Flow Sensor Connector Coplanar Adjusting Terminal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measuring devices face issues with water ingress into the electronic circuit due to the placement of the adjusting terminal, leading to potential electrical defects, especially when the device is oriented with the opening facing upwards and the bottom facing downwards.
Innovation Solution
The flow measuring device incorporates a connector housing with a projection portion from the bottom face towards the opening, holding the adjusting terminal in a way that its exposed part is on a higher surface than the bottom face, preventing water contact and eliminating the need for post-adjustment sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the adjusting terminal is provided in a hole recessed from the bottom face of the connector housing, then the adjusting terminal is not in contact with outside air during fitting, but water accumulates in the hole and enters toward the electronic circuit causing electrical defects
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting terminal is repositioned from a recessed location (below bottom face level) to a coplanar location (at the same level as the bottom face). This dimensional change allows the terminal to be exposed to outside air during fitting while preventing water accumulation, as water naturally flows downward and does not accumulate at the same level as the bottom face.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting terminal is positioned to be coplanar with the bottom face from the design stage, creating a surface that is naturally resistant to water accumulation. This preliminary positioning ensures that during the fitting process, water does not accumulate in the area where the adjusting terminal is located, thereby preventing water ingress into the electronic circuit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjusting terminal is exposed from the bottom face of the connector housing, then water does not accumulate, but the exposed part needs to be sealed after adjustment to prevent contact with outside air
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting terminal is positioned coplanar with the bottom face rather than recessed below it. This dimensional adjustment creates a surface-level exposure that prevents water accumulation while eliminating the need for additional sealing mechanisms, as the coplanar position naturally prevents water from pooling around the terminal.
3Device complexity
If the adjusting terminal is recessed in the connector housing, then sealing after adjustment is not needed, but water enters from the interface between connector housing and adjusting terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting terminal is repositioned from a recessed location to a coplanar location with the bottom face. This dimensional change eliminates the interface between the connector housing and the adjusting terminal that previously allowed water entry, while also maintaining the no-sealing-needed advantage.
4Ease of operation
If the connector housing is oriented with opening facing upward, then assembly is convenient, but water accumulates in the bottom face area and enters the electronic circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting terminal is repositioned to be coplanar with the bottom face, creating a surface-level position that prevents water accumulation regardless of the connector's orientation. When the opening faces upward, water naturally flows toward the opening and does not accumulate at the coplanar level where the adjusting terminal is located.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow measuring device includes a flow rate sensor, an electronic circuit, a connector, and an adjusting terminal. The sensor outputs a detection signal in accordance with a flow rate. The circuit is electrically connected to the sensor to control input into and output from the sensor. The connector includes a connecting terminal and a connector housing. The connecting terminal electrically connects together the circuit and an external device. The housing is formed in a cylindrical shape having a bottom and an opening to hold the connecting terminal. The housing includes a projection portion that projects from a bottom face of the bottom toward the opening. The adjusting terminal is electrically connected to the circuit to adjust the circuit. The adjusting terminal is held by the housing and includes an exposed part exposed from the housing. The exposed part is exposed from a surface of the projection portion on an opening-side.