Flow Sensor Tamper-Proof Design Using Segmented Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow sensors need to be tamper-proof to prevent manipulation while also allowing authorized personnel to open and inspect them for calibration and maintenance, which is challenging due to the risk of damage to the expensive arithmetic unit.
Innovation Solution
A flow sensor design featuring a lower part with a measuring transducer and an upper part with a detector, connected by a retaining ring that provides a secure, non-destructive attachment mechanism, allowing authorized access by breaking a predetermined point in the locking element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flow sensor is made tamper-proof with a secure connection between upper and lower parts, then the sensor is protected against manipulation, but it cannot be opened for calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is divided into two separate parts: an upper part containing the arithmetic unit and a lower part containing the measuring transducer. These parts are connected by a retaining ring that can be non-destructively removed, allowing the sensor to be opened for calibration while maintaining tamper-proof protection during normal operation. The segmentation enables selective access to components for maintenance without compromising overall security.
2Reliability
If the flow sensor is made tamper-proof with destructive opening, then manipulation is prevented, but the expensive arithmetic unit is damaged when opened
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the arithmetic unit (upper part) from the measuring transducer (lower part) with a removable retaining ring, the design allows the arithmetic unit to be protected from damage during calibration. Authorized personnel can remove the retaining ring and access only the lower part for calibration, leaving the expensive arithmetic unit intact and undamaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring acts as an intermediary connection element between the upper and lower parts. It provides a controlled access mechanism that can be non-destructively removed by authorized personnel, preventing direct access to the arithmetic unit while still allowing calibration of the measuring transducer. This intermediary protects the expensive components from damage.
3Reliability
If the connection between upper and lower parts is made secure and non-destructive, then tamper-proof protection is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is extracted into a separate, standardized retaining ring component that can be independently designed and manufactured. This simplifies the overall device complexity by using a well-known, off-the-shelf fastening mechanism rather than integrating a complex locking system into the sensor housing. The retaining ring provides secure non-destructive connection while being simple and cost-effective.
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 design ensures the flow sensor remains tamper-proof until the locking ring is damaged, allowing controlled access for inspection without damaging the sensor parts, reducing costs associated with opening the device.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor according to the invention is characterized in that it has a retaining ring which is arranged between the lower part of the sensor and the upper part of the sensor and which connects the parts to one another
Implementation Method 2
The retaining ring has a locking element which extends into a recess in the connecting part of the upper part of the sensor and is accessible from the outside. The locking element has a predetermined breaking point
Data Source
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AI summary
A sensor for measuring flow in a pipeline, comprising a sensor base for accommodating a flow sensor and a sensor top for accommodating a detector, as well as a retaining ring positioned between the two parts. The sensor base has a housing with a connection area at one end and a terminal area at the opposite end for connecting the sensor to the pipeline. The connection area has an outwardly projecting flange. The sensor top has a housing with a collar-shaped connecting element at its end, the dimensions of which are larger than those of the flange of the sensor base, allowing the connecting element to be slipped over the connection area of the sensor base.The retaining ring is arranged between the sensor lower part and the sensor upper part, so that the retaining ring rests against the connection area of the sensor lower part and interacts with the connection part of the sensor upper part in such a way that the sensor upper part is prevented from detaching from the sensor lower part.