Bottoming Indicator for APT Probe Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of averaging pitot tube (APT) primary elements in industrial processes is challenging due to the difficulty in ensuring proper bottoming against the pipe wall, leading to vibration, poor signal quality, and damage from under- or over-insertion, resulting in a high failure rate.
Innovation Solution
An insertion mechanism with a bottoming indicator that measures and provides visual or signal-based feedback on proper insertion force, using springs or force transducers to ensure the APT primary element is correctly seated, preventing damage and automating the insertion process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the gear box provides high mechanical advantage for insertion, then the insertion force is amplified, but the ability to detect bottoming contact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A force sensor is introduced as an intermediary between the insert mechanism and the APT primary element to detect bottoming contact. The sensor provides direct measurement of the insertion force, serving as a mediator that translates the mechanical interaction into detectable electrical signals, thereby resolving the detection difficulty caused by the high mechanical advantage of the gear box.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical detection method (feeling the resistance change) with an electrical sensing system. The force sensor converts the mechanical bottoming contact into an electrical signal that can be processed by the control system, eliminating the limitations of human tactile detection and the high mechanical advantage of the gear box.
2Device complexity
If the installer relies on manual feeling to detect bottoming, then no additional equipment is needed, but the installation accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives feedback from the force sensor about the insertion force and provides visual or audible signals to the installer. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of the insertion process, allowing the installer to know precisely when bottoming contact occurs, thereby improving insertion accuracy without requiring complex automated equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-guidance through visual or audible signals that automatically indicate when proper bottoming contact is achieved. The installer follows the system's guidance without needing extensive training or experience, making the precise installation process accessible to ordinary workers.
3Ease of operation
If no bottoming indication is provided, then the installation process is simple, but the failure rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides visual or audible feedback signals to indicate when proper bottoming contact is achieved. This feedback maintains the simplicity of the manual installation process while significantly improving reliability by eliminating guesswork and enabling precise detection of the correct insertion position.
4Reliability
If the installer applies excessive force to ensure bottoming, then bottoming contact is achieved, but damage to the APT primary element occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor provides real-time feedback on the insertion force, and the control system monitors this data to detect when bottoming contact occurs. The system then signals the installer to stop applying force, preventing excessive force application and potential damage to the APT primary element while ensuring proper bottoming contact is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a threshold-based approach where the force sensor detects bottoming contact at a specific force level and signals the installer to stop. This allows for slight excess force application without damage, as the system provides a safety margin by alerting the installer before critical damage occurs.
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
Reduces APT primary element failure rates by ensuring proper bottoming, minimizing vibrations and damage, and enabling automated installation, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of flow measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
a force transducer configured to measure an insertion force applied to the APT primary element during installation
Implementation Method 2
using springs or force transducers to ensure the APT primary element is correctly seated
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for indicating bottoming contact between an inner wall of a fluid carrying conduit (108) and a distal tip process measurement probe. A process device, such as a fluid flow meter (102), has a process measurement probe (120) configured for insertion into the fluid carrying conduit (108). An insertion mechanism (150) is coupled to the process measurement probe (120) and configured to apply force to insert the process measurement probe (120) into the fluid carrying conduit (108). A bottoming indicator (160) is configured to provide an indication of proper bottoming of a distal tip of the process measurement probe (120) against the inner wall (121) of the fluid carrying conduit (108) as a function of an insertion related force or pressure.