Sensor Fastener With Elastic Bracket For Pipe Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor mounts are unable to accommodate pipes of varying diameters effectively, leading to inadequate thermal coupling and potential leaks when measuring surface temperatures of fluids.

Innovation Solution

A sensor attachment device featuring a base with an integrated sensor, a bracket connected via an adjustable mechanism with notches and counter-notches, and an elastic spring element for secure and flexible attachment to pipes of different diameters, ensuring optimal thermal contact and preventing leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed sensor mount is used for pipes, then the sensor can be securely attached, but it cannot accommodate pipes of varying diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidaccommodation of varying pipe diameters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor mount incorporates a dynamic bracket with adjustable positioning mechanisms that can adapt to different pipe diameters. The bracket includes movable components that allow the sensor to maintain secure contact with the pipe surface regardless of the pipe size, transforming a static fixed mount into an adaptable dynamic system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mount design allows for parameter changes in the bracket positioning and sensor orientation to accommodate varying pipe diameters. By adjusting geometric parameters such as bracket angle, distance from pipe surface, and sensor orientation, the system maintains reliable attachment across different pipe sizes without requiring multiple specialized mounts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the sensor is inserted into the pipe to measure fluid temperature, then accurate fluid temperature measurement is achieved, but potential leaks in the pipe are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidpipe integrity and leak prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor mount acts as an intermediary device that enables temperature measurement without direct sensor insertion into the pipe. By positioning the sensor on the external pipe surface through the bracket mechanism, the system mediates between the need for accurate fluid temperature measurement and the requirement to maintain pipe integrity, eliminating leak risks while preserving measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical insertion method (which compromises pipe integrity) with a non-invasive external measurement approach. The sensor is mechanically positioned on the pipe exterior through the adjustable bracket, substituting the intrusive insertion mechanism with an external contact system that maintains pipe sealing while achieving temperature measurement through thermal conduction across the pipe wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the sensor is positioned away from the pipe surface, then leak risks are reduced, but thermal coupling and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak preventionVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket mechanism provides dynamic adjustment capability that allows the sensor to be positioned at the optimal distance from the pipe surface. This dynamic positioning ensures sufficient thermal coupling for accurate measurement while maintaining the safety margin needed to prevent leaks, adapting the distance parameter based on specific measurement requirements without compromising either reliability or precision.

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

The device provides precise temperature measurements by maintaining consistent contact pressure across varying pipe diameters, preventing leaks and ensuring accurate thermal coupling without direct contact between the sensor and the pipe, thus enhancing measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic element (10), in particular a spring, is provided at the base of the bracket which exerts contact pressure on the tube (2, 3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the sensor is not inserted into the container of the medium, but only brought up to the outer surface of the container... to ensure good thermal coupling between the probe and the measurement object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2000787B1Device for attaching a sensor to a tube
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 TDK ELECTRONICS AG
  • EP2000787B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2000787B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The device i.e. sensor fastener (1), has a handle (7) and a base (5), which are mechanically connected with one another. A sensor (4) i.e. temperature sensor, detects a physical measured variable, where the sensor is arranged in the base. A flexible element is provided within an area of a left arm of the handle, where the flexible element is implemented in the form of a spring. The handle includes a set of arms that is connected by the basis of the handle, where the handle is connected by a changeable attachment with the base.