Flexible Sensor Side-Fit Groove Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible sensors face difficulties in mounting on small measurement targets due to the need for precise fitting of a distal end portion into a cylindrical holding portion, which can be challenging, especially when the conducting path is small, such as a terminal of an electronic component.

Innovation Solution

A flexible sensor design featuring a sensor cable with a groove portion on the holding portion allows the distal end to be fitted from the side surface, enabling easier mounting by allowing the sensor cable to be passed around the measurement target and fitted into the groove without requiring both hands, improving workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tube is thinned to fit small conducting paths, then the sensor can be mounted on small targets, but the fitting work becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capability on small targetsVSAvoidfitting workability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the distal end through the periphery as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the fitting approach by having the distal end fit into the holding portion from the side surface. This reversal of the fitting direction eliminates the need for thinning the tube and enables easy mounting on small targets while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fitting dimension from radial insertion (through periphery) to lateral insertion (from side surface). By transitioning the fitting operation to a different spatial dimension, the design avoids the need to thin the tube while still achieving secure mounting on small conducting paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the tube is inserted through the periphery to fit in the holding portion, then the sensor can be mounted, but both hands are required reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting capabilityVSAvoidmounting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding portion with groove structure is designed to guide and secure the distal end automatically during lateral insertion. The groove portion acts as a self-guiding feature that aligns and holds the sensor cable without requiring complex manual manipulation, enabling single-handed operation and improving mounting efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11346864B2Flexible sensor and measuring apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 HIOKI DENKI KK

AI summary

A flexible sensor configured to detect a physical amount of a measurement target in a state surrounding the measurement target includes a sensor cable configured to detect the physical amount of the measurement target and a holding portion on which a base end portion of the sensor cable is mounted, the holding portion having a groove portion in which a distal end portion of the sensor cable is fitted from a side surface.