Enamelled Vessel Reference Dents for Precise Coating Thickness Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reproducibly locating points on enameled surfaces, particularly in process-engineering vessels, are inadequate due to issues with marking durability, reflection properties, and positional precision, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential corrosion.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of trough-like depressions, or 'dents,' on the enameled surface as reference points, allowing for precise and reproducible location of measurement points through trilateration, with three dents forming a triangle for secure positioning of measuring devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If colored markings or adhesively attached reference points are used on enameled surfaces, then locational points can be identified, but the markings can be concealed by adhering vessel contents or corroded away, making them unlocatable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocational point identificationVSAvoidmarking durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric feature (dent) with distinct physical properties different from the surrounding enameled surface. The dent has a specific shape, size, and position that provides a unique local identifier without requiring colored markings or adhesives that can be concealed or corroded. This localized geometric modification ensures the reference point remains visible and identifiable throughout the vessel's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding markings to the surface that might be concealed or corroded, the patent inverts the approach by creating a depression (dent) in the surface. This inversion ensures the reference point is recessed and cannot be concealed by adhering contents, while still providing a unique locational identifier. The dent serves as a permanent reference that cannot be washed off or corroded away like surface markings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If raised geometries such as tabs or bolts are provided on enamel coatings, then locational points can be established, but the enamel coating is impaired or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocational point establishmentVSAvoidenamel coating integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Measurement precision

If photometric projection methods are used to project reference points, then locational points can be determined, but the projection system requires precise installation and positioning, and reflections on enameled surfaces make projection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocational point determinationVSAvoidprojection system installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a physical copy of the reference point directly on the enameled surface in the form of a dent. This physical copy serves as a permanent, unambiguous reference that can be directly located and measured without requiring complex projection systems. The dent acts as a tangible replica of the reference point that is inherently part of the surface structure, eliminating the need for external projection equipment and its associated installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The dent serves as an intermediary element between the measurement system and the enameled surface. Instead of projecting light onto the reflective surface, the dent provides a physical feature that can be directly engaged by measurement tools. The dent acts as a mediator that translates the abstract concept of a reference point into a tangible, easily locatable feature that overcomes the reflection problems of enameled surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If reference points are placed at a distance from the locational point, then the projection system can be positioned, but great deviations occur owing to tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection system positioningVSAvoidlocational point accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20240337484A1Method for determining locational points on an enamelled surface, in particular an enamelled inner wall of a vessel

Publication Date: 2024.10.10 THALETEC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for reproducibly locating one or more locational points on an enamelled surface of an apparatus, in particular an enamelled inner wall of a process-engineering vessel, wherein at least one reference point is provided on the enamelled surface, and the at least one reference point is a trough-like depression (3) in the enamelled surface, wherein the point to be located is the at least one trough-like depression (3) itself or can be determined with the aid of the at least one trough-like depression (3), and also a process-engineering vessel with an enamelled inner wall or a built-in part for a process-engineering vessel which is at least partially enamelled, wherein the enamelling is provided with at least one trough-like depression (3) for reproducibly locating locational points.