3D Printed Conduit with Integrated Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material flow measurement devices are inflexible in terms of attachment type and location, and are prone to flow obstacles and leakage at transition points, especially when dealing with aggressive material flows.
Innovation Solution
A device with integrated sensor and signal transmission units, such as RFID, NFC, or Bluetooth, is constructed using additive manufacturing (3D printing) to create a seamless pipe section that allows for modular attachment and removal of functional units, avoiding flow obstacles and enabling flexible use across various material flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional measuring devices are installed in flow lines, then measurement function is achieved, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conduit structure with the functional unit attachment means into a single integrated component. The conduit is designed with integrated mounting features that allow functional units to be attached directly to the conduit body, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets, flanges, or additional structural components. This integration directly resolves the technical contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate multiple types of functional units (sensors, valves, actuators) at various positions. The integrated mounting structure provides standardized interfaces that work with different functional unit types, enabling the same conduit to serve multiple measurement and control functions. This universality enhances adaptability without requiring additional specialized components for each functional unit type.
2Reliability
If functional units are attached to conduits using traditional methods, then measurement capability is provided, but flow obstructions and leakage occur at transition points
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are merged into the conduit structure itself, creating seamless integration points where functional units connect to the flow path. This eliminates traditional transition points such as flanges, welds, or mechanical joints that create turbulence, dead zones, or leakage paths. The integrated design ensures smooth flow continuity while providing secure functional unit attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs seal elements in the form of flexible membranes or thin film seals that conform to the functional unit attachment interfaces. These flexible seal elements maintain reliable sealing without creating rigid transition points that would obstruct flow. The thin film nature of the seals minimizes their impact on flow characteristics while ensuring leakage-free connections.
3Reliability
If conventional piping components are used for sensor mounting, then sensors can be installed, but leakage and aging issues occur at interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit and attachment means are manufactured as a single integrated component using additive manufacturing, eliminating multiple interfaces between separate parts. This merger eliminates the leakage and aging issues that occur at interfaces between conventional piping components and mounting brackets. The monolithic structure ensures long-term interface stability without requiring separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes additive manufacturing parameters (layer thickness, infill density, material composition) to create integrated conduit structures with built-in attachment features. By changing manufacturing parameters, the same additive process can produce different conduit geometries, wall thicknesses, and attachment configurations, enabling customized reliable interfaces without requiring different manufacturing processes for each variant.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular functional units are added later, then system flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are merged into the conduit structure during manufacturing, creating built-in mounting features that simplify later functional unit installation. The integrated design provides pre-positioned attachment points that require no additional structural components, reducing the complexity of modular assembly while maintaining the ability to add or remove functional units as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit is manufactured in advance with pre-integrated attachment means ready for functional unit installation. This preliminary preparation of mounting features during conduit fabrication eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations. When functional units need to be added later, they can be quickly attached to the pre-prepared integrated mounting points without requiring additional structural work or complex alignment procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for measuring and/or regulating properties of a material flow, in particular an aerosol flow and/or a fluid flow, in particular a gas flow, in particular an air flow, and/or a liquid flow, comprising a conduit means for the material flow with at least one conduit section, in particular a tube section, in which the material flow can be guided through in a flowing-through and/or flowing-around manner, wherein at least one means for attaching and/or passing through a functional unit, in particular a sensor and/or a signal transmitter means and/or a signal receiving unit for measuring and/or transmitting properties of the material flow, is integrated into the conduit means, wherein at least the conduit means for the material flow is to be constructed with the means for attaching and/or passing through a functional unit by means of an additive manufacturing method, in particular a 3D printing method, essentially in one piece.