Pressure Sensor Flow Porting with Integral Flame-Proof Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure sensors require additional flame arrestors to achieve flame-proof safety, which occupy space and increase manufacturing and assembly costs.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor design with integral flame-proof safety mechanism, utilizing unique internal flow paths with thick walls, circuitous paths, and small cross-sections to contain and extinguish flames without the need for separate flame arrestors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate flame arrestors are added to achieve flame-proof safety, then flame containment capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flame arrestor functionality directly into the pressure sensor meter body by forming flame-arresting passages within the existing structure. The meter body includes integrated passages with restricted cross-sections and specific length-to-diameter ratios that provide flame arrestment without requiring separate add-on components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining flame containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains pressure measurements, provides flame arrestment through integrated passages, and eliminates the need for separate flame arrestor components. The same structural elements that facilitate pressure sensing also provide flame containment, achieving multi-functionality to reduce overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If separate flame arrestors are installed to ensure flame-proof safety, then flame containment capability is improved, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor functionality is merged into the meter body manufacturing process itself. The meter body is formed with integrated flame-arresting passages using standard manufacturing techniques, eliminating the need for separate flame arrestor components and reducing both manufacturing and assembly steps while maintaining flame containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the flame arrestment function from separate add-on components and integrates it directly into the meter body structure. By taking out the flame arrestor as a separate component and incorporating its functionality into the existing meter body design, the patent simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while ensuring flame containment.
3Reliability
If flame arrestors are added to contain flame fronts, then flame containment capability is improved, but the space occupied by additional components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flame arrestor functionality is merged within the existing meter body volume. The flame-arresting passages are formed inside the meter body structure, utilizing the same space that would otherwise be unused or structural. This integration eliminates the need for additional external components, thereby reducing the overall space occupied by the pressure sensor assembly.
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 design ensures cost-effective and accurate pressure measurement while inherently meeting flame-proof requirements, eliminating the need for additional components and reducing overall sensor size.
Implementation Method 1
One conventional technique for containing flame fronts is to attenuate the thermal energy in a flame prior to the flame front being able to leave the device, thereby extinguishing the flame and preventing any external explosive gas mixtures from igniting.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus includes a sensor body (206) and a sensor (204) configured to measure pressure. The apparatus also includes at least one pressure input in or on the sensor body, where the at least one pressure input is configured to provide at least one input pressure to the sensor. The apparatus further includes multiple fluid passages (212, 302, 304, 402, 404a-404b, 406a-406d) configured to convey the at least one input pressure from the at least one pressure input to the sensor using a fill fluid (306, 308). The multiple fluid passages are configured to both (i) transport the fill fluid and (ii) absorb thermal energy in a flame created by the sensor before the flame exits the sensor body. The fluid passages can include long and narrow straight passages (402), long and narrow curved or helical passages (404a-404b), and turns or bends (406a-406d). The fluid passages can have small cross-sections relative to their lengths.