Gas sensor module with field replaceable, ingress protected, sensor filter

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2018085696-A1
Application number	US-201715449359-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Mar 3, 2017
Priority date	Sep 29, 2016
Publication date	Mar 29, 2018
Grant date	—

Abstract

A gas detection device includes a gas sensor module, configured to detect a gas, and a filter assembly. The gas sensor module includes a gas sensor disposed within a gas sensor housing and circuitry coupled to the gas sensor housing. The circuitry is configured to provide an indication of the gas. The filter assembly is configured to couple to the gas sensor housing and protect the gas sensor from particulates.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A gas detection device comprising:
a gas sensor module configured to detect a gas, comprising;
a gas sensor disposed within a gas sensor housing;
circuitry coupled to the gas sensor housing, the circuitry being configured to provide an indication of the gas; and
a filter assembly configured to sealingly couple to the gas sensor housing via a straight line insertion operation and protect the gas sensor from particulates.

2 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly comprises an alignment mechanism configured to align with a corresponding alignment portion on the gas sensor housing.

3 . The gas detection device of claim 2 , wherein the alignment mechanism is a groove on the filter assembly configured to receive the corresponding alignment portion on the gas sensor housing.

4 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly is configured to be tool-lessly coupled to the gas sensor housing.

5 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the gas detection device is intrinsically-safe.

6 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly further comprises a gasket and a filter element configured to create a compression seal upon coupling the filter assembly to the gas sensor housing and allow for an exclusive passage of the gas.

7 . The gas detection device of claim 6 , wherein the filter element is hydrophobic.

8 . The gas detection device of claim 6 , wherein the compression seal is an ingress-protection rated seal.

9 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the filter assembly further comprises at least one latching feature configured to couple to the gas sensor housing.

10 . The gas detection device of claim 1 , wherein the gas sensor has a type, and wherein the filter assembly has an alignment mechanism that corresponds to the gas sensor type.

11 . A gas detection device comprising:
a gas sensor housing; a gas sensor disposed within the sensor housing; a filter assembly configured to releasably couple to gas sensor housing; and wherein the filter assembly is tool-lessly coupled to the gas sensor housing.

12 . The gas detection device of claim 11 , wherein the filter assembly includes a plurality of latching features that are configured to engage the sensor housing.

13 . The gas detection device of claim 12 , wherein the filter assembly is removable from the gas sensor housing by hand.

14 . The gas detection device of claim 11 , wherein the filter assembly includes an alignment mechanism configured to cooperate with a corresponding alignment portion of the gas sensor housing such that the filter assembly may only be coupled to the sensor housing in a single rotational configuration.

15 . The gas detection device of claim 11 , wherein the filter assembly is coupled to the sensor housing in a straight line insertion operation.

16 . The gas detection device of claim 11 , wherein the filter assembly comprises a filter element permeable to gas.

17 . The gas detection device of claim 16 , wherein the filter element is hydrophobic.

18 . The gas detection device of claim 11 , wherein the filter assembly further comprises a gasket configured to be compressed upon coupling the filter assembly to the gas sensor housing.

19 . A method of installing a filter assembly, the method comprising:
aligning an alignment mechanism of the filter assembly with a corresponding alignment portion of a gas sensor module; determining that the alignment mechanism of the filter assembly is aligned with the corresponding alignment portion on the gas sensor housing; applying an insertion force to the filter assembly such that a latch of the filter assembly engages a receiving portion on the gas sensor housing; and wherein applying the insertion force couples the filter assembly to the gas sensor housing without using any tools.

20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein determining comprises detecting a visual indication.

21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the visual indication is a pattern that forms when the alignment mechanism is aligned with the corresponding alignment portion of the housing device.

22 . The method of claim 19 , wherein determining comprises detecting a rotational stop.

Assignees

• Rosemount Inc

Inventors

• Morris Mark B
• Gindele Greg E
• Chhuoy Hun

Classifications

• G01N33/0027

  concerning the detector · CPC title

• G01N33/0011 Primary

  Sample conditioning (preparing specimens for investigation G01N1/28) · CPC title

• B01D2265/028

  Snap, latch or clip connecting means · CPC title

• B01D46/0005 Primary

  Mounting of filtering elements within casings, housings or frames (B01D46/2422 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B01D2271/02

  Gaskets, sealings · CPC title