Angled Sensor Cable Coupling for Process Automation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor-cable arrangements in process automation are rigid and axial, leading to instability and accessibility issues, particularly in laboratory setups, where the weight of the sensor-cable combination can cause the beaker to tip over, necessitating additional supports that complicate disconnection and access to couplings.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-cable combination with a detachable connection via a snap or plug-in mechanism, where the second mechanical coupling is arranged at an angle less than 180° to the cable housing, allowing for flexible positioning and reduced tilting moment, with optional joints providing additional mobility and ease of access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor and cable are arranged in an axial configuration, then the connection is mechanically stable and easy to manufacture, but the setup becomes rigid and requires additional supports that complicate disconnection and reduce accessibility to couplings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional axial arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning the cable coupling laterally offset from the sensor axis. This dimensional change allows the couplings to be accessible from the side while maintaining stable connection, eliminating the need for additional vertical supports and improving operator accessibility without compromising mechanical stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor-cable arrangement is rigid and axial, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the setup becomes unstable in laboratory environments where the weight causes beakers to tip over
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the cable coupling laterally offset from the sensor axis rather than in line with it, the patent creates a configuration where the cable exits at an angle. This dimensional repositioning reduces the lever arm effect and tilting moment caused by the sensor weight, preventing beakers from tipping over while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard offset positioning techniques.
3Reliability
If additional supports are added to prevent beaker tipping, then the setup stability improves, but the device complexity increases and disconnection becomes harder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional support structures by redesigning the fundamental geometry of the sensor-cable connection. By positioning the cable coupling laterally offset from the sensor axis, the design inherently reduces the tilting moment without requiring external supports, thereby maintaining setup stability while reducing device complexity and improving accessibility to couplings.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanical couplings are positioned axially, then the interfaces align easily for bidirectional communication, but the couplings become hard to access and disconnect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the cable coupling laterally offset from the sensor axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement where the electrical interfaces remain aligned for bidirectional communication while the physical coupling location is shifted to an accessible lateral position. This allows operators to easily access and disconnect couplings from the side while maintaining proper interface alignment through flexible cable routing and angled connection geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement and cable for use in process automation, including a sensor having at least one sensor element for recording a value in process automation, a first interface for transmitting a measured value depending on the measured value to a second interface, the first interface including a first mechanical, and a cable for transmitting the value to a superordinate unit, the cable including said second interface, which is complementary to the first interface, and a second mechanical coupling complementary to the first mechanical coupling, wherein the second interface and mechanical coupling are arranged in a cable housing, wherein the sensor is detachably connectible to the cable by the first mechanical coupling and the second mechanical coupling, characterized in that the second mechanical coupling is arranged at an angle less than 180° to the longitudinal axis of the cable housing.