Sensor-Integrated Transfer Line Module for Fast Sensor Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transfer line systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and maintaining sensors for fluids, requiring significant effort for replacement or upgrade, and lack standardized mounting and replacement processes for different types of sensors.

Innovation Solution

A transfer line module with integrated sensors, featuring a rigid multi-walled structure and standardized receptacles for sensor housings, allowing direct fluid contact and easy mounting/replacement, along with a control device for signal processing and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated mounting fixtures are used for installing sensors in the transfer line, then sensors can be installed and monitored, but replacing defective sensors or upgrading the system requires significant effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor replacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer line is divided into modular sections, each with its own sensor mounting receptacle. This segmentation allows individual sensors to be accessed and replaced independently without disrupting the entire transfer line system, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacles are designed with standardized dimensions and mounting interfaces that can accommodate different types of sensors (temperature, pressure, flow, etc.). This universal design allows any sensor type to be installed in any receptacle, enabling easy upgrades and replacements without requiring custom fixtures for each sensor type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dedicated mounting fixtures are used for each sensor type, then sensors can be securely mounted, but the system lacks flexibility for upgrades and additional sensors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor mounting securityVSAvoidsensor type flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor mounting system is designed to be dynamically adaptable rather than fixed. The standardized receptacles can accept various sensor types and configurations, allowing the system to evolve and adapt to new monitoring requirements without structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If sensors are installed in the transfer line, then fluid transfer can be monitored, but the complexity of the transfer line system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid transfer monitoringVSAvoidtransfer line structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer line is divided into modular sections, each with its own sensor mounting receptacle. This segmentation allows sensors to be integrated into the structure without creating a complex monolithic design, as each module can be independently manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor receptacles are integrated directly into the transfer line structure itself, merging the structural function of the transfer line with the mounting function for sensors. This eliminates the need for separate external mounting fixtures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4685381A1Transfer line module with integrated sensors

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 NEXANS SA

Figure 1~2

AI summary

A transfer line module is suggested. The transfer line module comprises a rigid multi-walled transfer line section with an inner and an outer pipe and a sensor integrated in the transfer line section. The transfer line section is connectable at both ends with a thermally insulated multi-walled transfer line comprising an inner and outer tube which are connected with the inner and outer pipe of the transfer line section, respectively. The transfer line is apt for transferring temperature sensitive fluids. The transfer line section is provided with a receptacle for the sensor, which is mounted in the receptacle. The receptacle is open towards the interior of the inner pipe such that the sensor is in direct contact with the fluid inside the inner pipe of the transfer line section.