Seal-Free Ceramic Pressure Cell with Metal Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic pressure measuring cells with elastomer seals face issues such as limited abrasion resistance, aging, decreased elasticity at low temperatures, and incompatibility with high-purity applications due to elastomer limitations.
Innovation Solution
A seal-free ceramic measuring arrangement with a metallic process connection, where the measuring cell is directly attached to a ceramic ring on a metal ring, using a solder connection, particularly with glass solder for thermal matching and diffusion-tightness, avoiding elastomer seals and ensuring easy cleaning and high-purity compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elastomer seals are used to connect the measuring cell to the process connection, then the assembly is easier to manufacture and install, but the abrasion resistance decreases and aging processes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes elastomer seals from the connection system entirely. The measuring cell is directly connected to the process connection through a metal flange with threaded fasteners, eliminating the elastomer seal component that causes aging and abrasion issues while maintaining assembly feasibility through standardized threading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a metal flange as an intermediary component between the measuring cell and process connection. This metal flange serves as the mediating element that provides both mechanical connection and sealing through metal-to-metal contact, replacing the elastomer seal with a more durable intermediate structure.
2Ease of operation
If elastomer seals are used for sealing, then the device is easier to assemble, but the service life decreases due to aging and temperature limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates elastomer seals from the assembly, removing the component subject to aging and temperature degradation. The connection is achieved through metal flange and threaded fasteners that provide indefinite service life without aging concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the disposable elastomer seal with a permanent metal flange connection. The metal components are designed for long-term reuse without degradation, eliminating the need for periodic replacement due to aging or temperature exposure.
3Device complexity
If elastomer seals are used, then the assembly is simpler, but the suitability for high-purity applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes elastomer seals from the system, eliminating the material that contaminates high-purity environments. The metal flange connection provides a seal-free interface that meets pharmaceutical and food industry requirements while maintaining assembly simplicity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the connection system. The metal flange and measuring cell body use metal-to-metal sealing surfaces in the high-purity zone, while the threaded fasteners provide mechanical attachment. This local differentiation of sealing methods enables high-purity application compatibility.
4Ease of manufacture
If elastomer seals are used, then the installation is easier, but the performance at low temperatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates elastomer seals from the connection system, removing the component whose elasticity deteriorates at low temperatures. The metal flange and threaded fastener connection maintains mechanical integrity and sealing capability across the full temperature range without elasticity-dependent performance.
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 solution provides a robust, easy-to-clean, and thermally stable measuring arrangement suitable for high-purity industries, resistant to temperature fluctuations and abrasion, without the need for elastomer seals, ensuring reliable operation and compatibility with harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the ceramic ring is fastened to a metal ring for attachment in the process connection with a solder connection
Implementation Method 2
a ceramic ring (7), which preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient adapted to the measuring cell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
Measuring arrangement (1) with a ceramic measuring cell (3) and a metallic process connection (5) for connecting the measuring cell (3) to a measuring environment, wherein the measuring cell (3) is attached in the process connection (5) without seals and in a diffusion-tight manner, wherein the measuring cell (3) is attached to a ceramic ring (7) which is arranged on a metal ring (9) for attachment in the process connection (5).