Sensor Retaining System with Flange and Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor retaining systems for RTDs in bores, such as those using uncontained cylindrical rubber sponges and seal rings, lead to undue stress on wire bundles due to vibratory loads, increasing maintenance needs and the risk of short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A sensor retaining system featuring a radially extending flange with a sleeve and a biasing component, such as a shock-absorbing pad or helical spring, that applies an axial load to the sleeve to secure the sensor body within a bore, reducing stress on the wire bundle and facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional uncontained cylindrical rubber sponge and seal rings are used to retain RTD in bore, then the sensor can be retained in the bore, but undue stress is placed on the wire bundle under vibratory loads
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining system is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid sleeve for structural support and load distribution, a biasing component for maintaining contact force, and a flange for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in reducing wire bundle stress while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid sleeve acts as an intermediary between the biasing component and the sensor body, distributing vibratory loads away from the wire bundle. The flange serves as another intermediary that provides a stable mounting interface, preventing direct transmission of vibrations to the wires.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional retaining systems are used, then the sensor can be retained, but increased maintenance is required due to stress on wire bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing component provides beforehand cushioning by continuously applying axial force to keep the flange pressed against the bore surface. This pre-loaded contact absorbs vibratory energy before it can damage the wire bundle, extending service life and reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameters of the retaining structure by introducing a rigid sleeve with specific wall thickness and material properties. These parameter changes enable the system to withstand vibratory loads without exceeding wire bundle stress thresholds, thereby extending operational duration.
3Reliability
If conventional retaining methods are used, then the sensor can be retained in the bore, but short circuits may occur due to stress on wire bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful vibratory stress is extracted from the wire bundle by introducing the rigid sleeve and flange structure. These components absorb and distribute the mechanical loads, isolating the electrical connections from the harmful vibratory environment and preventing short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing component provides preliminary anti-action by continuously pushing the flange against the bore surface, creating a pre-compressed state that counteracts vibratory forces before they can cause wire bundle stress or electrical failures.
4Reliability
If a rigid sleeve with flange and biasing component is used, then wire bundle stress is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes mechanical loads, and protects the wire bundle. The flange provides both positioning and load transfer functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall device 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 system effectively reduces stress on the wire bundle, enhances sensor alignment, and simplifies maintenance by distributing vibratory loads and preventing short circuits, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing component is radially outward from the sleeve and configured to apply an axial load to the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The biasing component can be a pad that includes a shock absorbing material
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a sensor body with a proximal end and a distal end. The sensor body includes a radially extending flange positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The radially extending flange of the sensor body includes a flange surface. A sleeve is positioned radially outward from the sensor body surrounding the proximal end of the sensor body. The sleeve has a radially extending end flange with an end surface configured to contact the flange surface of the radially extending flange of the sensor body to transfer a load between the sleeve and the sensor body.