Universal Mounting Head for Liquid Level Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level and withdrawal systems require multiple mounting heads for different tank configurations and hose connection requirements, leading to increased manufacturing costs, assembly time, and inventory due to fixed hose connectors that cannot be adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting head assembly with interchangeable hose connectors and modular components that can be oriented at various angular positions to accommodate diverse tank configurations, allowing for flexible connection and measurement of liquid levels while enabling liquid withdrawal and return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed position hose connectors are used, then assembly is simplified, but adaptability to different tank configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hose connector base is designed with rotational capability around the bore, transforming the fixed connector into a dynamic, adjustable component. The restraining features (protrusions and recesses) enable the connector to be positioned at multiple discrete angular orientations while maintaining secure attachment, thus achieving both ease of assembly and adaptability to various tank configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting heads are manufactured for different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal mounting head design incorporates adjustable hose connectors that can be oriented at multiple angular positions. The standardized bore configurations (first, second, and third bores at specific angular relationships) combined with the adjustable connector system allow one mounting head to replace multiple fixed-configuration mounting heads, reducing device complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The hose connector is divided into separable components: a base portion with restraining features and a connector portion that extends at an angle. This segmentation allows the connector to be independently adjusted and repositioned on the mounting head without affecting other components, enabling flexible configuration adaptation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting heads are manufactured for different configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal mounting head with standardized bores and adjustable hose connectors, the invention eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized mounting head variants. This single-design approach reduces tooling costs, production setup costs, and inventory management costs while maintaining the capability to accommodate various tank configurations and hose connection requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level transducer includes a mounting head connectable to a tank, a probe assembly extending into the tank, and a hose connecting assembly positioned on the mounting head outside of the tank. The probe assembly can include liquid withdrawal and return tubes and a sensor tube for determining the level of liquid within the tank. Bores are formed in the mounting head in alignment with the liquid withdrawal, return, and sensor tubes. First retaining features at least partially surround the withdrawal/return bores. The hose connecting assembly includes hose connectors with bases that have second retaining features that cooperate with the first retaining features so that the hose connectors can be aligned with the bores and adjusted to different angular positions about the central axes of the bores during assembly.