Acoustic Sensor Holder Using Threaded Stud and Acorn Nut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for securing acoustic sensors are not robust enough, leading to instability and potential loss of signal transmission due to inadequate mounting systems.

Innovation Solution

A special threaded stud and acorn nut combination that sandwiches the acoustic sensor between them, providing a robust mounting system by creating a pocket in the stud and a hole in the acorn nut for signal wire clearance, ensuring solid mechanical contact and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional mounting method with wires soldered to a post and bread board is used, then the sensor can be attached, but the mounting is not robust and leads to instability and potential signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mounting bracket structure. The bracket simultaneously provides mechanical support, signal wire routing through an integrated bread board section, and electrical connection points, eliminating the need for separate posts and bread boards. This unified structure significantly improves mounting stability while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed as a segmented structure with distinct functional zones: a main body for mechanical support, an integrated bread board section for wire routing, and terminal areas for electrical connections. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the sensor is securely sandwiched between the stud and acorn nut, then mechanical stability is improved, but the structure requires precise modifications to accommodate signal wires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting stabilityVSAvoidmounting structure fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with pre-formed channels and routed pathways for signal wires that are built into the structure during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of wire paths eliminates the need for post-installation modifications or complex routing adjustments, making both the manufacturing process and field installation simpler while maintaining secure sensor attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides a stable and secure attachment of acoustic sensors, effectively transmitting vibrations and maintaining signal integrity, enhancing the robustness of sensor placement in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic sensor for use as part of a drill string in a borehole has an acoustic transducer which vibrates the drill bit in contact with the rock at the end of the borehole to generate acoustic signals in the rock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

hold an acoustic sensor robustly in place by sandwiching the acoustic sensor between the stud and the acorn nut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9971032B1Acoustic sensor holder and apparatus using same
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SYSTEMS USA INC
  • US9971032B1 patent drawing
  • US9971032B1 patent drawing
  • US9971032B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic apparatus includes a threaded stud having an end and a hole in the end, an acorn nut having a hole therein, and an acoustic sensor received in the hole of the stud and secured to the stud and acorn nut when the acorn nut is screwed onto the stud, thereby sandwiching the acoustic sensor between the stud and the acorn nut. This apparatus can be included in an acoustic sensor assembly, such as an acoustic monitor field unit or a remote acoustic sensor assembly.