Drywell Venting System with Flow Plate for Probe Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drywell calibration systems face issues with probe heating due to ventilation, leading to operator safety risks and measurement errors from improper venting, which is exacerbated by the use of expensive and complex baffle plates.
Innovation Solution
A drywell design featuring a receiver with an inner shield and flow plate that directs air flow away from the temperature probe, using a blower to induce airflow through channels that mix above the receiver, reducing convective heating and maintaining safe operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ventilation system directs air upward through the drywell, then cooling of housing and electronic components is improved, but probe heating increases making it unsafe for operator handling
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is segmented into two separate air channels: an inner channel for cooling the receiver and probe area, and an outer channel for cooling the housing and electronic components. This segmentation allows independent control of cooling airflow to prevent probe heating while maintaining housing cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the drywell are provided with different ventilation qualities. The inner shield creates a localized cooling zone around the receiver and probe with controlled airflow, while the outer housing receives separate ventilation. This local quality differentiation ensures the probe area remains cool and safe for handling while the housing is adequately cooled.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If baffle plates are placed on top of the drywell, then probe heating is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shield is nested within the housing, creating a compact integrated structure. The inner shield forms an internal ventilation channel within the existing housing space, eliminating the need for external baffle plates. This nesting approach reduces device complexity while maintaining the probe protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function for the housing and the protection function for the probe are merged into a single integrated ventilation system. The inner shield serves dual purposes: it directs airflow to cool the receiver while simultaneously protecting the probe from excessive heating, replacing the need for separate baffle plates.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If baffle plates are used to reduce probe heating, then operator safety is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to improper venting
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system is designed with controlled airflow paths that maintain stable thermal conditions around the probe and receiver. The inner shield creates a consistent airflow pattern that prevents thermal instability, ensuring accurate calibration measurements while protecting the probe from overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external baffle plates that block airflow, the inner shield inverts the approach by creating an internal streamlined airflow channel. This inverted design promotes proper venting and airflow circulation while still protecting the probe, thereby maintaining measurement precision unlike external plates that interfere with venting.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If external baffle plates are used, then probe heating is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to setup and storage complications
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shield is nested within the housing as an integrated component, eliminating the need for separate external baffle plates that require setup and storage. This integration simplifies operation as the protection mechanism is permanently built-in and requires no assembly or disassembly by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shield provides automatic probe protection as part of the drywell's built-in ventilation system. The airflow channel is self-contained and automatically directs cool air to the probe area without requiring operator intervention to install or adjust external plates, improving ease of operation.
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 effectively reduces probe heating, enhances operator safety, and maintains calibrated operating conditions by directing airflow away from the probe, thereby minimizing measurement errors and eliminating the need for costly baffle plates.
Implementation Method 1
A blower positioned below the lower end of the receiver induces air flow through the air channel
Implementation Method 2
A heating element and temperature sensor are in thermal contact with the receiver such that the temperature within the receiver may be accurately set
Implementation Method 3
The lower surface of the flow plate directs the air flow away from the temperature probe
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the invention a drywell includes a heated receiver for receiving a temperature probe. The receiver has upper and lower ends and an inner shield positioned around the receiver to define a first air channel extending between the upper and lower ends. A flow plate is positioned above the upper end of the receiver and extends outwardly from the receiver. The flow plate defines a plate opening positioned over the receiver opening and has a lower surface sloping away from the receiver with distance above the receiver. A blower positioned below the lower end of the receiver induces air flow through the air channel. The lower surface of the flow plate directs the air flow away from the temperature probe.