Level Gauge Probe Sealing Assembly for Easier Reliable Mounting

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level measuring devices face challenges in reliably attaching and holding sealing elements due to the complexity of positioning conically shaped sealing elements, which complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

An electrical level measuring device with a conductive probe featuring a plastic coating and a rotationally symmetrical sealing element bonded via mechanical friction welding, ensuring secure attachment and support through a bearing device and optional spring mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conically shaped sealing elements are used to achieve sufficient tightness, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is divided into a conical sealing portion and a cylindrical mounting portion. The conical portion provides the sealing function while the cylindrical portion with external threading provides the mounting function, allowing independent optimization of each function and simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element with external threading is mounted into a corresponding threaded opening in the process connection. This nested structure allows the sealing element to be securely positioned and fixed within the process connection, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining sealing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If simple sealing elements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsealing reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is divided into a conical sealing portion and a cylindrical mounting portion. The conical portion provides the sealing function while the cylindrical portion with external threading provides the mounting function, allowing independent optimization of each function and simplifying the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex positioning device to hold the sealing element, the sealing element itself is given external threading that screws into the process connection. This inverts the approach by making the sealing element self-positioning and self-fixing, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If complex positioning devices are used for sealing elements, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a complex positioning device to hold the sealing element, the sealing element itself is given external threading that screws into the process connection. This inverts the approach by making the sealing element self-positioning and self-fixing, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element with external threading is designed to be self-positioning and self-fixing by screwing into the threaded opening of the process connection. This eliminates the need for complex external positioning devices, making the assembly process simpler and more manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates a simple and secure attachment of the sealing element, enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly while maintaining effective sealing and measurement functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing element is materially bonded to the plastic coating by means of a welding process, in particular a mechanical friction welding process such as rotary friction welding, rotary vibration welding or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction welding: Friction Welding

Implementation Method 2

An axial bearing can additionally or alternatively be provided by a spring device, which acts, for example, against a radial projection or engagement of the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4496987B1Fill level gauge

Publication Date: 2026.02.25 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical assembly (1.1) for an electrical fill level gauge (1) for measuring a fill level of a medium (M) in a container (B), comprising: - an electrically conductive probe (10), the probe having a plastic coating (13) in its central region, and - a process connection (40), the probe being mounted radially opposite the process connection by means of a rotationally symmetrical, in particular annular or tubular moulded sealing part (50), characterised in that the moulded sealing part is connected integrally to the plastic coating by means of a welding process, wherein the probe (10) is radially and/or axially mounted in an end region (12.2) facing the housing by a bearing device (70) which is rotationally fixed at least in one direction of rotation.