Sniffer Probe With Elastic Connection for Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sniffer probes for leak detection face mechanical stress issues, such as jamming and damage, due to their rigidity, and flexible alternatives lack precision and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A sniffer probe with an elastically deformable connection member that allows the end piece to pivot, maintaining rigidity while facilitating manipulation and access to hard-to-reach areas, using a main body made of materials like EPDM or metal inserts for flexibility and assembly ease.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rigid tube is used as the end piece, then positioning precision and structural strength are improved, but mechanical stress and risk of damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidrisk of damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to dynamically adapt to mechanical stresses during probe manipulation. This enables the rigid end piece to maintain its positioning precision while the flexible connection member absorbs shocks and prevents damage through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection member is constructed as a flexible component that can deform elastically under mechanical stress. This flexible connection member acts as a shock-absorbing element, protecting the rigid end piece from damage while maintaining the probe's structural integrity and positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a flexible pipe is used as the end piece, then mechanical stress resistance is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stress resistanceVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid end piece for precise positioning and a flexible connection member for stress absorption. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function optimally - the rigid end maintains precision while the flexible connection provides mechanical stress resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the probe have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The end piece is rigid to ensure positioning precision, while the connection member is flexible to resist mechanical stress. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between precision and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If deformable brass is used for the end piece, then ease of manipulation is improved, but positioning precision and structural strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manipulationVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connection member provides the necessary elasticity for easy manipulation and absorption of mechanical stresses, while the rigid end piece maintains positioning precision. The dynamic flexibility is localized to the connection member rather than the entire probe structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If a rigid connection is used between end piece and housing, then structural strength is improved, but ease of manipulation and access to hard-to-reach areas deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed as a flexible component that can deform elastically, enabling the probe to be manipulated into hard-to-reach areas and absorb mechanical stresses. This flexible connection maintains sufficient structural strength while greatly improving ease of operation and access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 deformable connection member reduces mechanical stress on the probe during use, enabling precise and easy positioning without compromising rigidity, and allows access to areas inaccessible with non-deformable probes.

Implementation Method 1

a connection member (161) connecting the end piece (14) to the housing (15), the connection member comprising a main body (281) that is elastically deformable such that it can adopt a deformed position, making it possible for the end piece (14) to pivot when acted upon by a force and to return to the initial rest position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12066355B2Sniffer probe and leak detector

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 PFEIFFER VACUUM SAS

AI summary

A sniffer probe for a leak detector for monitoring the leaktightness of an object to be tested by tracer gas includes an end piece created in the form of a rigid tube, a housing, a connection member connecting the end piece to the housing, and a sampling duct to sample a gas at a first end of the end piece. The connection member includes a main body that is elastically deformable such that it can adopt a deformed position, making it possible for the end piece to pivot when acted upon by a force and to return to the initial rest position.