Closure Element Integrating Electrical Sensor for Bore Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure elements for bores in engines lack the ability to integrate electrical components for measurement, data transmission, and analysis without compromising assembly or sealing reliability, especially when the plug needs to be pressed open from the outside, which is not feasible during motor drilling.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electrical element, such as a sensor or transducer, into the expanding body of the closure element, which is pressed into a sleeve-shaped base body, allowing for signal transmission and reception while maintaining a permanent seal and mechanical integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part seal with an inner step is used to accommodate electronic components, then the sensor can be housed within the plug, but the plug must be pressed apart outside the bore which is not feasible during motor drilling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate electronic componentsVSAvoidability to press open plug from outside
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical element is nested within the expanding body of the closure element. The expanding body is pressed into the sleeve-shaped base body, creating a nested structure where the electrical element is housed within the closure element itself, eliminating the need for separate housing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sealing, fastening, and housing for electrical elements. The expanding body serves both as a mechanical fastening component and as a protective housing for the electrical element, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical elements are integrated into the closure element, then measurement and data transmission functions are added, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement and data transmission capabilityVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical element is merged with the closure element by integrating it into the expanding body. The housing of the electrical element is formed as part of the expanding body structure, combining the sealing, fastening, and electrical component housing functions into a single integrated assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sensor installation techniques (screwed or plugged in) are used, then sensors can be installed, but the fit is not permanently tight and reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installation capabilityVSAvoidpermanent tight fit and protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical element is merged with the closure element through the integrating it into the expanding body structure. The expanding body, when pressed into the base body, creates a permanently tight fit that securely holds the electrical element, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2809981B1Element, preferably a closure element for inserting into a bore in a component
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 SFC KOENIG AG
  • EP2809981B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2809981B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2809981B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An element is provided in particular as a closure element or fastening element for inserting into a bore (12) in a component (11), such as into a bore in an engine, a valve block, a hydraulic unit or a container. At least one electric element (20) which is arranged in the element (10) or on the element (70) is provided, wherein each electric element (20) transmits and/or receives electric signals. In the fitted state, the electric element (20) is advantageously positioned in such a manner that said electric element is adjacent to the chamber (12') formed in the bore (12) and is therefore in contact, for measuring purposes or the like, with the medium contained in the bore (12). In addition to the actual sealing and/or fastening function, said element can therefore be used to undertake one or more measurements, etc.