Universal Flange Mounting for Sealed Container Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring devices in industrial environments face challenges with attachment to containers, particularly in cases where flange or threaded connections are not available, leading to increased assembly and manufacturing costs, and difficulties with thin-walled or irregularly designed containers.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a flange and clamping/spreading technology that adjusts to different opening diameters and cross-sections, eliminating the need for specialized fastening devices and allowing for secure, sealed attachment without requiring a specific mounting opening design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flange or threaded connections are used for attachment, then secure mounting is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to specialized fastening devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed with a universal clamping device that can attach to various opening types (flanged, threaded, or simple openings) without requiring specialized fastening components. The clamping device with adjustable clamping elements provides a single solution that replaces multiple specialized attachment methods, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure mounting across different container types.

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

2Reliability

If specialized fastening devices are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but assembly and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly and manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device incorporates a universal flange with an integrated clamping device that eliminates the need for separate specialized fastening devices. This single universal attachment system reduces manufacturing complexity and assembly costs while providing secure attachment to various container types including thin-walled and irregularly shaped containers.

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

3Reliability

If flange or threaded connections are required, then secure mounting is achieved, but adaptability to different container types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcontainer type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device features adjustable clamping elements that can be positioned and adapted to different opening diameters and cross-sections. This dynamic adjustability allows the same flange design to securely attach to various container types (thin-walled, thick-walled, irregular shapes) without requiring container-specific fastening solutions, thereby maximizing adaptability while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If individual fastening solutions are created for each container type, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening solution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides a single universal flange design with an integrated adjustable clamping device that replaces the need for multiple container-specific fastening solutions. This universal approach maintains secure attachment across all container types while significantly reducing device complexity and the variety of fastening components required.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3748312B1Measuring device with flange and container with this measuring device
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3748312B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3748312B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3748312B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Measuring instrument designed for mounting on or in an opening of a container, comprising a flange for resting on the top of a wall of the container enclosing the container opening, and several clamping or spreading devices designed for adjusting and applying a clamping or spreading force to the underside of the wall or to the inside of the opening in order to secure the flange to the opening.