Pressure Measuring Unit Leak Detection via Fluidic Path Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure measuring units in hygienic applications require complex electronic sensors to detect leaking process seals, which adds unnecessary complexity and components.
Innovation Solution
A pressure measuring unit with a rotationally symmetrical sensor bushing and process connector featuring a ring-like process seal and internal fluidic path network that directs leaking process medium to easily visible openings, allowing for manual leak detection without electronic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic sensors are used to detect leaking process seals, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leak detection function from complex electronic sensors and implements it through a simple visual indicator system. The process medium is guided through fluidic paths to a visible opening where leakage can be directly observed, eliminating the need for electronic sensing components while maintaining reliable leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator system between the process seal and the observer. The fluidic path network acts as a mediator that transports the process medium to a visible opening, where leakage is indicated by the presence of process medium outside the sealed system, providing a simple and reliable detection mechanism.
2Reliability
If multiple electronic components are integrated into the pressure measuring unit, then leak detection functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex electronic components from the pressure measuring unit and replaces them with a mechanically simple fluidic path network and visual indicator. This extraction of electronic elements significantly simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining leak detection functionality through purely mechanical and fluid-based means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service leak detection system where the process medium itself serves as the indicator. When the process seal leaks, the process medium automatically flows through the fluidic paths to the visible opening, providing self-indicating leakage without requiring external electronic sensing or control systems.
3Device complexity
If a single fluidic path is used to conduct process medium, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of leak detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluidic path into multiple parallel channels that all converge at the visible opening. This segmentation provides redundant pathways for the process medium, ensuring that if one path is blocked or less efficient, alternative paths can still convey leakage indicators, thereby improving detection reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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
Simplifies leak detection in pressure measuring units by guiding the process medium through a network of parallel fluidic paths to visible openings, reducing the risk of seal damage and eliminating the need for electronic sensors, while meeting hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
the several openings together form a fluidic path network consisting of several individual fluidic paths running parallel to one another, via which fluidic path network, in the event of a failure of the process seal, the process medium is conducted from the sealing plane at the process seal to at least one opening visible from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure measuring unit includes a pressure measuring cell; a rotationally symmetrical sensor bushing into which the pressure measuring cell is inserted; a rotationally symmetrical process connection having, at one end, an inwardly extending encircling stop surface intended for the sensor bushing and, at another end, an opening for receiving the sensor bushing; a ring-like process seal between the sensor bushing and the stop surface of the process connection in order to thus prevent an ingress of the process medium into the pressure measuring unit; wherein the stop surface of the process connection and/or a counterpart stop surface, which in the installed state is directed toward the stop surface, of the sensor bushing have multiple individually formed webs configured such that the process seal is not extruded into the openings.