Reaction Vessel Probe Adapter With Pressure-Activated Collet Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling probes to reaction vessels often result in deformation of the probe due to inadequate axial restraint, lack of adjustability, and permanent attachment, which complicates sealing and pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
The adapter system employs a collet with conical faces and spring fingers that grip the probe uniformly, combined with a sealing O-ring and Belleville washers, allowing for adjustable insertion depth and secure sealing without deforming the probe, and automatically increases grip under increased pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a clamp with heavy-wall axially split tubing is used to secure the probe, then axial restraint is achieved, but the probe is deformed beyond its yield at the clamped surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter distributes the clamping force uniformly around the entire circumference of the probe through a complete annular seal and evenly spaced engagement features, rather than concentrating force at discrete clamping points. This uniform distribution prevents localized stress concentrations that would deform the probe beyond its yield point.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into multiple functional segments including an annular seal portion, engagement features, and pressure-responsive elements that work together to provide distributed restraint. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to uniform force distribution while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a welded collar is used as a permanent part of the probe coupling system, then secure attachment is achieved, but adjustment of insertion depth is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates threaded engagement features that allow the probe to be securely attached at adjustable depths. The threading mechanism provides both secure attachment through friction and threaded engagement, while maintaining the ability to adjust the insertion depth by rotating the probe or adapter assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides secure attachment through friction and threaded engagement, maintains sealing under pressure, and allows for adjustment of insertion depth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a permanent welded collar while achieving both security and adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inner bore of the clamp is machined to accommodate the largest probe diameter, then probes of maximum diameter are secured, but probes of minimum diameter are clamped along only two surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter's annular seal and engagement features are designed to contact the probe uniformly around its entire circumference, regardless of the probe's diameter within the acceptable range. This ensures consistent clamping force distribution and reliable sealing for both minimum and maximum diameter probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates compliance elements or adjustable features that allow it to adapt to different probe diameters. This enables the adapter to maintain uniform contact and effective sealing across the full range of probe sizes without requiring precise machining for each specific diameter.
4Force
If screws or bolts are used to secure the clamp around the probe, then axial restraint is achieved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter integrates the sealing function and the axial restraint function into a single unified component. The annular seal and engagement features are combined in one piece that can be installed as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate clamps, screws, and bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex multi-component fastening system with screws and bolts is replaced by a simpler integrated adapter design. The essential functions of sealing and restraint are extracted and combined into a single element that achieves the same mechanical effect with fewer parts and simpler 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 adapter system securely couples probes to reaction vessels without deforming them, allows for adjustable insertion depth, and maintains sealing under varying pressures, ensuring reliable monitoring and data collection in high-pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring seal (55) located within an axial bore (20) in the body portion (15) to seal any gap between an outer surface of the probe and the axial bore
Implementation Method 2
The conical face of the proximal end of the collet (60) is in contact with a first conical anvil (50) that is slidably located within the axial bore (20) in the body portion (15)
Implementation Method 3
a load limiting feature in the form of one or a series (stack) of Belleville washers or other spring elements (90)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An adapter for releasably securing a probe to a reaction vessel. Embodiments of the adapter include a cover plate for mating with a reaction vessel, a body portion extending from the cover plate, and a probe gripping portion secured to the body portion. A collet and at least one anvil resides within the body portion/probe gripping portion assembly. The collet has at least one split conical end that may be divided into a plurality of flexible gripping fingers, the conical end of the collet adapted to mate with the at least one anvil. An o-ring is preferably located in the body portion and surrounds a probe when the probe is passed through the adapter. Pressure from the reaction vessel exerts an axial force on the o-ring which, in turn, exerts a like force on the anvil, thereby causing the gripping fingers of the collet to exert a gripping force on the probe.