Contact Pin Segmentation for Sealing and Positioning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional containers with contact pins face issues of insecure sealing and positioning due to vibrations and complex manufacturing processes, particularly when using conductive plastic electrodes, which can lead to detachment and poor measurement signals.
Innovation Solution
A contact pin design with a fastening, positioning, and securing element, such as barbs or elastic elements, is integrated between the signal pickup end and the measuring electrode end, ensuring secure attachment to the container through hooking or clawing mechanisms, and a seal is used to enhance sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact pins are embedded in the container wall using conventional overmolding, then a seal is achieved at the opening, but the contact pins can move and detach due to container vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin is divided into functionally distinct segments: a sealing portion with sealing element for sealing the opening, a fastening portion with engagement elements for securing to the container wall, and a measurement portion for signal acquisition. This segmentation allows each segment to independently fulfill its specific function, preventing the trade-off between sealing and positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is nested within a retaining structure that is integrated into the container wall during injection molding. The fastening portion with engagement elements is nested within the wall thickness, allowing the contact pin to be securely embedded while maintaining sealing integrity. This nested arrangement ensures both sealing and positional stability simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If contact pins are inserted into the wall of an existing container with seal and overmolding, then positioning is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex with many steps
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the sealing function (via sealing element), the fastening function (via engagement elements), and the measurement function (via electrode) are all combined in one piece. This allows the contact pin to be manufactured and installed as a single unit during the container molding process, eliminating the need for separate insertion and sealing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact pin is pre-configured with integrated sealing and fastening features before insertion into the container wall. The engagement elements are pre-formed on the contact pin body, and the sealing element is pre-positioned, allowing for a single-step insertion and securing process during container manufacturing, rather than requiring multiple sequential operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conductive plastic electrodes are used with diffusion and fusion processes, then sealing can be dispensed with, but the manufacturing parameters are difficult to define and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated sealing element (such as an O-ring or elastomeric seal) is introduced as an intermediary component between the contact pin and the container wall opening. This sealing element mediates the sealing function, allowing conventional injection molding processes to be used without requiring complex diffusion or fusion processes for creating the seal, thereby simplifying manufacturing parameter control.
4Reliability
If the container material is kept cool during injection molding to prevent electrode melting, then a secure connection is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pin design uses a seal ring that is specifically engineered to be compressed and deformed during the injection molding process to create the seal. This seal ring is designed to undergo permanent deformation as part of its function, and the process parameters are optimized for this single-use sealing action, reducing constraints on the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The pin (1) has a main body (2) comprising a longitudinal axis and two ends (20, 30), where the ends are formed as a measuring electrode. An element is fastened between the ends. A securing part (221, 222) is positioned at a container. The element comprises a tooth or barb for attaching and/or positioning the securing part. The element is extended from a longitudinal axis of the main body. A holding member is provided between the element and one of the ends of the main body for fixing a sealing at the container. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a container comprising an aperture (2) a method for manufacturing a container.