Sensor Inlet Connection With Integrated Collar for Hygienic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process connections for sensors in industrial processes face challenges in achieving leakproof and disconnectable connections while maintaining hygienic properties, particularly in the food and beverage industry, where high costs and inflexibility arise due to the need for multiple designs to accommodate various inlet diameters.
Innovation Solution
A process connection design featuring a sensor housing with an integrally formed housing collar and clamping element, utilizing a single-piece construction to minimize gaps and additional sealing points, and a clamping element to transfer contact forces, allowing adaptation to different inlet diameters with a single design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple process connection designs are used to accommodate various inlet diameters, then adaptability to different process inlets is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple inlet diameters. The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body and can be adapted to different inlet sizes through a single design, eliminating the need for multiple specialized process connection designs for different diameter requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are used in process connections, then leakproof connection is improved, but hygienic properties deteriorate due to increased gaps and edges
Solution Approach 1:
The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body as a single piece, merging two separate components into one. This integration eliminates the gap and additional sealing point that would exist between separate components, thereby improving hygienic properties by preventing deposit formation while maintaining leakproof connection through the integrated structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-piece housing design is used, then hygienic properties are improved by minimizing gaps, but adaptability to different inlet diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body, creating a single-piece structure that eliminates gaps and improves hygienic properties. The integrated collar design allows for local adaptation to different inlet diameters while maintaining the overall single-piece construction, thus achieving both hygienic benefits and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process connection for connecting a sensor to a process inlet via a process seal and a fixing element. The process connection includes a sensor housing and a clamping element. The sensor housing has a housing body configured to receive the sensor and a housing collar that extends around the housing body and has a first sealing section, which encircles the housing body, and a contact area. The housing collar is formed integrally with the housing body. The first sealing section is suitable for receiving the process seal to connect the process inlet to the housing collar in a fluid-tight manner. The clamping element has a contact area which is suitable for coming into contact with the contact area of the housing collar to press the housing collar onto the process seal.