Magnetic Sensor Tip Locking Mechanism for Refiner Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements in paper pulp refiners suffer from wear and tear, requiring frequent replacements and labor-intensive disassembly due to complex screw connections, making maintenance time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a stationary holder and a locking device featuring a locking sleeve with movable locking means and a spring mechanism allows for secure attachment and easy detachment of the sensor tip, enabling simpler and faster replacement without the need for extensive dismantling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is mounted in the surface of the grinding segment, then the sensor can measure the grinding gap, but the sensor is subjected to continual wear and must be replaced frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separate components: a wear-resistant sensor body mounted in the stator and a replaceable sensor tip mounted on the grinding segment. This segmentation allows the tip to be replaced independently when worn, extending the overall system service life while maintaining measurement reliability.
2Reliability
If a conventional screw connection is used to attach the sensor to the housing, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but the connection is difficult to access and complicated to use and lock
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from the complex screw connection and implemented as a separate locking device with locking means that can be engaged and disengaged independently. This simplifies the mounting operation while maintaining secure attachment through the dedicated locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates movable locking means that can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting operations. The dynamic locking mechanism provides secure attachment when engaged but allows rapid release when needed, improving operational ease.
3Strength
If the sensor body and tip are attached by welding, then the connection is strong, but the sensor tip cannot be replaced without replacing the entire sensor assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into a permanent sensor body and a replaceable sensor tip connected through a mechanical interface. This allows the tip to be replaced independently when worn, eliminating the need to replace the entire assembly while maintaining strong connection through the locking device.
4Reliability
If a complex screw connection is used to attach the sensor, then the sensor can be securely fixed, but time-consuming dismantling is required for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, easily operable locking device that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. This eliminates the need for time-consuming screw dismantling while maintaining secure fixing, significantly reducing maintenance time for sensor replacement.
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 provides a reliable and simplified method for mounting and replacing the sensor tip, reducing maintenance time and labor, while ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing wear-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism allows for secure attachment and easy detachment of the sensor tip
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (6) for measuring the distance between a stator and a rotor, which sensor is of the magnetic type and has a sensor body (8) to which is attached a sensor tip (10), The tip of the sensor (10) is connected to the sensor body (8) by a fixing arrangement (14) that has a locking device (16) that interacts with engaging devices (24) and a spring arrangement (34). The locking device (16) is pressed towards an attaching position (A) by the action of a spring force Fl exerted by means of the spring arrangement (34) against the engaging device (24), fixing the sensor body (8) and the tip of the sensor (10) in relation to each other. By the application of a force F2 on the sensor body (8) that is greater than the spring force Fl , it is possible to move the sensor body and the tip of the sensor to a releasing position (D), releasing them in relation to each other.