Sampling Probe Nozzle Heating for Condensation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sampling probes used in containments for monitoring decontamination agents face issues with condensation due to cooling, which slows down response times and complicates monitoring of components like hydrogen peroxide.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heating element in thermal contact with the nozzle and temperature sensing elements within blind holes, accessible from the connecting portion, to prevent condensation and allow for easy maintenance, along with a heat barrier to manage surface temperatures and prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a nozzle is used to create a defined fluid stream for sampling, then the measurement system can monitor decontamination agents, but condensation occurs on the nozzle due to cooling from the passing fluid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidnozzle temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a heating element that actively changes the temperature parameter of the nozzle from a cooled state to a controlled warm state. This prevents condensation by maintaining the nozzle temperature above the dew point of the sampled fluid, thereby resolving the temperature contradiction while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the heating element is integrated into the sampling portion, then condensation is prevented, but access for electrical connection and replacement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidheating element accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sampling probe into distinct portions: the sampling portion containing the nozzle and heating element, and the connecting portion that provides access. The heating element is positioned within the sampling portion for effective condensation prevention, while the connecting portion offers accessibility for electrical connections and potential replacement, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If the heating element is accessible from the connecting portion, then maintenance is easier, but contaminations may proliferate into the containment interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the connecting portion as a mediator between the external environment and the containment interior. The connecting portion allows access for maintenance while incorporating sealing mechanisms that prevent contaminations from proliferating into the containment interior, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and contamination risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Use of energy by moving object

If temperature sensing elements are added for automatic regulation, then energy consumption is minimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidsampling probe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by incorporating temperature sensing elements that continuously monitor the nozzle temperature and provide feedback to the control system. This enables automatic regulation of the heating element to maintain optimal temperature, minimizing energy consumption by activating heating only when necessary, thus resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enhances the responsiveness of the measurement system by reducing condensation, maintaining accurate temperature control, and preventing contamination, thereby improving the monitoring efficiency of decontamination agents.

Implementation Method 1

the sampling portion accommodates at least one heating element that is in thermally conducting contact with the nozzle. It has been observed that heating up the nozzle avoids a cooling due to the fluid, preferably a gas, passing the nozzle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating