Fluid Connector Sensor Housing for Compact Sealed Modularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors for vehicles lack compactness, robustness, and modularity, especially when integrated with pressure sensors, which increases bulk and reduces modularity.
Innovation Solution
A compact, robust, and modular fluid connector design featuring a cylindrical body with an assembly interface that includes an orifice, receiving areas, and attachment regions, along with a pressure sensor connected via a connecting cylinder and gaskets, and a cover with side wings for secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chamber is added to house the pressure sensor on the external cylindrical wall, then the pressure sensor can be integrated, but the bulk of the fluid connector significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is nested within the existing body structure by forming a recess in the cylindrical wall that houses the sensor. The sensor chamber is integrated into the body volume rather than adding external protrusions, allowing the sensor to be contained within the connector's footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding the sensor chamber externally along the cylindrical axis, the solution utilizes the radial dimension by forming a recess into the wall thickness. This allows the sensor to be housed within the existing external dimensions, maintaining compactness while integrating the sensing function.
2Ease of manufacture
If the electrical connector is overmolded with the duct, then assembly is simplified, but modularity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct modular segments: the body with integrated sensor chamber, the electrical connector portion, and the duct. These segments can be manufactured separately and assembled through controlled bonding at specific interfaces, maintaining both manufacturing efficiency and modularity for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The body structure is designed with a universal sensor-integrated platform that can accommodate different sensor types and configurations. The modular architecture allows the same body design to be adapted for various duct configurations and electrical connection requirements, enhancing versatility while maintaining simplified assembly through standardized interfaces.
3Reliability
If partitions are raised above the outer wall to form the sensor chamber, then the sensor can be housed, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor chamber is formed as a recess nested within the cylindrical wall thickness rather than as an external protrusion. This allows the sensor to be housed within the existing external dimensions of the connector, maintaining a compact cylindrical shape without raised partitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical wall is designed with sufficient thickness to accommodate the sensor chamber recess while maintaining structural integrity. The wall acts as both the external shell and the housing for the sensor, eliminating the need for additional external structures and preserving the compact cylindrical form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector comprises a body, an assembly interface arranged on and in the body, a pressure sensor, a cover, and a resilient element positioned between the cover and one face of the pressure sensor. The body has two fluid connection end pieces and an internal duct. The assembly interface comprises an orifice placing the internal duct in communication with the outside of the body, a first receiving area extending around the orifice, a second receiving area extending around the first receiving area, and attachment regions. The pressure sensor is in contact with the first receiving area via a first gasket. The cover is positioned on the pressure sensor and is in contact with the second receiving area via a second gasket to isolate the pressure sensor from the outside environment. The cover comprises side wings configured to cooperate with the attachment regions.