Universal Process Connection for Measuring Assemblies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring arrangements for process measurement technology cannot completely expose the measuring device to different process media due to non-resistant components, requiring multiple materials and connections, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A measuring arrangement with a process connection featuring a clamped measuring cell housing between a flange and union nut, utilizing a circumferential web and sealing grooves for universal assembly concepts, allowing the same components to be used across various installation situations, and protecting components from aggressive media with a protective tube.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different process connections and materials are used for each measuring device depending on installation situation, then the measuring device can be adapted to different process media, but the costs and complexity increase due to needing multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different process mediaVSAvoidnumber of different components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal process connection system where a single measuring device with standardized threaded connection can be used in multiple installation situations. The system provides two assembly concepts (flange with clamp or direct insertion) that both use the same measuring device and process connection components, eliminating the need for different components for different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable protective tubes with varying lengths that can be selected based on the specific installation requirements and process media characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the same measuring device to be protected appropriately for different chemical environments without requiring different device designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the measuring device is completely exposed to the process medium, then measurement accuracy improves, but the non-chemically resistant components (sensor housing, connection cable) are damaged by aggressive media

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidchemical resistance of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective tube as an intermediary element between the process medium and the measuring device components. This protective tube acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between aggressive media and non-chemically resistant components (sensor housing, connection cable), while still allowing the measuring device to function accurately in the measurement task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the system into protected and unprotected zones. The protective tube creates a distinct boundary that separates the measuring device components from the aggressive process medium, allowing the measurement function to operate in a protected environment while maintaining contact with the process medium for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple process connections and materials are maintained for different measuring devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific application, but inventory costs and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidinventory of different components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a universal process connection standard that allows a single type of measuring device to be used across multiple applications. By standardizing the threaded connection and providing adjustable protective tubes, the system eliminates the need to maintain separate inventories of different process connections and materials for different measuring devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows optimization for different applications through parameter changes rather than different components. The protective tube length can be varied to suit different installation requirements, and the same measuring device can be adapted to different process media by changing the protective tube configuration rather than changing the entire device or its components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2574895B1Measuring assembly for process measurement technology with a universal process connection
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP2574895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2574895B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2574895B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The system has a sensor housing (5) which is connected to process connection (4) of measuring device (3). A measuring cell housing (6) includes a bounding ring with circumferential surfaces. A web portion (8) divides the circumferential surfaces into two sections less than nut opening. A tubular flange (13) includes tube ends with an opening. An outside flange thread (14) threadably engages inside thread (12a) of union nut (12), and secures web portion between flange portion and nut opening in two directions, such that system adapts to two process connections with container.