Protective Cover for Explosion-Proof Measuring System Connection Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field devices used in explosion-endangered regions often have connection units that lack sufficient mechanical strength, leading to reduced impact resistance and failure in impact tests, which compromises the dust-tight seal and explosion protection requirements.

Innovation Solution

A protective cover is introduced to surround the connection unit and field device, enhancing the impact resistance of the measuring system independently of the connection unit's design, allowing for the use of connection units with varying impact resistance while maintaining a sealed environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a predetermined prefabricated connection unit is used, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but mechanical strength and impact resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed as a separate component that can be attached to the connection unit independently. This segmentation allows the connection unit to remain a simple, easy-to-manufacture component while the protective cover provides the necessary mechanical strength and impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit is nested within the protective cover, which surrounds and protects it. This nested structure allows the smaller connection unit to benefit from the protective cover's mechanical strength without requiring the connection unit itself to be complex or expensive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the connection unit is designed with higher mechanical strength, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical strength function is segmented from the connection unit and assigned to a separate protective cover. This allows the connection unit to remain simple while the protective cover handles the mechanical protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the connection unit and the external environment. It absorbs mechanical impacts and protects the connection unit without requiring the connection unit itself to be mechanically robust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the connection unit is designed with higher mechanical strength, then impact resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is manufactured as a separate, simple component that can be produced cost-effectively and attached to the connection unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover can be designed as a simple, cost-effective component that provides adequate protection without requiring expensive materials or complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the connection unit lacks sufficient mechanical strength, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability and dust-tight seal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddust-tight seal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is installed beforehand to protect the connection unit from mechanical impacts that could compromise the dust-tight seal. This prior protection ensures the connection unit remains intact and maintains its sealing integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover serves as an intermediary that protects the connection unit from mechanical damage. This allows the connection unit to remain simple and easy to install while the protective cover ensures the reliability of the dust-tight seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11320459B2Measuring system

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a measuring system including: an automation field device embodied for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium; a connection unit, which includes a connection plug, which is electrically connected with the field device, and a cable, which is connected to the connection plug with a cable connection and which serves for supplying the field device with electrical energy and/or for transmitting information between the field device and a superordinated unit; and a protective cover, which surrounds the connection unit and the field device connected with the connection unit in a protection section, wherein by means of the protective cover the impact resistance of the measuring system in the protection section is increased.