Radar Level Gauge Coupling Isolating Probe Forces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radar level gauge systems face challenges with brittle sealing materials like glass and ceramics, which are damaged by forces acting on the probe, limiting their use in environments with high pressure and temperature variations.

Innovation Solution

A radar level gauge system with a coupling that mechanically separates the seal from the mechanical connection, allowing movement and using temperature-stable and pressure-durable materials like glass and ceramics, while maintaining a hermetic seal through clamping and resilient members to absorb forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If brittle sealing materials like glass and ceramics are used to achieve temperature stability and pressure durability, then temperature stability and pressure durability are improved, but the sealing materials are damaged by forces acting on the probe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stability and pressure durabilityVSAvoidresistance to forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into distinct functional sections: a mechanical connection section for securing the probe, a seal section with the brittle sealing material, and a movement-absorbing section. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function without interfering with others, protecting the seal from mechanical forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A movement-absorbing element acts as an intermediary between the mechanical connection and the seal. This intermediary component absorbs and isolates forces acting on the probe, preventing them from reaching the brittle sealing material while still allowing the seal to maintain its hermetic function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the seal is mechanically connected to the probe to maintain hermetic sealing, then hermetic sealing is achieved, but forces acting on the probe damage the seal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic sealingVSAvoidforces from probe movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful force transmission path is extracted from the system by introducing a mechanical separation between the probe connection and the seal. The seal is taken out from the direct mechanical load path, allowing it to maintain hermetic sealing without being subjected to damaging forces from probe movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device incorporates resilient members and movement-absorbing elements that provide beforehand cushioning against forces that may act on the probe. These elements are pre-configured to absorb and dampen mechanical shocks and movements before they can reach the seal, protecting it from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid sealing structures are used to maintain seal integrity, then seal integrity is improved, but the seal cannot accommodate movement between probe and tank

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidaccommodation of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device transitions from a rigid seal structure to a dynamic design where the seal can accommodate relative movements. Resilient members and movement-absorbing sections allow the seal to flex and adapt to probe movements while maintaining its hermetic integrity, combining stability with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the use of sensitive sealing materials in challenging environments by isolating forces from the seal, ensuring reliable operation across wide temperature and pressure ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a seal adapted to hermetically seal the electric feed-through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

resilient member arranged between the probe and the mechanical connection and configured to absorb forces acting on the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a probe at least partly disposed inside the tank and configured to guide transmitted microwave energy towards the content

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7467548B2Radar level gauge system and coupling

Publication Date: 2008.12.23 ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR

AI summary

A radar level gauge system for measuring a filling level of a content contained in a tank is disclosed. The system comprises a transmitter and a probe, configured to guide transmitted microwave energy towards the content. Further, it comprises a coupling comprising a mechanical connection configured to mechanically connect the probe to the tank; an electric feed-through configured to electrically connect the probe to the transmitter; and a seal adapted to hermetically seal the electric feed-through, wherein the coupling is adapted to provide mechanical separation between said mechanical connection and said seal, and to permit at least some movement between the mechanical connection and the seal, thereby protecting the seal from forces acting on the probe.