Probe Assembly Butt Weld Vibration Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional sensor devices and probe assemblies fail to adequately secure components from high vibrational loads, as conventional fillet weld techniques do not provide sufficient resistance and often result in larger, more costly devices with increased material usage.

Innovation Solution

The use of a probe assembly with a probe rod and probe head secured via a butt weld, where the first end of the probe rod is aligned with the exterior surface of the probe head, and threaded elements connect to secure the probe rod within the probe head, providing enhanced resistance to vibrational loads while minimizing material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fillet weld techniques are used to secure the probe rod, then the components can be connected, but the resistance to vibrational loads is insufficient and material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to vibrational loadsVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the welding parameter from fillet weld to butt weld. The butt weld configuration provides superior strength and resistance to vibrational loads compared to fillet welds, while requiring less material. The probe rod end is welded directly to the probe head in a butt joint, eliminating the need for excessive material that would be required with fillet weld techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If conventional fillet weld techniques are used to secure the probe rod, then the components can be connected, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to vibrational loadsVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the welding parameter from fillet weld to butt weld. The butt weld configuration provides superior strength and resistance to vibrational loads compared to fillet welds, while requiring less material. The probe rod end is welded directly to the probe head in a butt joint, eliminating the need for excessive material that would be required with fillet weld techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the probe rod end is aligned with the exterior surface of the probe head, then a butt weld can be performed, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to vibrational loadsVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates threading features on both the probe rod end and the probe head interior surface before the welding operation. These threaded elements allow for preliminary mechanical engagement and alignment of the probe rod with the probe head, ensuring that the ends are properly positioned and aligned prior to performing the butt weld. This preliminary mechanical alignment facilitates the subsequent welding operation by establishing the correct geometric relationship between the components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This configuration enhances the resistance to vibrational loads, reduces the size of the sensor device, and avoids the limitations of conventional fillet welds, leading to improved operational reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The first end of the probe rod is welded to the probe head via a butt weld

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

The first end of the probe rod further defines a first threaded element and the probe head further defines a second threaded element. As such, connection between the first threaded element and the second threaded element is configured to secure the probe rod within the probe head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThreading: Screw

Implementation Method 3

The one or more coil elements are configured to magnetically interact with the probe assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3734230B1Apparatuses, systems, and methods for improved vibration resistance
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3734230B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3734230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3734230B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatuses, systems, and associated methods of assembly are described that provide for improved probed assemblies for use in sensors configured to convert between motion and electrical signals. An example probe assembly includes a probe rod defining a first end. In an operational configuration, the probe rod is at least partially received by a sensor device. The probe assembly further includes a probe head that receives the first end of the probe rod. The probe head mates with the first end so as to secure the probe rod therein. The first end of the probe rod is further welded to the probe head via a butt welding technique.