Cylindrical Surface Sensing Clamp for Accurate Tube Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-sensing devices for tubes or pipes suffer from low clamping force, poor heat transfer, and inaccurate temperature measurement due to thermal losses and large size, making them inefficient for measuring the temperature of fluid within the tube.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly with opposed first and second bodies that securely fasten over a tube, featuring a thermal device and a heat transfer element to accurately sense the tube's outer wall temperature, minimizing thermal losses and ensuring effective heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clip-on device is used to measure tube temperature, then the device is easy to install, but the clamping force is low and temperature measurement accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into first and second clamp bodies that can be separately positioned and fastened around the tube, allowing for distributed clamping force application and improved thermal contact without requiring a single large complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp bodies are designed with curved inner surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the tube, ensuring optimal contact area and thermal coupling between the heat transfer elements and the tube outer surface
2Ease of manufacture
If a large-sized heat sensitive element is clamped to the tube, then the device is easier to manufacture, but thermal losses increase and temperature sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer elements are designed as thin, flexible thermal pads or films that can be clamped between the clamp bodies and the tube surface, providing high thermal contact area with minimal thermal mass and reduced thermal losses to the environment
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal pads are positioned at specific locations on the clamp bodies where optimal thermal contact with the tube is achieved, concentrating thermal coupling at critical points rather than distributing it uniformly throughout a large structure
3Ease of operation
If low clamping force is applied to the tube, then the device is easier to install, but heat transfer between the tube and sensing element is poor
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant heat transfer element or thermal pad is introduced as an intermediary between the clamp bodies and the tube surface, allowing the clamp assembly to be installed with moderate clamping force while maintaining high thermal contact through the compliant material's ability to conform to surface irregularities
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 clamp assembly provides high thermal conductivity and accurate temperature measurement by ensuring good thermal contact between the tube and the thermal device, allowing for precise temperature sensing and control of fluid temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer element may include a thermally conductive compliant element extending through one of the clamp bodies and inwardly of the clamping cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus and method for sensing the temperature of a tubing wall, and inferentially the temperature of a fluid within the tubing. The apparatus includes first and second clamp bodies, the first clamp body comprising a heat transfer element and a first and a second electrical connection connected thereto, the second clamp body connectable to the first clamp body to form a clamping cavity therebetween within which a clamped element having a wall is securable, the heat transfer element configured to contact an outer surface of a clamped element therebetween. The heat transfer element may include a thermally conductive compliant element extending through one of the clamp bodies and inwardly of the clamping cavity.