Measurement Probe Shrink Sleeve Seal Against Moisture Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measuring probes face issues with conductive media, such as water or steam, penetrating through gaps in protective hoses, leading to short circuits and measurement disruptions due to micro-leakages or production quality fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A heat-shrinkable sleeve is applied to the electrode and surrounding components to create a tight seal, reducing gaps and preventing moisture ingress, combined with O-rings and a protective hose to further secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective hose is used to enclose the electrode, then protection against the measuring medium is improved, but gaps remain between the hose and electrode allowing conductive medium penetration
Solution Approach 1:
A shrinkable tube made of flexible material is used to enclose the electrode. The tube is initially larger than the electrode and is then shrunk using heat or other energy to conform tightly to the electrode surface, creating a flexible protective barrier that eliminates gaps while maintaining protection against the measuring medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimensions of the protective tube are changed by applying energy (heat, radiation, etc.) to cause the tube to shrink from a larger initial size to a tightly fitted size around the electrode. This parameter change transforms the tube from a loose protective covering to a form-fitted seal that prevents medium penetration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shrinkable tube is used to enclose the electrode, then tight sealing against the electrode is improved, but the complexity of the protective device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function and the sealing function are merged into a single component - the shrinkable tube. This tube simultaneously provides protection against the measuring medium and creates a tight seal around the electrode, eliminating the need for separate protective hose and sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The shrinkable tube serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier against the measuring medium, creates a tight seal around the electrode, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity by replacing multiple specialized components with one versatile element.
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 significantly reduces the risk of electrical short circuits and measurement failures by ensuring a tight seal against conductive media, enhancing the reliability of the measuring probe.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-shrinkable sleeve being shrunk onto the electrode as the protective device
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The sensor (1) has a shrink hose shrink-fitted on an electrode (2) as a protection device. A connector (16) is arranged between the electrode and an end arranged at a front side of the electrode, is laterally surrounded by a tube (15) and is welded with the tube. An O-ring (17) is arranged between the electrode and hose, and a screening tube (10) is arranged between the electrode and a sensor head that is arranged at a rear side of the electrode. The hose is made of plastic e.g. perfluoro- and/or ethylene-propylene plastic. The tube is formed from plastic e.g. PTFE and polyethylene. An independent claim is also included for a method for producing a measuring sensor.