Interchangeable Flow Cell Insert for Fixed Optical Measuring Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring cells require complex adjustments and maintenance of measuring distances between optical elements, which are cumbersome and disrupt the fluid passage seal when optical elements are replaced.
Innovation Solution
A flow measuring cell with an interchangeable insert that fixes the measuring distance between optical windows within the insert, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance without disrupting the fluid passage seal, using sealed measuring windows and alignment elements for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are replaced or adjusted in existing flow measuring cells, then measurement functionality can be updated, but the fluid passage seal is disrupted and complex adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow measuring cell is divided into a base body and a separate interchangeable insert. The insert contains the fluid passage and measuring channels, while the base body houses the optical elements. This segmentation allows optical elements to be replaced without affecting the sealed fluid passage in the insert.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage and measuring channels are extracted into a separate interchangeable insert that can be removed and replaced independently. This extraction allows the optical elements to be accessed and replaced without disrupting the seal of the fluid passage, as the insert remains sealed during optical element maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If measuring distance is adjusted by moving optical elements along measuring channels, then measurement parameters can be changed, but the complexity of adjustment and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring distance is predetermined and fixed during the manufacturing of the interchangeable insert. The insert is designed with specific geometric features that establish the measuring distance between optical windows before the insert is installed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable insert is designed as a replaceable component with a fixed measuring distance. If measurement parameter changes are needed, a new insert with the desired measuring distance can be manufactured and installed, rather than attempting to adjust the existing setup. This approach simplifies the system by accepting that inserts may need replacement rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If optical elements are sealed against the inlay or base body, then fluid containment is maintained, but the seal must be maintained during optical element adjustment which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a sealed insert containing the fluid passage and a separate base body containing the optical elements. The insert is sealed against the base body at a single interface, creating a clear boundary between the fluid-containing region and the optical element region. This segmentation allows optical elements to be replaced in the base body without affecting the seal of the insert.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are extracted from the sealed fluid passage region and placed in the base body. The measuring channels extend through the base body into the insert, allowing optical elements to be positioned and sealed against the insert's exterior surface rather than requiring seals within the sealed fluid passage region. This extraction simplifies the sealing requirement during optical element replacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow measuring cell (1) defines a fluid passage (3) radially to a principal axis (2). The flow measuring cell (1) is bounded in the direction of the principal axis (2) by a first connection surface and a second connection surface and has two measuring channels (21, 22) opposite each other across the principal axis (2) for the insertion of optical elements. A changeable insert (8), which defines the fluid passage (3), is inserted into a base body (11) of the flow measuring cell (1). The two measuring channels (21, 22) extend through the base body (11) into a base body (11) of the changeable insert (8) and terminate in the changeable insert (8) at two measuring windows (15).The measuring windows (15) are sealed in the molded body (13) of the interchangeable insert (8) so that the interchangeable insert (8) is sealed around the fluid passage (3), and they are located opposite each other over a measuring volume (16) of the fluid passage (3) at a fixed measuring distance (17), so that the measuring distance (17) in the interchangeable insert (8) is defined by the relative position of the measuring windows (15) to the molded body (13) of the interchangeable insert (8).