Fluid-Electric Connection Device Housing for Valve Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid-electric connection devices for valve batteries face challenges in simplified handling and assembly, with a need for enhanced mechanical protection and integration of electrical coupling devices to prevent damage and facilitate easy replacement.
Innovation Solution
A housing surrounds the printed circuit board and contact means, providing mechanical protection and a constant interface, with a locking device for tool-free assembly and disassembly, and a protective collar for contact elements, allowing for compact integration and fluid-tight coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical coupling device is integrated directly into the connection plate without a housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electronic components become vulnerable to damage and unwanted contact during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
A housing is introduced as an intermediary element between the connection plate and the electrical coupling device. The housing serves as a protective enclosure that shields the printed circuit board and contact means from mechanical damage and unwanted contact during assembly operations, while still allowing electrical and mechanical coupling to function properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical coupling device is segmented into distinct components: the housing, the printed circuit board, and the contact means. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be protected within the housing while maintaining their functional independence and ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If the electrical coupling device is designed with a housing for protection, then the reliability improves, but the handling and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed to integrate multiple functions: mechanical protection of electronic components, structural support for the electrical coupling device, and a constant mechanical interface with the receiving shaft. By merging these functions into a single component, the overall number of parts is reduced and assembly is simplified.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it protects the electronic components, provides a constant mechanical interface regardless of internal design variations, and facilitates easy integration into the connection plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing provides a constant mechanical interface, then the adaptability to different internal designs is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with differentiated zones: the external interface portion maintains constant dimensions and geometry for consistent mechanical coupling with the receiving shaft, while the internal portion can be adapted to accommodate different electronic component layouts and configurations. This local differentiation allows interface consistency without sacrificing manufacturing flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has electrical contacts (36, 37) attached to mounting surfaces for coupling electrical coupling devices arranged adjacent along an alignment axis. A socket (28) and a plug (44) are provided electrical contacts with an electrical and/or fluidic attachment module attached to a connection plate. A conductor plate (35) and the electrical contacts are partially surrounded by a housing. The housing is formed for a mechanical connection between the coupling devices and a receiving shaft. The electrical coupling devices are held in the receiving shaft.