Spring-Loaded Sensor Positioning for Disposable Process Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors for process containers, especially those designed for multiple use, are costly and not suitable for disposable containers, requiring invasive sterilization and facing challenges with temperature-induced material expansion, which complicates measurement accuracy. Additionally, existing solutions for invasive sensors do not easily adapt to disposable containers and lack non-invasive measurement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sensor positioning device with a holding assembly, fastening element, and spring element that allows for non-invasive sensor attachment, compensates for temperature-related expansion, and is designed for easy detachment and reattachment, enabling precise positioning and reducing sterilization needs by using a detachable design that maintains constant contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional invasive sensors are used in disposable process containers, then measurement capability is achieved, but sterilization complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two separate parts: a reusable sensor unit and a disposable measuring nozzle assembly. The sensor remains outside the process container while the measuring nozzle is disposable and pre-sterilized, eliminating the need to sterilize expensive sensor components repeatedly.
Solution Approach 2:
A measuring nozzle acts as an intermediary component between the sensor and the process medium. This nozzle is disposable and pre-sterilized, allowing the sensor to measure without direct contact with the medium, thus avoiding sterilization requirements for the sensor itself.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation mechanisms are added to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thermal expansion of materials to create a spring element that automatically compensates for temperature-induced dimensional changes. As temperature increases, materials expand and compress the spring, which in turn adjusts the fiber position to maintain measurement accuracy without complex active compensation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element passively compensates for thermal expansion effects through the natural thermal expansion of its own material and surrounding components. The system self-regulates fiber position based on temperature changes without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms.
3Loss of time
If disposable process containers are used, then setup time is reduced, but sensor compatibility and positioning precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor holder is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different disposable process container types and connection pieces. This allows the same sensor system to be used across various container manufacturers and designs, maintaining positioning precision despite variations in disposable container specifications.
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 enables cost-effective, non-invasive, and precise sensor positioning for disposable process containers, reducing sterilization requirements and improving measurement reproducibility while accommodating temperature changes, thus enhancing the usability of sensors across different containers.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element (5) arranged between the fastening element (4) and the sensor receptacle (3) and cooperating with them to generate a restoring force when the sensor receptacle (3) is displaced relative to the fastening element (4) along the compensating axis (A)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor positioning device (1) with a holding assembly (2) which has a sensor receptacle (3), a fastening element and a spring element (5), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) has a cavity for receiving a sensor (6), in particular an optical sensor (6), wherein the sensor receptacle (3) is slidably mounted relative to the fastening element along a compensating axis and wherein the spring element (5) is arranged between the fastening element and the sensor receptacle (3) and interacts with them to form a restoring force when the sensor receptacle (3) is moved relative to the fastening element along the compensating axis.It is essential that the sensor positioning device (1) has a measuring nozzle (7) with a stop (8) which is designed for mounting on a process vessel (9), that the measuring nozzle (7) is detachably designed for mounting on the holding assembly, that the sensor positioning device (1) is designed such that, when the measuring nozzle (7) is mounted on the holding assembly, the sensor receptacle (3) is movable relative to the mounting element along the compensating axis, and that a contact force of the sensor receptacle (3) against the stop (8) of the measuring nozzle is generated by means of the spring element (5). Furthermore, the invention relates to a sensor unit, in particular for turbidity measurement, with a sensor positioning device (1).