Split Insulating Sleeve for Compressor Pipe Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for attaching temperature sensors to compressor discharge pipes are difficult to assemble and disassemble, and may not apply adequate contact force, leading to inadequate thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulating sleeve composed of molded plastic half-sleeves with curved body portions and extended portions that encase the temperature sensor, using mechanical fasteners, cable straps, or pivot mechanisms to securely attach to the discharge pipe, ensuring effective thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe clamp, insulating tape, and cable ties are used to attach the temperature sensor, then the sensor can be secured to the discharge pipe, but the assembly and disassembly become difficult and the thermal insulation effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is divided into a first half-sleeve and a second half-sleeve that can be separately assembled around the discharge pipe and temperature sensor, then joined together using mechanical fasteners. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment and effective thermal insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the half-sleeves provide both mechanical attachment (through fasteners) and thermal insulation (through the insulating material), eliminating the need for separate pipe clamps, insulating tape, and cable ties.
2Force
If the temperature sensor is securely attached to the discharge pipe, then adequate contact force is achieved, but the assembly becomes difficult to disassemble
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into removable half-sleeves connected by mechanical fasteners, allowing the sensor to be securely attached during operation but easily detached when needed, unlike permanent bonding methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fasteners allow the attachment system to transition between a secure, fixed state during operation and an easily separable state for maintenance or replacement, providing dynamic adaptability.
3Reliability
If conventional insulating materials are used with multiple components, then thermal insulation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of mechanical attachment and thermal insulation into a single integrated half-sleeve assembly, eliminating the need for separate pipe clamps, insulating tape, and cable ties, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The half-sleeves serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical attachment through integrated fastener holes, provide thermal insulation through their insulating material construction, and protect the temperature sensor, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
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 secure, easy-to-assemble, and effective thermal insulation for temperature sensors on compressor discharge pipes, ensuring accurate temperature measurement and preventing sensor damage from environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved body portion configured to fit at least partially around a portion of the compressor discharge pipe... a second curved body portion configured to attach to the first curved body portion such that the first and second curved body portions completely encircle the portion of the compressor discharge pipe
Implementation Method 2
The one or more mechanical fasteners may include a threaded screw
Data Source
AI summary
A thermally insulating sleeve for a compressor discharge pipe is provided. The insulating sleeve includes a non-metallic first half-sleeve having a first curved body portion and a first extended portion. The first curved body portion is configured to fit at least partially around a portion of the compressor discharge pipe. A non-metallic second half-sleeve has a second curved body portion configured to attach to the first curved body portion such that the first and second curved body portions completely encircle the portion of the compressor discharge pipe. The second half-sleeve includes a second extended portion configured to attach to the first extended portion. Each of the first and second extended portions include respective first and second cavities which, together, encase a temperature sensor in contact with, or in spaced relation to, the compressor discharge pipe.