Sensor Apparatus with Automatic Sealing for Fluid Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting metal particle contamination in fluid systems face challenges during maintenance, particularly when removing the sensor from the partition wall, leading to potential fluid leakage and environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a locking mechanism that forms a check valve, allowing for safe and leak-proof removal and installation by creating fluid passages that enable a secure connection to the sensor, ensuring maintenance can be performed without fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the sensor device is removed from the partition wall for maintenance, then the sensor can be cleaned or replaced, but fluid leakage and environmental hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is pre-configured with a locking plate and spring mechanism that automatically activates when the sensor device is removed. The locking plate is held in a blocking position by the spring, ready to close the receiving opening immediately upon sensor removal, preventing fluid leakage before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the sensor device and the receiving opening. It includes a locking plate that can be positioned to block the receiving opening, and a spring that provides the force to move the locking plate into the blocking position, serving as a mediator that prevents direct fluid exposure during maintenance
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor device is surrounded by a partition wall for stable installation, then the sensor is securely positioned, but maintenance requires removing the sensor from the wall which causes fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three distinct components: the partition wall with receiving opening, the sensor device, and the closing device. This segmentation allows the sensor to be removed for maintenance while the closing device independently manages the receiving opening to prevent fluid leakage, separating the stability function from the maintenance function
Solution Approach 2:
The closing device serves as an intermediary that remains in place on the partition wall while the sensor is removed. It mediates between the stable partition wall structure and the removable sensor, providing automatic sealing capability that maintains installation stability while enabling easy maintenance
3Reliability
If a closing device with locking plate and spring is used to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid-tight closure is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is designed to be self-activating through the spring mechanism. When the sensor device is removed, the spring automatically moves the locking plate into the blocking position to close the receiving opening, and when the sensor is reinserted, the locking plate is pushed into the open position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems, achieving fluid-tight closure with minimal complexity
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
The solution ensures safe and simple maintenance or replacement of the sensor device without risking environmental pollution by providing a leak-proof mechanism for fluid systems, allowing for effective detection of metal particle contamination while preventing fluid leakage during sensor removal.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device has a spring-loaded locking plate... wherein the closing spring of the locking device is a compression spring, which is supported with one end on a receiving housing and/or system parts and with its other end engages a counter-holding part
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field is provided to collect ferromagnetic particles at the sensor device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a sensor device (1) for detecting contamination in the form of metal particles in a fluid, which is at least partly surrounded by separating wall (17), said sensor device (1) in the functional position thereof and with its sensor (25) that detects the metal particles at least partly reaching through said separating wall (17) through a receptacle opening (55), wherein the sensor device (1) is removable from the separating wall (17) in an out-of-order position, particularly for maintenance or replacement purposes, is characterized in that the sensor device (1) interacts with a closure device (3) in such a way that the closure device (3) seals the receptacle opening (55) with the removal of the sensor device (1) in its out-of-order position and, in the reverse direction, provides access to this receptacle opening (55) when the sensor device (1) is introduced in its functional position.