Retractable Assembly Immersion Tube Intermediate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable assemblies used in analytical process technology face challenges in ensuring controlled cleaning of the media-side seal without allowing the immersion tube to move to an undefined position or undergo uncontrolled movement between service and process positions, which complicates efficient cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A retractable assembly with an engagement apparatus that includes a movable piston, allowing the immersion tube to be safely locked in an intermediate position between service and process positions, preventing further movement towards the medium and enabling controlled cleaning of the seal and closure element by applying energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the immersion tube is allowed to move freely between service and process positions, then the cleaning of the seal can be performed with open connection to the containment, but the immersion tube may move to an undefined position or undergo uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism between the immersion tube and the housing. It includes a movable piston with a plug that can engage with a stop or cavity on the immersion tube, providing controlled positioning. This intermediary device allows the immersion tube to be held in specific positions (service position, intermediate position, process position) while enabling cleaning operations with open connection to the containment, without allowing uncontrolled movement.
2Reliability
If the service chamber is sealed to prevent medium contamination during cleaning, then medium exchange is prevented, but the seal and closure element accumulate accretions and fouling requiring process interruption for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between sealed and open states. The engagement apparatus with its movable piston allows the service chamber to be sealed during normal operation to prevent medium contamination, and then opened during cleaning operations. The piston can be moved to an intermediate position that opens the service chamber to the containment while still controlling the immersion tube position, enabling cleaning without complete process interruption and allowing medium exchange when needed.
3Device complexity
If the immersion tube is held in service position without engagement apparatus, then the structure is simpler, but efficient cleaning cannot be assured and the tube may move to undefined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement apparatus with movable piston provides self-positioning and self-locking functionality. The piston automatically engages with the immersion tube at specific positions (service position, intermediate position, process position) through the plug-stop or plug-cavity interactions. This self-service mechanism ensures the immersion tube is reliably positioned for efficient cleaning operations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the positioning function is integrated into the existing retractable assembly components.
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
Ensures the immersion tube is securely positioned for maintenance, allowing for safe and efficient cleaning of the media-side seal and closure element without interrupting the process, thereby maintaining the integrity of the medium containment.
Implementation Method 1
an immersion tube (3), which is movable by means of an energy supply, especially pressurized air, axially in the housing (2)
Data Source
AI summary
A tool and a retractable assembly for measuring at least one measured variable of a medium in a containment, comprising: an essentially cylindrical housing; an immersion tube, which is movable axially in the housing between a service position run out from the medium and a process position run into the medium; and an engagement apparatus secured on the housing; wherein a movable piston is provided in the engagement apparatus and at least a first position and a second position of the piston are provided. The engagement apparatus holds the immersion tube in the service position when the piston is located in the first position, especially when no energy supply is present, and the engagement apparatus holds the immersion tube in an intermediate position between the service position and the process position and prevents further movement of the immersion tube in the direction of the medium when the piston is located in the second position.