Flexible Level Indicator for Joint Strain Monitoring

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining if a flexible joint is subjected to excessive strain or installed incorrectly rely on electronic strain gages, which may not be practical for all scenarios, and there is a need for a simple visual means to assess joint alignment and strain.

Innovation Solution

A level indicating means, made of flexible material like rubber, with contrasting color markings that visually indicate excessive torque, misalignment, compression, or elongation, allowing for rapid visual inspection and determination of joint strain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electronic strain gages are used to measure joint strain, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic strain gages with a purely mechanical visual indicator system. The level indicating means uses mechanical components (float, pointer, scale) that move with joint deformation to provide direct visual strain measurement, eliminating electronic sensors, wiring, and signal processing systems while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the joint's strain state through the level indicating means. The indicator mechanism replicates the joint's deformation physically, with the float and pointer moving in proportion to joint strain, allowing operators to read strain levels visually without electronic measurement systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If electronic strain gages are used to measure joint strain, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrain measurement accuracyVSAvoidvisual inspection simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic strain gages with a purely mechanical visual indicator system. The level indicating means uses mechanical components (float, pointer, scale) that move with joint deformation to provide direct visual strain measurement, eliminating electronic sensors, wiring, and signal processing systems while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates contrasting color markings on the level indicating means to enhance visual detectability. The float, pointer, or scale elements use high-contrast colors that make strain readings easily visible and distinguishable, improving operational simplicity for visual inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If level indicating means is used for visual strain determination, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual inspection simplicityVSAvoidstrain measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement range into distinct segments using graduated markings on the scale. The scale is divided into multiple intervals with clear numerical or graphical indicators, allowing operators to read strain levels with sufficient precision for operational decision-making while maintaining visual simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates contrasting color markings on the level indicating means to enhance visual detectability. The float, pointer, or scale elements use high-contrast colors that make strain readings easily visible and distinguishable, improving operational simplicity for visual inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Reliability

If traditional strain measurement methods are used, then reliability is maintained, but loss of time in detecting joint issues worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidtime to identify joint strain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the level indicating means directly into the joint assembly during installation. The indicator mechanism is pre-positioned and calibrated to move with joint deformation, so that strain information is continuously and immediately available for visual inspection without requiring separate measurement operations or data processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electronic strain gages with a purely mechanical visual indicator system. The level indicating means uses mechanical components (float, pointer, scale) that move with joint deformation to provide direct visual strain measurement, eliminating electronic sensors, wiring, and signal processing systems while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables prompt identification of joint issues through simple visual inspection, preventing system failures by facilitating timely correction of misalignment or excessive strain.

Implementation Method 1

A level indicating means, made of flexible material like rubber, with contrasting color markings that visually indicate excessive torque, misalignment, compression, or elongation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9587966B2Method for determining stress in flexible joints by use of leveling means

Publication Date: 2017.03.07 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining if a flexible joint means is out of alignment, i.e., if excess torque or pressure has caused malformation or malpositioning of the joint means. This is accomplished by incorporating a flexible leveling means onto a visible surface of the joint means. The leveling means has horizontal and vertical markings which permit simple visible inspection of the joint and a simple determination of the position and condition of the joint.