, and the flange is configured to be arranged within an interior area of the vessel. A sensor assembly is configured to be retained with the mount body. A mounting element is configured to engage with the mount body in an exterior area relative to the vessel. Engagement of the mounting element with the mount body is configured to draw the flange against an interior surface of the vessel to provide a seal either directly via the flange abutting the vessel wall or via the flange compressing a gasket arranged between the flange and the vessel wall.