Movable Magnetic Probe for Tank Particle Checks Without Full Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking the presence of paramagnetic particles in tanks require complete draining of the fluid, which is time-consuming and costly, especially in aircraft maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a magnet and displacement system that allows the magnet to move between capturing and checking positions within the tank, using sealing means to maintain tank integrity, enabling partial fluid removal for particle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the tank is completely drained to check for paramagnetic particles, then the detection can be performed thoroughly, but the maintenance time and fluid loss increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet is extracted from the probe body and placed on a movable rod that can be inserted into the tank through an orifice. Only the magnet and a small portion of the rod need to be removed for detection, rather than draining the entire tank. This extraction principle allows thorough particle detection while minimizing fluid loss and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed orifice with a movable rod acts as an intermediary between the tank interior and exterior. The rod can be moved to allow the magnet to enter the tank for particle capture, then retracted to seal the orifice, enabling detection without complete tank drainage.
2Measurement precision
If the tank is completely drained to check for paramagnetic particles, then all particles can be detected, but the fluid consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted from the bulk tank drainage operation. The magnet on the movable rod extracts only the necessary portion of fluid for detection by capturing particles locally, rather than requiring complete tank drainage. This significantly reduces fluid loss while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet automatically captures paramagnetic particles from the fluid as it moves through the tank, performing the detection function without requiring external sampling equipment or complete drainage. The system serves itself by using the magnet's inherent magnetic property to attract and retain particles.
3Loss of time
If a probe with movable magnet is used to check particles without full drainage, then maintenance time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional components: a magnet for particle capture, a movable rod for positioning, and a sealed orifice for access. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling rapid deployment and retrieval for particle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the magnet's position. The rod can be inserted or retracted through the orifice to enable or disable particle capture, providing operational flexibility without requiring complex mechanical structures.
4Measurement precision
If the magnet is placed inside the tank continuously to capture particles, then particle detection is maximized, but sealing the orifice during operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The orifice sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The movable rod can be positioned to either allow magnet entry for particle capture or retract to seal the orifice. This dynamic sealing mechanism maintains tank integrity during operation while enabling periodic detection without compromising reliability.
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
Enables the detection of paramagnetic particles without full tank drainage, reducing maintenance downtime and fluid consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet, a displacement system intended to be arranged at the orifice and constructed to displace the magnet from a capturing position in which the magnet is bathed in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for use with a tank having a wall pierced by an orifice and configured to contain a fluid containing paramagnetic particles. The probe comprises a magnet, a displacement system arranged at the orifice to displace the magnet from a capturing position in which the magnet is bathed in the fluid to a checking position in which the magnet is outside of the tank, and a seal ensuring the seal-tightness of the orifice in the transition from the capturing position to the checking position and vice versa.