Three-Point Vibration Sensor Mount for Accurate High-Heat Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration sensing modules for vibrating machines or structures are not rigidly mounted in all six degrees of freedom, leading to inaccurate vibration measurements due to over- or under-constrained mounting scenarios, and are prone to premature failure in high-temperature environments.

Innovation Solution

A three-point mount configuration with a triangular arrangement of mounting projections provides a rigid and thermally insulated connection to the vibrating machine, constraining movement in all six degrees of freedom and forming an air gap for thermal protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single-point or conventional mounting arrangement is used, then the device is simple to install, but the vibration measurement accuracy deteriorates due to over- or under-constrained mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmounting configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base is segmented into three distinct mounting points arranged in a triangular pattern, with each point providing independent constraint. This segmentation allows the sensor to achieve rigid mounting in all six degrees of freedom while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to implement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If direct contact mounting is used, then the mounting is secure, but the sensor is prone to premature failure in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operational reliabilityVSAvoidexposure to high surface temperatures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The triangular mounting arrangement with three discrete contact points creates an air gap between the sensor body and the high-temperature surface. This air gap acts as a thermal intermediary, reducing heat transfer to the sensor while maintaining secure mechanical mounting, thereby improving reliability in high-temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a rigid multi-point mounting is used, then the vibration measurement accuracy improves, but the device becomes more complex to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of mounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The three mounting points are merged into a single triangular mounting base structure that can be manufactured as one integrated component. This combining approach achieves rigid mounting for accurate vibration measurement while simplifying manufacturing compared to assembling multiple separate mounting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enhances vibration measurement accuracy across a broader frequency band and allows the sensor to operate in harsh environments with high surface temperatures, preventing premature failure.

Implementation Method 1

forming an air gap for thermal protection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3388797B1Exact constraint three-point vibration sensing module
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP3388797B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3388797B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3388797B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

A sensing module apparatus is provided for monitoring a vibrating machine or structure, such as a pump, which include three mounting points on the apparatus for securely mounting the apparatus to the vibrating machine or structure. The three-point mount configuration provides the sensor module with a very rigid mount connection to virtually any surface condition, including flat, curved or irregular. All six degrees of freedom (X, Y, Z, theta-X, theta-Y and theta-Z) are properly constrained. The three-point mount also provides an air barrier or gap between the sensing module and the equipment surface, allowing the sensor to be mounted to higher surface temperature devices.