Oil Level Sensor Guide Tube for Inverted Tank Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in assembling an oil level sensor in an oil tank of a gas turbine engine, particularly when in an inverted orientation, is that it can lead to damage and misassembly, and requires precise installation to avoid leaks, which increases the risk of improper installation and prolonged replacement times.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves using guide pins and radial supports to align and secure the electronic stem of the oil level sensor within the tank, with a flange and spring assembly to ensure proper positioning and sealing, and an integral oil sensor guide to facilitate accurate installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the oil level sensor is assembled in an inverted orientation, then the sensor can be replaced during engine operation, but the risk of assembly damage and misassembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor replacement timeVSAvoidassembly correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A guide structure with guide pins and radial supports acts as an intermediary between the sensor and tank, facilitating proper alignment and positioning during inverted assembly operations, thereby preventing misassembly while enabling quick replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the oil level sensor is installed with tight tolerances, then leaks are prevented, but the difficulty of proper installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure performs preliminary alignment actions before the sensor is fully installed, pre-positioning the sensor at correct angles and locations to ensure sealing surfaces will mate properly, thereby achieving tight tolerances without increasing installation difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the sensor is inserted vertically upward into the tank, then the inverted assembly is enabled, but the alignment precision with the tank opening decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly orientationVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide structure with its guide pins and radial supports serves as a mediator that maintains alignment precision during vertical upward insertion, mechanically constraining the sensor to the correct trajectory and position relative to the tank opening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3822593B1Oil level sensor guide

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 RTX CORP

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AI summary

A fluid tank system comprises a fluid container, a fluid level sensor and a guide tube (384). The fluid container includes a sensor opening (382) in a fluid container wall defined by a rim. The fluid level sensor comprises a radial flange on a proximate end of a longitudinally extending electronics stem that includes a distal end. The guide tube (384) radially surrounds the longitudinally extending electronics stem and axially contacts a flanged surface of the longitudinally extending electronics stem located within the fluid container. The longitudinally extending electronics stem, the guide tube (384) and the sensor opening (382) are co-axial about a central axis.