Modular Probe-Holder Segmentation for Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe-holders for monitoring physico-chemical parameters in fluids are not adaptable to different applications, requiring specific designs for each scenario, leading to high manufacturing costs and time-consuming upgrades, as well as complex maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A modular probe-holder system comprising interchangeable probe-holding modules with fastening mechanisms and elastic seals, allowing for scalable and upgradable configurations to accommodate various sensing probes and applications, ensuring efficient installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific probe-holder is designed for each specific application, then the sensing probes can be properly arranged for that application, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe-holder is divided into multiple modular compartments that can be laterally coupled together. Each compartment can house one or more sensing probes and can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the same basic module to be adapted to different applications by changing the number and arrangement of compartments, eliminating the need to manufacture entirely different probe-holders for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular compartments are designed with universal coupling features (facing seats with fastening means and elastic seals) that allow the same compartment design to be used across different applications. The compartments can be laterally coupled in various configurations to create probe-holders suited for different sensing requirements, making the system multi-functional without requiring application-specific manufacturing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a new probe-holder is made for upgrading an existing arrangement, then the functionalities can be upgraded, but the time delay increases and water treatment may need to be suspended
Solution Approach 1:
The probe-holder is composed of discrete modular compartments that can be independently removed and replaced. When upgrading functionalities, only the specific compartments containing the probes that need upgrading need to be replaced, rather than replacing the entire probe-holder. This reduces the time delay and avoids suspending water treatment for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular compartments are designed with pre-configured coupling features (facing seats, fastening means, and elastic seals) that enable quick assembly and replacement. The compartments can be prepared in advance and swapped out rapidly, minimizing the time required for upgrade interventions and reducing the need to suspend water treatment.
3Reliability
If maintenance of sensing probes and probe-holder is performed on a monolithic structure, then the probes can be maintained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The probe-holder is segmented into modular compartments that can be independently accessed and removed. This allows maintenance personnel to work on specific compartments containing the probes that need maintenance, rather than dealing with a monolithic structure where access to individual probes is difficult. The segmentation simplifies the maintenance process and reduces the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular compartments can be easily extracted from the probe-holder assembly by releasing the fastening means (such as grub screws). This extraction capability allows probes to be accessed, removed, maintained, or replaced without disassembling the entire probe-holder structure, making maintenance operations simple and efficient.
4Adaptability or versatility
If probe-holding modules are laterally coupled with fastening means and elastic seals, then the modular configuration is secured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe-holder is divided into standardized modular compartments with uniform coupling interfaces. Each compartment has facing seats with fastening means (such as grub screws) and elastic seals that create a consistent coupling mechanism. This standardized segmentation allows complex modular configurations to be achieved through simple repetition of the same coupling pattern, managing device complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism (facing seats, fastening means, and elastic seals) is designed as a universal interface that works for all compartments regardless of their position or the specific application. This universal coupling design reduces the need for multiple types of fastening mechanisms, managing structural complexity through universality while still enabling flexible modular configurations.
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 modular design enables flexible and cost-effective monitoring and control of fluid quality across different applications, reducing installation and maintenance time and costs while maintaining consistent fluid flow and supporting a range of sensing probes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic seal being inserted into at least one seal groove, with which at least one from the first and second side walls is provided, said at least one seal groove being arranged for surrounding the first outlet and the second inlet, whereby said at least one elastic seal seals the coupling of the first side wall of the first probe-holding module to the second side wall of the second probe-holding module
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(e)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~6(b)
AI summary
Modular probe-holder configured to house sensing probes for sensing physico-chemical parameters of a fluid, comprising two or more probe-holding modules (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) laterally coupled in pairs so that each pair of probe-holding modules (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) comprises a first probe-holding module (100; 200; 300; 400), including a first duct (110; 210; 310; 410) connected to a first inlet (120; 260; 360; 460) and to a first outlet (130; 230; 330; 430), and a second probe-holding module (200; 300; 400; 500), including a second duct (210; 310; 410; 510) connected to a second inlet (260; 360; 460; 560) and to a second outlet (230; 330; 430; 530), the first side wall of the first probe-holding module (100; 200; 300; 400) being coupled to the second side wall of the second probe-holding module (200; 300; 400; 500) so that the first outlet (130; 230; 330; 430) communicates with the second inlet (260; 360; 460; 560), the first and second probe-holding modules (100; 200; 300; 400; 500) being coupled through fastening mechanical means (700; 750) inserted into at least one pair of facing seats, wherein a first seat (660; 680) is arranged on the first side wall of the first probe-holding module (100; 200; 300; 400) and a second seat (650; 670) is arranged on the second side wall of the second probe-holding module (200; 300; 400; 500), at least one elastic seal (810) being inserted into at least one seal groove (800), with which at least one from the first and second side walls is provided, said at least one seal groove (800) being arranged for surrounding the first outlet (130; 230; 330; 430) and the second inlet (260; 360; 460; 560), whereby said at least one elastic seal (810) seals the coupling of the first side wall of the first probe-holding module (100; 200; 300; 400) to the second side wall of the second probe-holding module (200; 300; 400; 500).