Hermetic Sensor Connector Sealing for Turbine Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flame sensors in oil or gas turbines face accuracy reduction due to moisture ingress caused by thermal expansion and temperature fluctuations, which affects the flame sensing electronics.
Innovation Solution
A sealed sensor housing with a connector and fastener assembly that includes a sealing member to prevent fluid passage, ensuring the internal chamber remains moisture-free even at elevated temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor housing is sealed to prevent moisture ingress, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the additional sealing components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member (O-ring or gasket) that deforms under compression to create a moisture-proof seal between the sensor housing and connector. This flexible film approach provides effective sealing while maintaining relatively simple device structure and assembly process.
2Reliability
If thermal expansion is accommodated to maintain sealing at elevated temperatures, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermal expansion by selecting sealing materials with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients that match the housing and connector materials. The sealing member's physical parameters (elasticity, compression set resistance) are optimized to maintain sealing effectiveness across the operating temperature range of -40°C to 150°C, accommodating dimensional changes without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If a robust sealing mechanism is implemented to prevent moisture ingress, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is pre-compressed during the connector attachment process, establishing the seal before the sensor undergoes operational stress. The fastener is designed to automatically compress the sealing member to the appropriate force when tightened, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations or complex adjustment procedures during assembly.
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 solution effectively maintains the accuracy of flame sensors by preventing moisture and environmental effects from entering the sensor housing, even under wide temperature fluctuations, thus ensuring reliable flame detection in turbines.
Implementation Method 1
A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus is used for sensing a condition in a combustion chamber. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor housing having a sealed internal chamber. The sensor apparatus further includes a connector attached to an opening of the sensor housing. The connector transfers a signal indicative of the condition into the sensor housing. A fastener is secured to the connector. A sealing member is disposed between the connector and the fastener. The sealing member sealingly engages the connector to prevent fluid passage through the connector and into the internal chamber of the sensor housing. A method of sealing a sensor apparatus is also provided.