Modular Configurable Instrument Enclosures for Standardized Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional instrument enclosures are difficult to install and re-install correctly due to high customization requirements, leading to exposure of field instruments to ambient conditions, and lack standardization for multi-instrument setups, causing installation inefficiencies and inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A modular, expandable, and interchangeable instrument enclosure system with pre-set orifices and adjustable brackets for easy installation, allowing direct mounting to pipe stands, and providing standardized entry points for instruments and tubing, reducing the need for on-site customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid enclosures are used to protect field instruments, then instruments are protected from environmental elements, but installation becomes complex requiring multiple mounting brackets and rigid box-like structures that are difficult to open and close
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into a rigid base section that attaches to the pipe stand and a removable soft cover section that wraps around the instruments. This segmentation allows the rigid portion to provide stable mounting while the flexible cover provides protection without complex bracketing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a soft removable cover made of flexible material that wraps around the instruments and tubing. This flexible shell replaces the need for rigid box-like structures and multiple mounting brackets, simplifying installation while maintaining environmental protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If soft removable covers are customized to wrap around mounted instruments and tubing, then they provide flexible protection, but installation requires custom installers to create one-off templates making re-installation extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The soft cover is designed with universal attachment features including metal rings and Velcro-like fastening arrangements that can accommodate various instrument configurations without requiring custom templates. This standardization enables easy removal and re-installation by any installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover incorporates self-aligning features and standardized fastening mechanisms that allow installers to easily attach and detach the cover without specialized training or custom templates, making the system self-servicing and maintainable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are mounted in a single enclosure with unique designs, then each instrument set can be properly installed, but standardization becomes impossible requiring tailored installations for each location
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure system is segmented into standardized modular components including the rigid base section with pre-configured mounting points and the flexible soft cover. This modularity allows the same standardized components to be used across single, double, and triple instrument configurations, enabling standardization while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft cover portion is designed to be dynamically adjustable and configurable to accommodate different numbers and arrangements of instruments within the same standardized enclosure framework, allowing standardization of the enclosure itself while adapting to various instrument configurations.
4Loss of information
If engineers create installation details with little field experience, then 3D modeling can be completed, but the modeled configurations do not match as-built conditions leading to excessive installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure system comes pre-configured with standardized mounting points, aperture locations, and attachment mechanisms determined by field experience. This preliminary preparation of the enclosure design eliminates the need for on-site layout determination and reduces installation time caused by discrepancies between 3D models and actual field conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular and expandable multi-configurational instrument enclosure includes top and bottom sections, the bottom section having a first part and second part fastened to a third part, and hinges hinging the top and bottom sections to enable the top section to rotate between a closed positioned and an open position. When closed, the instrument enclosure defines an enclosed space suitable for receiving multiple field instruments. The bottom section may be fastened to an enclosure-supportive pipe stand or to a bracket fastened to the pipe stand. The bottom section provides openings configured to receive instrument-supportive pipe stands and/or an opening that receives process line tubing carrying process line signals to the field instruments. The field instruments can be affixed to an end portion of the instrument-supportive pipe stands received in the enclosed space and/or removably attached to an interior portion of the instrument enclosure.