Electrical connector, fluid state test device, and fluid heat exchange system
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid heat exchange systems with multiple electric heating tubes, conventional electrical connectors face issues such as forced vibration and resonance due to fluid flow, leading to potential disconnection and short-circuit faults, especially when installed in circular fluid channels where sealing and connection complexities arise.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with a main body portion and connection portions, featuring temperature sensing elements and a frequency calculation unit to measure the frequency of alternating forces applied by the fluid, reducing longitudinal and lateral vibrations by optimizing the connector's geometry and integrating pressure acquisition and measurement functions within the connector itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector is installed in the fluid channel to connect electric heating tubes, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the connector experiences forced vibration and resonance causing disconnection and short-circuit faults
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful fluid flow path is extracted and redirected away from the electrical connector by providing a separate fluid passage through the charged element. This allows the fluid to bypass the connector completely, eliminating the vibration source while maintaining the heating function through the charged element.
Solution Approach 2:
The charged element serves as an intermediary structure that performs dual functions: it conducts electricity to heat the fluid while also serving as a fluid passage that redirects flow away from the electrical connector. This mediator role resolves the conflict between electrical connection stability and fluid flow interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrical connector is extracted radially from the fluid channel to avoid vibration, then the vibration is reduced, but the connection and fixing processes become complex with many joints
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and fluid channel functions are merged into a single integrated structure. The connector body forms part of the fluid channel wall, and the charged element provides both electrical connection and fluid passage. This integration eliminates the need for separate radial extraction and multiple joints, reducing complexity while maintaining vibration reduction.
3Reliability
If multiple electrical connectors are connected in series inside the fluid channel to avoid extraction, then the connection is maintained, but the sealing requirements become strict and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical connections and fluid passage functions are merged into a single connector body. The charged element provides continuous fluid passage through the connector while electrical connections are made at the ends, eliminating the need for multiple sequential connectors and their associated sealing interfaces.
4Reliability
If the electrical connector blocks the fluid flow path, then the electrical connection is achieved, but the fluid flow resistance increases and vibration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is segmented into two paths: a bypass passage through the charged element that allows continuous fluid flow, and the electrical connector region that provides electrical connection. This segmentation allows the fluid to flow around the connector obstruction, maintaining flow speed while achieving electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow path is extracted from the main channel and redirected through the charged element, creating a separate bypass route. This extraction removes the obstruction effect of the electrical connector from the primary fluid flow path, maintaining flow speed while enabling electrical connection.
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 minimizes vibrations and enhances the stability of the electrical connector, preventing disconnection and improving the accuracy of fluid state parameter measurement without external detectors, thus ensuring reliable heat exchange and reducing the risk of short-circuit faults.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensing element and a second temperature sensing element which are respectively provided at mutually opposite positions on the first side and the second side in an electrically insulated manner
Implementation Method 2
The frequency calculation unit is configured to calculate a frequency of an alternating force applied on the electrical connector by the fluid in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid, based on alternating changes of measurement values of the first temperature sensing element and the second temperature sensing element
Implementation Method 3
The connection portions are respectively connected to charged elements provided in a fluid channel, and allow the main body portion to be electrically connected to the charged elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An electrical connector is provided, which includes a main body portion, connection portions, a first temperature sensing element and a second temperature sensing element. The connection portions allow the main body portion to be electrically connected to a charged element provided in a flow channel. The main body portion includes a first side and a second side which are parallel to a flow direction of fluid. The first temperature sensing element and the second temperature sensing element are provided at mutually opposite positions on the first side and the second side in an electrically insulated manner. A fluid state test device having the electrical connector and a fluid heat exchange system are further provided. The electrical connector, the fluid state test device and the fluid heat exchange system according to the present application can achieve at least one of the objects of measuring and monitoring a flow speed of the fluid, measuring and monitoring fluid pressure, measuring and monitoring fluid resistance, measuring and monitoring a lateral vibration frequency of the electrical connector and suppressing longitudinal vibration and/or the lateral vibration of the electrical connector, without affecting a fluid flow field where the electrical connector, the fluid state test device and the fluid heat exchange system are located.