Flexible Metallic Connecting Piece for High-Temperature Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling level and limit level measuring devices with flexible connecting pieces are limited to operating temperatures of up to 160°C, suffer from stiffness, abrasion, and conductivity issues, and are prone to kinking, making them unsuitable for high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A filling level and limit level measuring device with a flexible connecting piece made of a hose-shaped metallic element, preferably stainless steel, surrounded by a synthetic sleeve, which provides a metal seal and 100% conductive connection, preventing kinking and abrasion, and allowing operation up to 260°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a synthetic material cable with internal supporting strand is used as the flexible connecting piece, then the cable provides structural support and flexibility, but the operating temperature is limited to maximum 160°C and the cable becomes stiff and prone to kinking
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting piece uses a composite structure combining a synthetic material outer jacket with an internal metallic supporting strand. This composite design allows the cable to withstand high temperatures (up to 260°C) while maintaining flexibility and preventing kinking, resolving the contradiction between temperature resistance and cable reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If conductors are positioned outside without protection in the flexible connecting piece, then the structure is simpler, but the conductors are subjected to abrasion and wear by bulk material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a synthetic material outer jacket as a protective shell that surrounds and protects the internal conductors and metallic supporting strand. This protective layer prevents abrasion and wear from bulk material while maintaining the flexibility needed for the connecting piece to function properly.
3Reliability
If a complex 100% conductive connection is produced by grounding wire with fixed connection, then electrical conductivity is ensured, but the device complexity increases and welding or screw connection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical conductor function with the metallic supporting strand function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate grounding wires and complex fixed connections, while still ensuring 100% electrical conductivity through the oscillating element to the attaching element.
4Ease of operation
If synthetic cable is used for flexible connection, then flexibility is achieved, but sufficient conductivity of the outer jacket cannot be implemented and kinking cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connecting piece combines a synthetic material outer jacket (providing flexibility and protection) with an internal metallic supporting strand (providing conductivity and preventing kinking). This composite structure simultaneously achieves flexibility and reliable electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
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 reliable operation at high temperatures by providing a flexible, conductive, and abrasion-resistant connection that prevents kinking and allows for the use of standard lines and wires, overcoming previous limitations in high-temperature applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting and/or receiving device for producing an oscillation or for receiving an oscillation and furnishing a corresponding reception signal. The measuring device has an oscillating element that is coupled to the transmitting and/or receiving device
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical oscillations of the oscillating element are damped when bulk material is present. The oscillation damping therefore functions as an indicator of the presence of product at the measuring point
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a filling level and/or limit level measuring device havinga transmitting and/or receiving device (2) for producing an oscillation or for receiving an oscillation and furnishing a corresponding reception signal,an oscillating element (11) that is coupled to the transmitting and/or receiving device, anda flexible connecting piece (8) that is situated in an area between the transmitting and/or receiving device (2) and the oscillating element (11),wherein the flexible connecting piece (8) is made of a hose-shaped and metallic element (14) or has a hose-shaped metallic element (14) in its longitudinal extension.