Fluid Measurement Window Cleaning With Extendable Rotating Wiper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid measurement systems require time-consuming disassembly and cleaning of the fluid channel to remove deposits, leading to downtime and inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with an internal cleaning device featuring a rotatable and extendable wiper element that cleans the measuring window in situ, allowing for fast and reliable removal of deposits without disassembling the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid channel is opened and split into two longitudinal halves for cleaning, then deposits can be removed from the sensor means related channel wall area, but the cleaning process becomes very time-consuming and requires disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper element is extracted as a separate, movable cleaning component that can be deployed only when needed. The wiper element is guided inside the sensor carrier and can be moved into position to clean the measuring window, then retracted to an idle position. This allows cleaning without disassembling the fluid channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device features dynamic, movable components including a wiper element that can be moved relative to the measuring window in at least two directions, allowing it to touch and clean the measuring window surface. The wiper element can be positioned in an idle position outside the fluid flow and activated only when cleaning is required.
2Reliability
If the fluid channel is opened for cleaning, then deposits can be removed, but the operating time of the measuring apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper element is extracted as a separate, movable cleaning component that can be deployed only when needed. The wiper element is guided inside the sensor carrier and can be moved into position to clean the measuring window, then retracted to an idle position. This allows cleaning without disassembling the fluid channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring apparatus can maintain continuous operation with the wiper element retracted to its idle position. The wiper element forms part of the channel wall when not in use, allowing uninterrupted fluid flow and continuous measurement. Cleaning can be performed quickly when needed without stopping the overall system operation.
3Reliability
If a wiper element is moved and rotated to clean the measuring window, then deposits can be removed effectively, but the wiper element may cause wear or abrasion to the measuring window
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper element is designed with a front face part made of softer material specifically at the contact surface with the measuring window. This localized soft material application ensures effective cleaning through rotation while protecting the measuring window from wear and abrasion.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper element combines different materials: a structural core for mechanical strength and a softer front face part (rubber or elastic material) for contact with the measuring window. This composite structure allows the wiper to be both durable and gentle on the measuring window surface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Disclosed is a measuring apparatus (1) for measuring chemical or physical characteristics of a fluid in real time, wherein a measuring window (16) of a fluid channel (4) can be cleaned by an internal cleaning device (10) having an extendable and rotatable wiper element (20), thus avoiding to open the fluid channel (4) longitudinally for cleaning purposes of the measuring window (16), a sensor carrier (2) for the measuring apparatus (1), a cleaning device (10) for the measuring apparatus (1), and a method for cleaning a measuring window (16) of a fluid channel (4).