Total Pressure Transmitter Dynamic Threshold Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing total pressure transmitters face inaccuracies and reduced service life due to fixed pressure threshold values, leading to frequent and unnecessary switching between sensors, which are not adaptable to process requirements.

Innovation Solution

The method allows for dynamic adjustment of the pressure threshold value during operation by using a digital switching input connected to a process computer, enabling adaptation to process needs and reducing switching frequency, with the option to temporarily switch off sensors to prevent interference and extend their lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed pressure threshold value is used for switching between sensors, then the system structure is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates and service life is reduced due to frequent unnecessary switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pressure threshold value adjustable during operation rather than fixed. The control unit allows the pressure threshold to be dynamically changed based on process requirements, which prevents frequent unnecessary switching when process pressure approaches the threshold, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the pressure threshold value to be modified during operation. Different pressure threshold values can be selected depending on the process stage, which resolves the contradiction between simple fixed threshold structure and accurate measurement by enabling parameter adaptation without complex system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a fixed pressure threshold value is used for switching between sensors, then the system is easy to operate, but service life deteriorates due to frequent switching processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidservice life of sensor elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling dynamic adjustment of the pressure threshold during operation through the control unit. This allows the system to adapt to process requirements and reduce unnecessary switching frequency, thereby extending sensor service life while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies feedback by using the control unit to monitor process pressure and automatically adjust the pressure threshold based on process stage. This feedback mechanism reduces unnecessary switching operations that would otherwise reduce sensor service life, while the automated nature of the control maintains ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the pressure threshold value is changed during operation, then measurement accuracy and service life are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating the pressure threshold adjustment function into the existing control unit of the total pressure transmitter. The control unit performs both its original functions and the additional task of dynamically adjusting the pressure threshold, which improves measurement accuracy and service life without significantly increasing device complexity through dedicated separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If sensors are temporarily switched off to prevent interference, then service life is extended and process interference is prevented, but measurement continuity may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of sensor elementsVSAvoidmeasurement continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by proactively switching off the second sensor element (hot cathode sensor) during process stages where it could interfere with the process or where its measurement is not needed. The control unit determines appropriate times to switch off the sensor in advance, extending service life and preventing interference while maintaining measurement continuity through the first sensor element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enhances measurement accuracy and extends the service life of sensor elements by minimizing unnecessary switching and allowing real-time adaptation to process pressures, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of pressure measurements.

Implementation Method 1

a first sensor element (1.1, 1.2) for acquiring measured values in a first pressure range... The first sensor element includes a heat conduction sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A hot cathode sensor in the second pressure range, the high vacuum, is used as the second sensor element (1.2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP2101163B1Method for operating a total pressure transmitter
Publication Date: 2013.08.21 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH

AI summary

The method involves changing the sensor elements during the operation at the pressure threshold, with which the sensor element is actuated. The pressure threshold is changed during the operation of another sensor element. The sensor element is deactivated for a user-defined time in a pressure range.