Sensor Assembly Probe Circuit for Vacuum Pump Clearance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for monitoring clearance in vacuum pumps, such as Roots vacuum pumps, are complex, costly, and require continuous data monitoring, making them impractical for continuous operation and prone to catastrophic failure due to part seizure.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a probe that forms a complete circuit only when engaged by a moving part, producing a signal to activate a shut-down process or alert, reducing data output complexity and enabling operation without continuous supervision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems are used to continuously monitor clearance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential safety function from complex continuous monitoring systems. Instead of continuously measuring and processing clearance data, the invention uses a simple probe that only triggers when clearance becomes critically small, extracting the core safety function while eliminating unnecessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced. Rather than investing in expensive complex sensor systems, the patent uses a low-cost probe that serves its safety function and can be replaced if needed, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If continuous data monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but loss of time for data processing and analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to be self-acting and automatic. The probe directly triggers the safety response without requiring external monitoring or data processing. The system serves itself by automatically detecting critical clearance and initiating shutdown, eliminating the need for continuous human supervision or complex data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic data processing systems with a simple mechanical/electrical trigger mechanism. The probe's physical contact or proximity detection directly completes an electrical circuit to trigger shutdown, substituting mechanical simplicity for electronic complexity and eliminating data processing time.
3Measurement precision
If expensive complex sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than using expensive complex sensors, the patent employs a low-cost probe that achieves sufficient detection accuracy for safety purposes, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function needed for safety, eliminating the need for expensive complex sensor systems. The probe provides sufficient clearance detection accuracy for safety shutdown without the cost of sophisticated measurement capabilities.
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
Sensor assembly (12) for use in an apparatus comprising at least one moving part (18) and at least one stationary part (16), the assembly comprising a probe (32) and means (58) for mounting the sensor to a stationary part (16) of the apparatus. The probe (32) comprises a portion of an incomplete circuit which, when completed, produces a signal. In use, when the probe (32) is engaged by a moving part of the apparatus, a signal is produced. A vacuum pump or a compressor pump comprising the sensor and a method for preventing failure of an apparatus are also provided.