Flow-Through Sensor Quick-Disconnect Coupling for Continuous Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-line sensors require temporary cessation of fluid flow for installation, calibration, or replacement, disrupting continuous monitoring of physical properties or process parameters in fluid conduits.
Innovation Solution
A flow-through sensing apparatus with a twist-lock quick-disconnect mechanical coupling between a flow-head and a sensor, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment while maintaining fluid communication, enabling continuous monitoring without interrupting the fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional in-line sensors are used for monitoring fluid properties, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but fluid flow must be temporarily stopped for installation, calibration, or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate modular components: a flow head that remains permanently installed in the fluid conduit, and a sensor module that can be independently removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the flow head to maintain continuous fluid connection while the sensor module can be serviced without stopping flow
Solution Approach 2:
A quick-disconnect coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the flow head and sensor module. This coupling enables rapid attachment and detachment of the sensor module without requiring tools or interrupting fluid flow through the main conduit, resolving the contradiction between continuous monitoring and ease of sensor replacement
2Ease of repair
If conventional in-line sensors are used, then sensor replacement is possible, but it requires disconnecting conduits and stopping fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-disconnect coupling is pre-configured with alignment features and interlocking mechanisms that guide the sensor module into proper position during attachment. This preliminary design of the coupling mechanism enables rapid connection without requiring complex alignment procedures or tool assistance, significantly reducing maintenance time
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the sensor system into a permanently installed flow head and a removable sensor module with quick-disconnect coupling, the patent enables the sensor module to be replaced independently without disconnecting the fluid conduits. This eliminates the time-consuming process of draining and disconnecting conduits that characterizes conventional sensor replacement
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 quick and tool-free replacement or maintenance of sensors, ensuring continuous operation and accurate monitoring of fluid properties like refractive index without stopping the fluid flow, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element is configured to determine the refractive index of a substance in the sensing chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-through sensing apparatus includes a flow-head and a sensor that are configured to be selectively coupled through use of a quick-disconnect mechanical coupling. When the sensor is coupled with the flow-head, the sensor cooperates with the flow-head to at least partially define a sensing chamber. The sensor is configured to determine a process parameter, such as refractive index, regarding a substance in the sensing chamber.