Sealed Placement Device for Measuring Head Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for moving a measuring device's head into and out of a process space, such as those using two screw bars, often result in process fluid splattering and increased complexity, posing safety risks and maintenance challenges due to imperfect sealing and simultaneous rotation issues.
Innovation Solution
A placement device with a stop element forming a sealed casing around the measuring device and a housing part attached to the valve member, using co-axial casing parts and means for axial movement, such as a screw bar or hydraulic cylinder, to ensure the measuring device moves between positions without leakage, forming a completely closed structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two screw bars are used to move the measuring device, then the measuring device can be moved into and out of the process space, but process fluid may splatter onto the operator and environment due to imperfect sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first screw bar is housed within the second screw bar. This nested arrangement allows both screw bars to function together for moving the measuring device while being contained within a common housing, preventing fluid splattering. The inner screw bar (first screw bar) provides fine positioning while the outer screw bar (second screw bar) provides coarse movement, and both are sealed within the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sealed housing as an intermediary structure that contains both screw bars and the measuring device. This housing acts as a barrier between the process fluid and the operator/environment, preventing splattering while still allowing the measuring device to be moved in and out of the process space through the valve member.
2Ease of operation
If two screw bars are used to move the measuring device, then the measuring device can be moved into and out of the process space, but the structure becomes complicated and servicing needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two screw bars into a single integrated assembly where both screw bars are contained within the same housing and work together as a unified mechanism. The drive mechanism is combined into one unit that rotates both screw bars simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate rotation mechanisms for each screw bar.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the first screw bar inside the second screw bar, the patent reduces the spatial footprint and structural complexity of the mechanism. The nested arrangement allows both screw bars to be controlled by a single drive mechanism, simplifying the rotation control compared to having independent drive mechanisms for each screw bar.
3Ease of operation
If the measuring device is moved through the valve member, then the measuring head can be positioned in the process space, but sealing must be maintained to prevent fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed housing acts as an intermediary barrier that maintains sealing integrity while allowing the measuring device to move. The housing is sealed to the valve member and contains the process fluid, creating a controlled environment that prevents leakage during the movement of the measuring device through the valve member.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested screw bar structure is contained within the sealed housing, which maintains the sealing integrity. The housing provides a sealed environment that accommodates the movement of the measuring device while preventing process fluid from leaking out, thus maintaining reliability during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for moving a measuring head of a measuring device into and out of a process space. The arrangement includes a valve member that is attached to a wall of the process space. A measuring device is attached to the valve member and includes a body part provided with an elongated portion which in turn has a measuring head at one end. The measurement device also includes a placement device arranged to seize the measuring device and to move it through the valve member into a first position in which the measuring head extends into the process space and, correspondingly, into a second position in which the measuring head is not in contact with the process space. The placement device includes a stop element configured to seize the measuring device and to form a sealed casing around the body part of the measuring device, and a housing part arranged to attach to the valve member and to form a sealed casing around the stop element. The placement device is equipped with features that move the stop element seizing the body part of the measuring device inside the housing part so that the measuring device moves between the first position and the second position.