Quick Coupling with Integral Sensor Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe couplings for fluid media are labor-intensive to produce and lack high functional reliability, with a need for improved designs that can easily determine the properties of the fluid medium flowing through them.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a coupling body with a sensor chamber separated from the flow channel by a partition, where the sensor section extends through the partition to contact the flow channel, allowing for direct fluid medium interaction without seals, and is produced using a one-piece thermoplastic material for enhanced durability and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe couplings with separate sensor chambers and sealing elements are used, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chamber is integrated directly into the coupling body as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and complex assembly. The partition wall is formed as an integral part of the coupling body, creating a seamless structure that maintains functional reliability while simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects pipe sections, provides structural support, and houses the sensor chamber as an integral component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional pipe couplings with multiple sealing elements are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but production time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body and sensor chamber are manufactured as a single integrated component, eliminating multiple sealing interfaces and assembly steps. This integration maintains sealing reliability by reducing potential leak paths while significantly improving production efficiency through fewer manufacturing operations.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the coupling body wall, then fluid medium temperature can be detected, but production effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chamber is formed as an integral part of the coupling body, allowing the sensor to be positioned in direct contact with the fluid medium through the partition wall. This integrated design enables accurate fluid property detection while simplifying production by eliminating separate sensor mounting operations and additional sealing requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The coupling (1) has a coupling body (2) defining a flow channel (3) between two connecting ends (4, 5). The coupling body includes a sensor chamber (8) that is separated from the flow channel by a separating wall. A pressure sensor is arranged in the sensor chamber. A sensor probe is connected to the sensor, and extends from the sensor through the separating wall such that an end of the sensor probe facing toward the flow channel is in communication with the flow channel. The coupling body is arranged directly against the sensor probe without a seal.