Drop-in Measuring Probe Locking Mechanism for Molten Steel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drop-in measuring probes for metal melts face measurement errors due to slag adherence, which affects the accuracy of molten steel properties, and lack stability under mechanical loads, particularly shock loads, during immersion.

Innovation Solution

A drop-in measuring probe design featuring a sensor carrier with a locking element that engages with the measuring head, forming a stable electrical contact with the counter electrode, and utilizing a contact element made of combustible material to rapidly dislodge adhering slag, ensuring reliable bath contact and mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the measuring head is made of steel to provide mass for penetrating the slag layer, then the penetration capability is improved, but slag adheres to the measuring head causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor carrier is segmented from the measuring head, allowing independent optimization of each component. The sensor carrier can be made of materials that resist slag adhesion while the measuring head provides the necessary mass for penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A contact element serves as an intermediary between the counter electrode and the measuring head, providing electrical contact while being removable or replaceable to prevent slag adhesion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additional components are added to achieve bath contact for electrochemical sensors, then the sensor functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter electrode is integrated directly into the measuring head structure, eliminating the need for separate bath contact components. The measuring head itself serves as the counter electrode, simplifying the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring head serves multiple functions: providing mass for penetration, serving as the counter electrode for electrochemical measurements, and providing structural support for the sensor carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the sensor carrier is held at the measuring head without a locking connection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability under mechanical loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidstability under mechanical loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are pre-positioned on both the sensor carrier and measuring head, allowing for quick and secure assembly without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If contact paths are made long to connect the counter electrode, then the electrical connection is established, but the stability and reliability under shock loads deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidresistance to shock loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The contact element is extracted as a separate, focused component that provides the electrical connection, allowing it to be optimized for both electrical conductivity and mechanical strength independently of the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 accurate measurements by preventing slag interference and withstanding mechanical loads, ensuring reliable and stable operation during immersion into molten steel.

Implementation Method 1

a first locking element (5) arranged on the sensor carrier (4) which engages with a second locking element (6) arranged on the measuring head (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

at least a part of the measuring head (1) is in electrical contact with a counter electrode of an electrochemical sensor arranged on the measuring head and forms a bath contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7449141B2Immersion measuring probe, particularly a drop-in-measuring probe

Publication Date: 2008.11.11 HERAEUS ELECTRO NITE INT NV

AI summary

An immersion measuring probe, particularly a drop-in measuring probe for metal melts, is provided having a measuring head, on which at least one sensor carrier having at least one sensor is arranged. The sensor carrier is held at or in an opening in the measuring head. At least a part of the measuring head is in electrical contact with a counter electrode of an electrochemical sensor arranged on the measuring head and forming a bath contact for the electrochemical sensor.