Corrosion Preventative Applicator for Sensor Surface Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current applicators for applying corrosion preventative to sensor assemblies are unreliable in controlling the volume and distribution, leading to excessive or inadequate application, contamination of other components, and operator-handling-induced smearing, which compromises the effectiveness and cleanliness of the sensor instruments during handling and shipping.
Innovation Solution
A controlled applicator system comprising a reservoir block, a plate with a sensor guide and discharge tubes, and a proximity sensor that uniformly dispenses corrosion preventative in a predetermined pattern, ensuring precise application directly to the sensor surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If current well-type applicators use an applicator tip to apply the corrosion preventative, then the application process is simple, but the applicator applies an excessive amount or inadequate amount of the corrosion preventative to the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical applicator tip with a system that uses a pump and dosing mechanism to control the volume of corrosion preventative applied. The pump provides precise metering and control of the corrosion preventative flow, eliminating the variability inherent in tip-based application methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a sensor that detects the position of the corrosion preventative on the surface and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the pump operation in real-time to maintain the correct application volume and distribution pattern.
2Productivity
If other current applicators apply an uncontrolled amount of corrosion preventative, then the application process is faster, but the corrosion preventative contaminates other components by migrating onto critical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application system into multiple controlled discharge points positioned at specific locations. Each discharge point can be independently controlled to apply corrosion preventative only to its designated area, preventing migration to adjacent components while maintaining efficient application coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controlled pump system as an intermediary between the corrosion preventative source and the surface. This intermediary provides precise flow control and positioning, acting as a buffer that prevents uncontrolled migration of the corrosion preventative to other components.
3Ease of operation
If the corrosion preventative is applied in an uncontrolled manner, then the handling process is simpler, but the corrosion preventative migrates onto the sensor instrument where the migration minimizes or voids the usefulness of the sensor instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the corrosion preventative to the surface immediately after positioning the sensor instrument, before any handling or shipping occurs. This preliminary application ensures the sensor instrument is protected from the start, and the corrosion preventative is already in place to prevent any potential migration during subsequent handling operations.
4Ease of operation
If an uncontrolled amount of corrosion preventative is applied during handling, then the handling process requires less precision, but the operator's hands contact the corrosion preventative and then contaminate other surfaces by smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the corrosion preventative application function from the handling process entirely. By using a controlled pump system with positioned discharge tubes, the corrosion preventative is applied directly to the surface without requiring operator contact, thereby eliminating the smearing problem while keeping handling simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator and method of discharging a corrosion preventative. The applicator controllably and uniformly applies a corrosion preventative to a surface that has a sensor instrument mounted thereon. The applicator comprises a reservoir block that defines an interior reservoir that is configured to contain an amount of the corrosion preventative. The applicator further comprises a plate attached to the top of the reservoir block. The plate includes a sensor guide that extends outward from the top surface which is configured to engage the surface. Discharge tubes attach to the plate and extend outward from the plate in a pattern around the sensor instrument, wherein the tubes operatively communicate with the reservoir. A proximity sensor which is positioned within the sensor bore is configured to sense and to signal a presence of the sensor instrument positioned within the sensor bore. In response to the signaling of the sensor instrument position within the sensor bore, the discharge tubes uniformly discharge controlled amounts of the corrosion preventative onto the surface.