Probe Holder Locking Mechanism for Pipe Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing probe holders for measuring instruments attached to pipes face difficulties in easy attachment and removal, and often lack sufficient fixation stability, relying heavily on frictional forces and requiring additional devices for securement.
Innovation Solution
A probe holder design featuring a movable locking element that transitions between a fixed and released state, allowing for easy and stable attachment to a pipe wall, with a handle for actuation and a clamping mechanism for secure hold, and optionally featuring a sealing element for fluid containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If probe holder is attached using frictional forces between access element and pipe opening, then attachment is simple, but fixation stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holder employs a dynamic clamping mechanism where the clamping element can transition between open and closed states. The element is spring-loaded to maintain constant clamping force, allowing the holder to adapt to variations in pipe diameter and surface conditions while ensuring stable fixation. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing both easy attachment (opening the clamping element) and reliable fixation (closed clamping state).
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element changes its geometric parameters (opening width, clamping force) based on operational requirements. During installation, the element is opened to allow pipe insertion, then closed to generate sufficient clamping force for stable fixation. The spring mechanism automatically adjusts the clamping force parameter to maintain optimal contact pressure between the holder and pipe surface.
2Reliability
If additional holder devices are used to secure probe holder to pipe, then fixation stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function and holding function are merged into a single integrated clamping element. This element simultaneously performs the tasks of securing the probe holder to the pipe and maintaining positional stability, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices. The integration reduces structural complexity while maintaining fixation stability through the combined clamping and positioning actions of the unified element.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical clamping force for fixation, acts as a positioning element to maintain holder orientation, and enables both attachment and release operations. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable stabilization of the probe holder on the pipe.
3Reliability
If probe holder requires screwing and additional devices for securement, then fixation stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element incorporates a curved or arc-shaped design that allows it to wrap around the pipe surface. This curvature enables the element to engage with the cylindrical pipe geometry naturally, providing stable fixation through conformal contact. The curved shape allows for simple snap-on attachment without requiring threading or complex fastening operations, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable fixation through the geometric compatibility between the clamping element and pipe surface.
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
Enables straightforward and secure attachment and removal of measuring instruments with enhanced stability, preventing fluid leakage and ensuring accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
usually fastened to the pipe only by frictional forces between the access element or the retaining element and a friction surface on the pipe opening
Implementation Method 2
a clamping mechanism for secure hold
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a probe holder (1, 2, 3, 4) with an access element (5) that can be attached to an opening (16) in a wall (15) of a tube (26), wherein the access element (5) has at least a part of a continuous access opening (6) which is designed for inserting a rod-shaped measuring instrument into the opening (16), and with a retaining element (7, 7A, 7B) which is designed for attaching the probe holder (1, 2, 3, 4) to the wall (15) of a tube (26). A locking element (8) is arranged to be movable relative to the access element (5) along an insertion direction of the access opening (6) between a first position and a second position, wherein the locking element (8) interacts with the retaining element (7, 7A, 7B) such that in the first position a fixing state and in the second position a fixing state is defined.