Probe Mounting Collar With Spring Lock to Prevent Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware mounting systems for industrial machines, such as instrumentation probes in gas turbine systems, face challenges with play, loosening, cross-threading, and difficulty in tight spaces, leading to inaccurate measurements and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with a receptacle element, locking element, and disk spring mechanism that allows secure, repeatable attachment and detachment of hardware, preventing movement and loosening, and facilitating easy installation in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spherical ball quick-disconnect arrangement is used to mount removable hardware, then the hardware can be quickly installed and removed, but the hardware has limited ability to move (play) and structures can loosen during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into distinct functional components: a receptacle element with collar, a separate locking element, and an attachment element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the collar provides structural support, the locking element provides secure engagement, and the attachment element enables controlled operation - while working together to eliminate play and prevent loosening during quick installation and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-configured within the collar structure, positioned to automatically engage with the attachment element when hardware is inserted. The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to provide immediate locking force upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate locking steps and ensuring consistent engagement before operation begins
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to mount instrumentation probes, then the hardware can be securely attached, but threading is difficult in limited space with obstructed line-of-sight and alignment is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the operator to manually thread the probe into the receptacle (traditional approach), the invention inverts the process: the probe is simply inserted into the collar, and the locking element automatically engages with the attachment element through spring force. This reversal eliminates the need for precise alignment and threading operations in tight spaces while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element with spring mechanism performs the securing function automatically upon insertion of the hardware. The spring-loaded locking element self-actuates to engage with the attachment element without requiring external manipulation or alignment, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for manual threading operations in difficult-to-access locations
3Manufacturing precision
If direct threaded connections are used between probe and receptacle, then the probe can be mounted, but it is difficult to precisely position the probe
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the receptacle base and the attachment element. It provides a precisely engineered internal opening that guides and positions the hardware during insertion, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The collar's geometry directly determines the positioning precision, simplifying the overall system while achieving high precision
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 system ensures secure, accurate mounting of hardware without play, preventing loosening and misalignment, and enables easy installation in challenging environments, enhancing measurement precision and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a disk spring element between the attachment element and the receptacle element, the disk spring element configured to force the attachment element relative to the receptacle element toward the locked position of the locking element
Implementation Method 2
an attachment element axially movable relative to the receptacle element, the attachment element having a central opening defined therein through which the hardware extends and a tapered portion configured to move the locking element into the locked position based on a position of the attachment element relative to the receptacle element
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for removably mounting hardware, like a probe, to a stationary structure, like a casing element of a turbine section. A receptacle element includes a base configured to be fixed to the stationary structure and a collar extending from the base. The collar includes an internal opening to receive the hardware and a locking element aperture. A locking element is movable in the locking element aperture between a locked position fixedly engaging the hardware and an unlocked position allowing the hardware to be removed. An attachment element is movable relative to the receptacle element and has a tapered portion to move the locking element into the locked position. A disk spring element is configured to force the attachment element relative to the receptacle element toward the locked position of the locking element, providing an intrinsic anti-rotation and anti-loosening feature.