Adjustable Resonant Frequency Pitot Tube Probe Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Averaging pitot tube probes in industrial processes are prone to flow-induced vibrations, which can lead to mechanical stress, reduced service life, and early catastrophic failure due to resonance with wake frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A tension-adjustable mount system for averaging pitot tube probes, which includes a fixed mount for one end of the probe and a tensioning mount with a tensioner for the other end, allowing the resonant frequency of the probe to be adjusted by varying the tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the probe is secured in a fixed position using a fixed mount, then the probe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the probe is susceptible to flow-induced vibrations and resonance that reduce service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static fixed mount to a dynamic tensioning mount that can adjust the resonant frequency of the probe. The tensioning mechanism allows the mount to adapt to varying flow conditions by changing the probe's tension, thereby shifting its resonant frequency away from harmful vortex shedding frequencies. This dynamic adjustment capability extends probe service life while managing the complexity through a modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the probe through adjustable tension. By changing the tension parameter in the probe structure, the resonant frequency is altered to avoid resonance with flow-induced vibrations. This parameter adjustment is achieved through the tensioning mount mechanism, which can be tuned to optimize probe performance and durability under different operating conditions.
2Strength
If the probe is made more robust to resist flow-induced vibrations, then the probe strength increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing probe strength through more robust (and expensive) materials or thicker walls, the patent changes the operational parameters by adjusting the resonant frequency through the tensioning mount. This approach maintains probe strength while avoiding the need for costly manufacturing enhancements, as the solution lies in operational tuning rather than structural reinforcement.
3Reliability
If the resonant frequency of the probe is adjusted to avoid flow-induced vibrations, then the probe robustness increases, but the mount structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a dynamic tensioning mechanism that, while adding some complexity, provides significant reliability benefits. The dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying flow conditions, making the increased complexity justified by the substantial improvement in probe robustness and resistance to flow-induced vibrations.
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 adjustable resonant frequency of the probe avoids destructive flow-induced oscillations, thereby increasing the probe's robustness, extending its operational life, and reducing manufacturing costs compared to conventional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
When flow-induced vibrations occur near a natural resonant frequency of the averaging pitot tube probe, the magnitude of the forced resonant oscillations of the probe causes significant wear of the probe
Implementation Method 2
A bias member of the tensioner is configured to flex relative to the process vessel based on the tension in the probe
Data Source
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AI summary
An averaging pitot tube probe assembly (106）for use in sensing a parameter of a fluid flow in a process vessel (114） includes an averaging pitot tube probe (108 extending through the process vessel (114). The probe (108）includes a first end (136）extending through a first opening（140）in the process vessel (114）,and a second end（138）extending through a second opening（142）in the process vessel. A fixed mount（146）secures the first end（136）in a fixed position relative to the process vessel（114). A tensioning mount (148） includes a tensioner (150）that is attached to the second end (138）of the probe (108）and is configured to adjust a tension in the probe (108), and thereby adjust a resonant frequency of the probe (108）.