Pipe Sensor Protection Wrap for Thermal Isolation and Impact Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensing devices used in high-temperature environments, such as HVAC systems, face challenges in withstanding extreme temperatures, humidity, vibrations, and exposure to dirt and water, which can impact their accuracy and durability, especially in automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
A protective assembly for sensing devices that includes a pipe with a sensing device in thermal contact, a multi-layer protection element providing mechanical robustness, thermal isolation, and noise absorption, which restricts movement and shields against environmental debris and water, using flexible materials like textiles or foams, and an adhesive system for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing device is exposed to the environment for accurate temperature measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to mechanical impacts, thermal influences, and environmental debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible protection element in the form of a wrap that can be wrapped around the pipe and sensing device. This flexible shell provides mechanical protection and thermal isolation while allowing the sensing device to remain in thermal contact with the pipe surface for accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element is designed to enclose both the sensing device and the pipe section it is mounted on, creating a nested structure where the sensing device is protected within the wrap while maintaining its functional contact with the pipe.
2Measurement precision
If the sensing device is thermally isolated from the environment, then thermal measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes more susceptible to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible protection wrap provides thermal isolation by creating a barrier between the sensing device and the external environment, while simultaneously providing mechanical protection through its wrap-around structure that secures the device to the pipe.
3Strength
If a rigid protection structure is used to protect the sensing device, then mechanical strength is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible wrap replaces rigid protection structures with a柔ible material that can be easily wrapped around the pipe and sensing device. This simplifies installation by eliminating the need for complex mounting brackets or rigid enclosures while still providing adequate mechanical protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible wrap that can be adapted to different pipe sizes and shapes, allowing for easier installation and adjustment in various applications.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection element completely encloses the pipe with the device, then protection against environmental debris is improved, but automated installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed as a wrap that can be applied in sections around the pipe, allowing automated manipulators to place and secure it systematically. The wrap can be divided into manageable portions that are applied sequentially rather than requiring complete enclosure in one complex operation.
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 assembly effectively protects the sensing device from mechanical and thermal impacts, ensuring accurate temperature measurements by isolating it from environmental influences and preventing water contact, while also being adaptable for automated or manual installation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The protection element is configured to protect the sensing device by thermally isolating it from environmental influences, as for example from convective heat and heat radiation
Implementation Method 2
The protection element may comprise layers with noise absorption properties which are configured to limit noise from the pipe, in particular from the fluid streaming in the pipe
Implementation Method 3
The sensing device is arranged on a peripheral surface of the pipe and is in thermal contact with the peripheral surface of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly to protect a sensing device including a pipe configured for transportation of a fluid, a sensing device arranged on a peripheral surface of the pipe and in thermal contact with the pipe and a protection element for protection of the sensing device against mechanical impacts and for thermal isolation of the device against the environment.