Temperature Sensor Frame for Tubular Joint Seizing Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting seizing during the assembly of tubular threaded components are prone to false positives and fail to accurately detect temperature changes caused by seizing, which can lead to mechanical and sealing quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
A device with temperature sensors mounted on a cylindrical frame around the outer surface of tubular components to measure temperature variations, using thermocouples, thermistors, or microbolometers, and processing electronics to determine if temperature differences exceed predefined thresholds, indicating seizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If torque amplitude analysis is used to detect seizing during assembly, then the detection method can identify galling events, but it produces false positives due to variations in thread dimensions within machining tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/torque-based detection system with a thermal field-based system. Temperature sensors measure thermal energy generated during assembly, substituting the torque analysis approach. This thermal field measurement provides a different physical parameter that is less sensitive to dimensional variations, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining seizing detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from torque amplitude to temperature. By monitoring temperature evolution during assembly and comparing it against predefined thresholds, the system detects seizing events. This parameter change from mechanical force to thermal energy provides a more reliable detection metric that is not influenced by thread dimension variations within tolerances.
2Reliability
If a threshold torque value is set to detect galling, then all instances of galling can be detected, but the frequency of false positives increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the torque-based detection system with a thermal field-based system using temperature sensors. This replacement allows for more precise detection by measuring temperature evolution rather than relying on torque thresholds that are sensitive to dimensional variations. The thermal measurement approach provides both complete galling detection and reduced false positives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature sensors continuously monitor the assembly process and provide real-time thermal data. This feedback loop allows the system to detect temperature changes associated with seizing events and compare them against thresholds, providing a more reliable detection method that reduces false positives while maintaining detection completeness.
3Reliability
If protective covers are used to protect threads and bearing surfaces, then corrosion and damage are reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the assembly process to be self-monitoring through integrated temperature sensors that automatically detect seizing events during assembly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex protective covers and manual inspection procedures, as the system autonomously monitors assembly quality and provides real-time feedback on component condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical protective covers with a thermal field-based detection system. Instead of physically protecting components during assembly, the system uses temperature sensors to monitor and detect seizing events, thereby simplifying the assembly process while maintaining component protection through intelligent monitoring rather than physical barriers.
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
Accurately detects seizing by measuring temperature changes during assembly, reducing false positives and ensuring high mechanical and sealing integrity of tubular joints.
Implementation Method 1
The contact layer (4) comprises a plurality of temperature sensors (5) arranged to measure quantities representative of temperatures at a plurality of locations E(i,j) of the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
The said temperature sensors (5) can be chosen from thermocouples, thermistors, microbolometers
Implementation Method 3
The said temperature sensors (5) can be chosen from thermocouples, thermistors, microbolometers
Implementation Method 4
the assembly operation itself generates heat, particularly due to surfaces rubbing against each other
Implementation Method 5
This heat is localized, but due to heat conduction within the material of the threaded end, it induces a temperature variation within the end, extending to an external surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
Device for determining the assembly quality of threaded tubular components, comprising a frame (2) arranged to be mounted on a portion of the exterior surface of a threaded tubular component, at least one measuring member (3) having a contact layer (4) comprising a plurality of temperature sensors (5) arranged to measure representative temperature values in a plurality of places E(i,j) on the exterior surface of the end of the tubular component.